I’ve Been Using This Baratza Burr Coffee Grinder Since College, and It

Also in Booth 431522 is CTMS North America, Charlotte, N.C., a member of the IMC Group. It’s there that you’ll see the Matrix line of smart tool cabinets, tool management software, and a variety of other Industry 4.0 manufacturing solutions. If your shop is one of those that experience periodic stockouts, tool hoarding, unexpected machine tool downtime, or wonders where that last order of carbide end mills got off to, take a hard look at some of the Commodity and Tool Management Services’ many ways to get your tool crib in better working order.

If there’d been an actual IMTS 2020 instead of a virtual one, you almost certainly would have visited BIG Kaiser Precision Tooling Inc. at Booth 431610 in the West Building, Level 3. There you would have seen that year’s extensive product lineup, including the Unilock Stabilizer 50 and quick-change Uniflex Ball Systems, an ATC-capable line of Chip Blowers, and what was then a brand new product, the EWA fully automatic, intelligent fine boring tool. Visitors to this year’s show will see those same products and many others but will also notice a new company name: As of Jan. 1, BIG Kaiser is now BIG Daishowa Inc. of Hoffman Estates, Ill.

The 3-flat shank prevented bit slippage in the chuck and eliminated most snags in the drill work when excessive pressure was applied. The heavy-duty plastic carry case was easy to use and light enough to tote in a tool bag. Overall, it’s a nice all-purpose choice for everyday use with stainless steel and most other metals.

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Folks who want to be ready for tough steel drilling projects that might come up should consider these cobalt bits from Bosch. The kit includes 14 bits ranging in size from 0.0625 inch to 0.5 inch. They are made of M42 cobalt alloy steel, which is one of the best bit materials for drilling hard metals like stainless steel, cast iron, or titanium. The bits feature easy-to-sharpen split points and 3-flat shanks for easy, secure chucking into the drill. They also feature thicker threading than other twist bits, which helps them remove material more efficiently in less time.

We certainly appreciated that the Irwin cobalt drill bit set had the best selection of bit sizes, in tight increments of 0.015625 inch from one size to the next. It would make a great choice for anyone who requires a high degree of precision in terms of hole sizes. However, in testing we saw that the straight shanks required a little extra care when chucking to ensure a secure fit without slipping. The straight shanks also made the bit a smidge more likely to get stuck if we applied too much pressure.

“We are extremely excited about acquiring Tecnomagnete and offering even more specialized workholding capabilities to help customers with their diverse manufacturing needs,” said Larry Robbins, president of SMW Autoblok’s Commercial Division. “Their technologies are a perfect complement to our growing product offering, and we look forward to what the future holds.”

In testing, the Bosch M42 drill bits made drilling a pleasure thanks to their unique combination of design features. The M42 alloy itself allowed the bits to hold their sharp edge longer than others we tested, which meant more holes with less work stoppage to resharpen. The split-point design was easy to sharpen when needed and only required two or three additional passes on the grinder compared to M35 bits from other sets. The 3-flat shank was fast and easy to chuck securely, and we never had to worry about the bit slipping or becoming stuck in the work surface.

A prime example is Haimer USA LLC. Although the Villa Park, Ill.-based company’s location at IMTS is the same as in previous years (Booth 431510), its focus has shifted to the Industry 4.0 revolution. Visitors will see Haimer’s newest shrink-fit offering, the i4.0 machine series, said to be adjustable for all types of tool holders and suitable for solid carbide and HSS tools. The Nano NG i4.0, Comfort i4.0, and Premium i4.0 shrink machines are just a few examples, and like all of the machines in this lineup, are equipped with wireless communication capabilities, a 7” [177.8 mm] touch screen, and intuitive software for greater ease of use, as well as options for a hand-scanner that automatically sets the correct shrinking parameters, length presetting, and the auxiliary Intelligent New Generation coil.

