Applications include blind-hole and through-hole threads in steel and hardened steel from 44 to 65 HRC (ISO P and H material groups). The tool is designed for producing thread depths of 2xDN and 2.5xDN. The tool is suitable for machining a range of metric thread sizes from M2 to M20.

The DC160 from Walter is the next generation of drilling • High productivity in many different materials • Can be used universally in an extremely wide range of applications • Lands positioned very far forward to ensure fast guidance in the hole • Remarkable positioning accuracy thanks to the innovative new thinner web

We believe the Right Tool Is Everything™, and we strive to share our experience and expertise in an effort to ensure you select the right tool for your application, follow best practices, and can push your productivity further.

Cobalt drill bits are best suited for use on hard to machine metals, including hardened or stainless steel. Cobalt is blended in with High Speed Steel to make the drill bits harder and more wear resistant. As each cobalt drill bit consists of High Speed Steel with a small percentage of cobalt, the higher the percentage of cobalt, the more heat-resistant and durable the drill bit is.

A good quality High Speed Steel (HSS) drill bit is suitable for use on mild steels, but if you need to get a lot of use from them, go with M35 cobalt drills, or even the aforementioned M42 cobalt drills.

Check out our latest video, and learn how to select the right drill bit to use for the job. Take the guesswork out of drilling holes in metal, as Kurt Repsher walks you through our recommendations for drilling hardened or stainless steels, mild or carbon steels, and aluminum. Subscribe to our channel to see more exclusive how to videos and tips from the pros.

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Try to avoid the cheapest drill bits, or you could likely end up spending more in the long run. Always use cutting oil or coolant for any drilling operation.

Need additional assistance selecting the right drill bit for your workpiece material or application? Contact our tech team!

Topics: Aluminum, Video, Metalworking and Machining, Holemaking, Drilling, Rushmore USA, TTC, Viking, Precision Twist Drill, Carbon Steel, Stainless Steel

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Walter has introduced the TC685 Supreme orbital drill/thread milling cutter, which produces the core hole, the chamfer, and thread in one operation.

The cutter is a left-hand cutting tool that features a 15-degree helix angle. Cooling with compressed air makes it possible to achieve maximum tool life in materials harder than 50 HRC. Additionally, internal coolant delivery is available for tools that create the M6 size through the larger thread sizes. The tool shank is in accordance with the DIN 6535 HA standard.

The cutter’s face milling geometry is designed for core hole creation and chamfering. After chamfering to start a hole in the workpiece material, the tool creates the core hole and thread using helical interpolation.

Keep up to date with the latest news, events, and technology for all things metal from our pair of monthly magazines written specifically for Canadian manufacturers!

Aluminum is very easy to machine, but it’s abrasive, so cutting tools will tend to wear quickly. The best drill bits for aluminum are solid carbide because solid carbide is very hard and stays sharp much longer than other materials, providing extended tool life. If you’re only poking a few holes, high speed steel (HSS) is fine. Using a cobalt drill bit isn’t worth the extra cost because on aluminum, its performance level is about the same as that of high speed steel. Skip the coatings on these drills —there’s no need to increase the already high cost. Especially avoid any coating with “Al” in the ingredients (AlTiN, TiAlN, etc.). A drill bit with a  bright finish is ideal.

Stainless steel can actually ‘work harden’ as it heats up—so keep your cool, take your time, and make sure the tool and work area stay well lubricated.

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When drilling hardened or stainless steel, select a drill point of at least 135° or higher. This spreads the workload out over a larger cutting surface. Since hardened steel and stainless steel are both quite difficult to drill into, using a drill press or a milling machine should provide the best results.

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