Best bits for drilling stainless steel?

If you need something quick a masonry bit will work because they are carbide tipped . I have drilled files tempered to 58 R.c with a masonry bit use lots of oil and go slow
 
A true masonry bit won't work as good as a good bit and correct method. If you absolutely must use one, it will work better if reshapened. 7 deg angle off the cutting edge works best usually for machining. Stock, masonry bits aren't very sharp and shaped more for scraping than cutting metal.

Stainless is more about method. The correct speed (see speed chart) for the bit diameter and lots of fluid. Not much pressure. Let the bit do the work. It'll cut through on its own time fairly easily. If drilling large holes, start small then punch it out larger. If you put too much pressure or not enough cooling, the bit gets too hot and immediately loses its edge and can also work harden what you're drilling through, making problems worse.

I use TiNi (the gold bits) and follow speed chart (mine is on the inside cover of my press) and it works great.
 
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Might be able to use cobalt drill bits on a drill press otherwise carbide
 
I use carbide bits, either solid carbide or carbide-tipped depending on the type of bit. I buy all of my carbide bits from McMaster.com.

I love the feeling of drilling holes in hardened stainless steel with a carbide bit (like drilling a blade on a folder to install a thumbstud). The bit cuts nice and easy like I'm drilling through soft carbon steel.
 
Sounds like the solid carbide bit is the most effective choice? Now, in this video it doesn't appear as if this dude sharpened the masonry bit. I wonder what would have happened had he done that.

[video=youtube;adS5lmejzzg]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=adS5lmejzzg[/video]
 
..any chance of there being a compact, portable version of this cool toy, for let's say, 3-8 mm diameter holes?

Santa are you listening? :D

[video=youtube;cO3yS50Qfc0]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cO3yS50Qfc0[/video]
 
Are you going to be drilling steel that has already been hardened? If not, a good quality cobalt bit should work just fine.

Bruceter
 
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