Titanium nitride (TiN) protects high-speed drill bits. Distinctive for their golden color, TiN-coated drill bits are ideal for high-speed drills. The coating provides the ancillary benefit of being ultradurable, making them an excellent value for consumers who intend high-frequency use.

Those with lingering inquiries about drill bits for stainless steel may find the info they need in the answers to these frequently asked questions. It should help folks use and maintain the best drill bits for particular projects.

This set of M42 cobalt drill bits from Drill America includes 29 pieces from 0.0625 inch to 0.5 inch in 0.015625-inch increments. The bits are finished with gold oxide, which acts as a built-in lubricant to minimize heat, making this one of the best choices for a long working life when drilling tough metals. Each bit is made of high-grade M42 cobalt alloy steel and features a split point and straight shaft.

The added cobalt content makes these drill bits harder and more resistant to heat buildup than a typical HSS bit, giving them much greater durability. Also, unlike carbide tips or titanium coatings, cobalt drill bits can be resharpened when the tip becomes worn. These bits offer precision to users who drill stainless steel and other hard materials.

SMW Autoblok Corp. of Wheeling, Ill., has been busy since IMTS 2020. The company broke ground on an 11,000-sq.-ft. [1,022-sq-m] facility in Meckenbeuren, Germany, to house its new division—SMW-Electronics—that will focus on developing sensors, clamping systems, and software to help automate and digitize manufacturing processes.

This 29-piece professional-grade drill bit set from Irwin Tools covers an abundance of applications. The bit circumference spans 0.0625 inches to 0.5 inches by increments of 0.0156 inches. The bits themselves are heat- and abrasion-resistant, thanks to their industrial-grade high-speed steel cobalt-alloy construction. To aid penetration, these bits feature 135-degree split-tip points. Besides making these bits suitable for ultrahard materials like steel, the quality construction materials ensure longevity.

As one of the leading cutting tool and tooling providers in the U.S., Arlington, Texas-based Iscar Metals Inc. needs no introduction. The company offers a huge selection of indexable cutting tools, toolholding, and other milling and turning products, and whether you use their products or not, it’s a good bet you’ve at least heard of them. And for anyone trying to reduce tool costs and increase utilization, Iscar is offering a group of new products designed with modularity and versatility in mind.

The 3-flat shanks of these bits eliminate slippage in the drill chuck. The combination of secure chucking, easy starting, and smooth operation make these bits an excellent choice for use in cordless drills at low speed for hard stainless steel or higher speed for mild steel. The kit includes Milwaukee’s #1, #4, and #9 step bits. The #1 drills from 0.125-inch to 0.5-inch holes in steps of 0.03125 inch. The #4 bit makes holes 0.1875 inch to 0.875 inch in 0.0625-inch steps. The #9 bit drills 0.875-inch to 1.125-inch holes in 0.0625-inch steps.

Also at the West Building, Level 3 is Kyocera SGS Precision Tools Inc. of Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio. Booth 431546 will display a wide array of cutting tools, among them the company’s Series 77 H-Carb seven-flute high-efficiency end mill, designed for deep axial cuts during trochoidal and high-speed machining applications, and the Z-Carb HPR five-flute roughing end mills for high metal removal rates and surface finishes of 80 RMS or better on most materials. Kyocera SGS has also introduced two styles of barrel cutter—the MultiCarb series for steels and high-temp alloys and the S-Carb APF-B series for non-ferrous materials. Both use the more common taper form and reportedly deliver 90 percent or greater cycle time reductions compared to ball nose end mills in certain applications.

The DeWalt 14-piece Industrial Cobalt Alloy drill bit set is built for working on hard stainless steel, with features to prevent bit breakage, shank slippage, and travel on the work surface. The set includes 14 bits made of durable M35 cobalt alloy steel. It includes the most popular bit sizes from 0.0625 inch to 0.375 inch. Pilot points make it easy to start drilling precisely where the hole needs to be, while the 3-flat shank design prevents slipping in the drill chuck.

