Should You Choose Cobalt Or HSS Drill Bits For Your Major Project?
If you have a major construction project ahead that will involve a lot of drilling work, you may be figuring out what equipment to use. While you focus on the actual drills and other ancillaries, you should pay extra attention to the type of drill bit. Should you choose HSS or cobalt for this project?
Considering HSS Bits
High-speed steel (HSS) bits are everyday pieces of equipment that are hard-wearing, robust and predictable. They are resistant to heat (to a degree) and are typically made from a combination of nickel and chrome. You can certainly choose them if your work involves plastics, certain metals or hardwood. However, if you intend to use them for long periods at high RPM without too much downtime, remember to add cutting fluid to keep temperatures within reason.
Choosing Cobalt
Cobalt bits may be a better choice if you want to step things up a notch. These are made from a combination of different steels but have a small amount of cobalt as well. Cobalt can operate under extreme conditions, and temperature should never be an issue. They are incredibly strong and can also turn much faster than a standard drill bit. In this situation, you are unlikely to need any cutting fluid and can also use them for hardened metals, including cast iron or titanium.
Handling Cobalt Drill Bits
If you intend to use these drill bits for long periods, remember that they will begin to blunt, and you will have to sharpen them using the right equipment. It will certainly help if you have trained staff who know how to operate drills and can use the correct technique to avoid excess wear and tear. They'll know how important it is to gradually introduce the drill bit to the chosen materials and avoid any type of impact at the start of each task. Attention to detail will certainly make those cobalt drill bits last much longer.
Using Extra Care
Also, remember that cobalt drill bits can still be brittle even though they can cut through much tougher materials than a standard HSS version. In fact, the more cobalt is included within the drill bit, the more brittle it may become, so you should make sure that you do not drop it during everyday operation.
Moving Ahead
Talk with your drill bit supplier if you have any further questions, and they will help you to choose the right product. Reach out to a company such as Illawarra Fasteners Pty Ltd for more information.