We found the 135-degree split tip to be very easy to sharpen. Also, the steel carry case proved durable and well organized with easy-to-read size indexing, although it weighed more than the heavy-duty plastic cases used by competitors. It’s probably best to keep this set in the shop and use a smaller set for traveling work.

Infusing drill bits with cobalt is another way that manufacturers achieve ultrahard drill bits. High-speed steel, also known as HSS, is the most common drill bit for metal drilling. Cobalt drill bits are an extension of HSS bits. They are made with a special steel alloy that includes 5 percent to 8 percent cobalt.

Like CNC machinery, tooling continues to improve every year. Cutting tools last longer and run faster, toolholders and vises gain a firmer, more accurate grip, pallet systems continue to reduce downtime. At the same time, though, these and other mainstays of the machine shop world are doing something even more important: they’re getting smarter. Whether it’s Bluetooth-ready tools for milling and deep boring or electrically activated four-jaw lathe chucks, there’s no shortage of IIoT-capable tooling and workholding systems to help get a shop started down the Industry 4.0 path.

Available in several grades, each with at least 10.5 percent chromium, stainless steel is popular because of its low maintenance, high sheen, and resistance to stains and rust. DIYers and trade professionals often need to drill stainless steel to complete a variety of electrical, plumbing, and automotive projects. Whether you’re expanding the size of a junction box punch-out or boring out a broken bolt, having the right drill bit matters. Drill bits built to work on softer material, like wood, won’t do the trick against stainless steel. Luckily, manufacturers design special drill bits capable of puncturing even the hardest grade of stainless steel.

If converting fractions of an inch to the metric system seems like no fun, this 19-piece drill bit set can help. Not only are these Stroton bits metrically sized in increments of 0.5 millimeters, from 1 millimeter to 10 millimeters, they also feature a unique three-stepped pilot-point design that penetrates stainless steel without traveling across the flat surface. The bits are constructed of tough M42 cobalt alloy steel for improved durability.

We also keyed in on bits with 135-degree points as the recommended angle for efficient drilling into hard metal at the required lower speed and higher pressure. Other variables, such as split or pilot point, flat or 3-flat shank, or various coatings held lower priority. Lastly, we factored in top brand names, which often equate to greater consistency and availability.

CNC lathes, machining centers, and EDM can be nothing but expensive hunks of iron and electronics without tooling. Here’s a rundown of some of the cutting tools, toolholders, chucks, vises, and pallet systems—showcased at the IMTS Tooling and Workholding pavilion—needed to make them run efficiently and profitably.

Though drill bits for stainless steel pull heavier duty, they are also made of more durable materials. Regularly maintained and properly stored, these kinds of drill bits may last a lifetime.

Dovetail-style vises are a great way to grip parts for five-axis machining except for one thing: Preparing the blanks is a hassle. TCI Precision Metals of Gardena, Calif., will tell you there’s an easier way. Since 1956 the company has offered various value-added services, including precision sawing and waterjet cutting, CNC roughing, flattening and straightening, and, yes, cutting those pesky dovetails in steel, stainless, aluminum, superalloys, and “anything but magnesium.” The majority of these are duplex-milled to +/- 0.002” [.051 mm] tolerance, often accurate enough to avoid further machining. Stop by Booth 432123 and ask them to explain why “machine ready is Lean ready.”

While the Stroton M42 cobalt bits feature round shanks, which can allow slippage in the chuck, we did not experience any slippage during tests, possibly thanks to the unusual low-profile stepped split-point design. Unlike the more pronounced pilot points on other bits we tested, the low-profile Stroton tips featured a three-step tip that seemed to penetrate faster and smoother than other designs, with or without a center punch starting point.

In addition to ultrahard materials and protective coatings, drill bit users who seek longevity should ensure the bit can be sharpened. While drill bits infused with carbide or cobalt keep their edge longer than a standard bit, investing in a set for life often means resharpening the dull drill bits over time.

Carbide is one such material found in drill bits for stainless steel. Titanium and tungsten carbide are nearly as hard as diamond, making them ideal for penetrating steel. These carbide-infused drill bits are one strong option when drilling straight into stainless steel.

In our stainless steel drilling tests, these Milwaukee bits surprised us with noticeably faster, more precise penetration into the steel. The elevated pilot point, which is visibly shorter and narrower than others tested, seemed to offer the best balance of accurate placement and rapid material removal. We also noted that the center point did not get in the way of sharpening like some of the other pilot-point bits. Plus, Milwaukee’s hard plastic carry case was our favorite of the entire test group. It held the bits more securely, offered easy-to-read size indexing, and was easy to open and close securely. If the bit size assortment were more comprehensive, this set could have been our Best Overall pick.

SMW Autoblok also acquired Tecnomagnete, which is said to be the world’s leading manufacturer of permanent electromagnetic clamping and lifting systems, along with several new product lines. These include quick-change expanding mandrels and special chucks from SMW Autoblok Tobler, various wireless technologies including mechanical and intelligent workholding for workpiece clamping, and a full line of electro-magnetic chucking systems for four- and five-axis machining and turning applications—all of which will be on display at Booth 431700.

“For milling applications, Iscar has introduced a line of mini-indexable milling heads to go along with its long standing Multi-Master system,” said chief technical officer Tom Raun. “For parting, grooving, and turning on Swiss-style CNC lathes, there are several new designs including the Neoswiss line of quick-change, interchangeable, heads and the Swissgrip line, available in parting and grooving down to 0.024” [.061 mm] wide. Lastly, Iscar has bolstered its popular Sumocham drilling line with heads and bodies just 0.157” [3.99 mm] in diameter, along with new, modular, drill bodies for use with the Multi-Master and Flexfit tooling systems.”

Not all drill bits achieve results in the same way. To identify the best drill bits for stainless steel, learning about characteristics like material, coating, frequency of use, and drill bit number are critical. Read on to learn the factors to consider as you search for the best drill bits for your projects that involve stainless steel.

Over the course of 2 days, we spent about 12 hours shop testing the drill bits we selected. After unpacking and noting the physical characteristics of each bit set and the cases they came in, we started drilling. From each set, we tested four different bits, first in a drill press for precision and accuracy, then in a cordless drill to gauge comfort and smooth operation.

A rubber-reinforced carrying case protects the drill bits from accidental drops and makes organization and transportation a snap. These drill bits work well on stainless steel and last a long time.

We really liked the effectiveness of the pilot-point design. Instead of using a punch to mark the starting point and reduce bit travel, the pilot point allowed us to start drilling directly into the flat surface. However, due to its multitiered structure, we noted that the pilot point complicates the process of sharpening the bit. We worked through it slowly and with extra caution, we achieved satisfactory results.

These tips got into the material quickly and smoothly transitioned out to the full diameter of the bit. The edges held up remarkably well compared to M35 bits, but the tip design called for greater care when it finally came time to sharpen. We had to work slowly using extra caution to maintain the multitier tip profile.Though the thin plastic case is nothing to brag about, the size indexing was easy to read.

Titanium carbonitride (TiCN) is likely the most durable metal coating available. TiCN bits are blue-gray. Their coating makes them incredibly resistant to wear and capable of enduring high-speed and high-frequency use.

Many manufacturers complement construction materials like drill bits with metal coatings. These coatings promote penetration and protection of the drill bit. Black oxide coatings reduce friction and heat—a significant consideration when drilling metals. Black oxide also protects against corrosion and water, keeping the drill bits functional for a longer period.

Drill bit numbers are related to wire gauge size. The larger the bit number, the smaller the diameter of the resulting hole. For example, a number 80 drill bit creates a hole with a diameter of 0.0135 inches. As the diameter grows larger, the bit number grows smaller. A number 1 drill bit, in comparison, has a diameter of 0.2280 inches.

In our tests, we appreciated the Milwaukee step bits’ ability to drill precise holes without a center punch using a handheld drill. They tapped into the stainless steel quickly and worked smoothly. We also noted how easily they worked to enlarge existing holes—a task that’s nearly impossible to do well with regular twist drill bits. Sharpening the bits was surprisingly easy but required a completely different technique than twist bits. We used a diamond sharpening stone to flatten the smaller flute edge, and it only took about 5 minutes.

Following the guidelines on this revolutions per minute chart, we used each bit to drill four holes into 0.125-inch thick stainless steel, observing the ease of penetration, any bit travel across the steel surface, and the formation of metal chips/dust. We also noted how securely the bit was retained by the drill chuck and, when drilling by hand, how smoothly it transitioned from point penetration to the full diameter of the bit. Finally we used a bench grinder to sharpen the bits and drilled another hole with each one. Each of the sets we picked tested successfully, with the primary differences or improvements being edge retention, tip and shank design, and set configuration.

“Based on the fact that the manufacturing industry is extremely busy but continues to struggle with supply chain-related delays on machine tools, it’s the perfect time for shops to dive into how to make their existing machine tools more productive,” said president Brendt Holden. “Haimer products allow our customers to get the most out of their machine tool with our ability to provide a consistent and accurate tooling assembly to the machine each and every time. We will be showing products in our booth that will illustrate this clearly to anyone looking to get more out of their equipment, whatever its age.”

For affordable drilling options, we chose these bits made of a proven material with a simple and functional design. The Comoware cobalt twist bit set includes 15 bits made of M35 cobalt alloy steel that dependably penetrate stainless steel. The bits feature an easy-to-sharpen split point and a straight shaft. They range in size from 0.0625 inch to 0.375 inch, including two each of the popular 0.0625-inch, 0.09375-inch, and 0.125-inch sizes, for a total of 12 different bit sizes. The kit comes in a lightweight plastic carry case with easy-to-read printed bit-size indexing.

Stainless steel is an extremely hard material. Low-carbon steel bits, like those used to drill into wood, do not perform when applied to stainless steel. Therefore, a drill bit for use with stainless steel must be harder than the steel itself. One way that manufacturers achieve this hardness is by infusing materials that facilitate penetration and protect against overheating.

With the above considerations in mind, we selected the following drill bits as our top picks for drilling stainless steel. Read on to find out the details on each set, how they performed in our drilling tests, and why we included them among the best drill bits for stainless steel.

We’re committed to testing and reviewing products so you can make an informed decision. Advertising does not influence our product reviews and it never will. We always focus our coverage on standout products and never hesitate to mention their flaws and quirks. By using our affiliate links, you’re supporting our work and helping us continue to provide expert analysis. Find out more about our product evaluation process.

Because of its hardness, stainless steel is an unforgiving construction medium. Usually, there is only one chance to achieve the perfect drill hole. Another crucial consideration when purchasing drill bits for stainless steel is the drill bit number or size.

The Drill America bits offered a similar drilling experience as our Best Overall pick because of their similar design features, but this set boasts improved durability thanks to a higher cobalt content. Both sets offered the same drill-bit size assortment, round shank, and 135-degree split-point construction. The Drill America bits remained noticeably sharper after an equal number of test holes, but they required three or four more passes on the grinder to sharpen.

Many IMTS visitors might approach Booth 432146 and wonder why a well-known press brake and punch tooling manufacturer is there. Don’t worry, mate, Anoka, Minn.-based Mate Precision Technologies is now in the zero-point workholding business. Its compact, next-generation 52/96 Mate DynoGrip vises, Mate DynoLock Bases, and Mate DynoMount mounts and accessories are based on years of internal use at the company’s 300,000-sq-ft. [27,871 sq-m] manufacturing facility in Anoka. As Vice President Frank Baeumler said recently, the team there machines a huge number of parts each year, and in order to maximize their own CNC equipment, developed a quick-change clamping system to hold them. With a “timed” trapezoidal leadscrew, reversible jaws, and a 52/96-mm locating footprint, the modular workholding platform offers flexibility and compatibility with other zero-point systems.

In some project settings, a single step drill bit can replace an entire set of twist bits. Step bits offer the advantage of fast, clean precision drilling into thin stainless steel or sheet metal without the need to change between different bit sizes. Each one of the three cobalt step drill bits in Milwaukee’s set is engineered to drill up to 1,000 holes into 14-gauge steel. They feature a rapid strike tip for fast starts without a center punch, elongated dual flutes to minimize heat, and finer step increments for smoother operation. Hole sizes are laser engraved inside the flutes for easy reference.

Milwaukee Cobalt Red Helix drill bits make it easy to drill into hard stainless steel. This set includes 15 bits made of M35 cobalt alloy steel. They feature pilot points for fast, precise surface penetration without a center punch or pilot hole and 3-flat shanks to eliminate the hassle of bits spinning in the chuck. Bit sizes range from 0.0625 inch to 0.375 inch.

With loads of available bits for hard metal applications, finding the right drill bits for stainless steel can be challenging. We spent more than 40 hours researching the best materials and designs used to make these bits, selecting our top picks, and then testing our picks in the workshop. Read on to find out what makes a durable and effective drill bit for stainless steel, our selection criteria, and how our selections performed in testing.

We liked the compact round carry case that these bits come in. The screw-on top held securely and seemed to be watertight after we accidentally dropped it in a puddle. However, the bit-size indexing was all but impossible to read. Although the large quantity of bits makes the set heavy, this would be a good choice for carrying to project sites where precision drilling is required.

Swing by Booth 431522 to discuss how these items (and others) can take your machining applications to more productive levels, while increasing utilization of your shop’s tooling and carbide investment.

“Our focus products remain the same as in 2020, but we will also feature tool digitalization and our new tool data scanning directly to machine controls, along with our existing technology for boring, milling, and drilling,” said Jack Burley, vice president of sales and engineering. “I encourage everyone at IMTS to stop by and say hello, and while there, be sure to ask about our passive ‘Smart Damper’ tools for deep-hole boring on lathes or mills and extended reach milling applications, which help to reduce the vibration that causes poor tool life and surface finish.”

We appreciated the affordability of this kit’s overall packaging and design, which allowed the tool quality to remain high while minimizing branding and engineering costs. The bits functioned comparably to similarly designed bits from bigger brand names, with good drilling capability and an easy-to-sharpen point. We also liked that the kit includes duplicates of several smaller sizes, as they are the ones that dull easiest and are more susceptible to breaking under excessive pressure. The case does feel a bit flimsy and the size selection is somewhat limited, so this won’t be a great fit for those who require high precision. But for occasional drilling, it’s a really good deal.

High-speed metal drilling creates excessive friction and heat. The extra stress placed on standard drill bits tends to wear them out quickly. Individuals who intend to drill stainless steel frequently should be sure to buy bits designed with longevity in mind.

Visitors to IMTS 2022 can see Promess Inc. at Booth 236623 in the North Building or Booth 135941 in the East (both on Level 3). President Glenn Nausley said that, despite current manufacturing challenges, the New Brighton, Mich.-based assembly and test equipment manufacturer continues to develop new and innovative assembly solutions while still delivering in standard lead times. One of these is a Promess Robot Press with tool changer that can be dropped off and picked up on-demand, “giving robot cells the ultimate flexibility to conquer the most demanding needs.” There are also the L-frame and Benchtop workstations, said to give the user a smaller footprint while keeping the turnkey performance and precision that so many are used to with an all-electric solution.

We spent several days researching drill bits for stainless steel and shopping around for the best options available online. Although solid carbide drill bits may be the professional machinist’s choice for drilling stainless steel, they are incredibly expensive. Other options like titanium-coated HSS are inexpensive but lack durability. We narrowed our search to cobalt drill bits because they can drill hard metals repeatedly without dulling right away, and they can be resharpened many times to extend their working life.