Hardend steel, what cutter?

[grandfortune]

HI all,

got 15 x downlights to install in a soffet, its got wood under it and also about 3mm steel plate above, my usual ck or starret cutter wont even touch it, ive have drilled one out with a series of holes but it was a nightmare, any hardened cutters out there that might do the job?

CHeers
Grand

 

[Wilko]

Makes me chuckle when you see some poor sod trying to drill a hole in steel at full speed, and there's smoke coming from the bit and sweat pouring from his head Daz

That was me "last week".
Now I've understood what's going on, slowed down, got a can of cutting lubricant spray and life is a bit easier

 

[DPG]

Nice one. Lube it up and take it steady. Always good advice! Daz.

 

[spaldingsparks]

Must be another way semi flush lights? you would have to advise the client of the steel and explain why it would be/could be a problem. To carry on seems more of a problem to me than talking and sorting after all its only some lighting. and your price did not take into account unseen problems such as this so explain and loose the pain.

 

[buzzlightyear]

what about getting in a good safe cracker,they good for cutting in to steel safes !
his he cutting a steel grader by any chance .the only way to cut a hole in steel is with a
oxy acetylene torch .

 

[LeeH]

And, being a soffit, it's probably being drilled from below, so it'll pi$$ all over the OP!

You spray a bit on the cutter and re apply frequently.

 

[DPG]

I've only just realised the title of the post is actually HARDEND STEEL. Now it may just be my juvenile mind, but that sounds like a ---- star's name to me. Daz

 

[LeeH]

I've just drilled x2 50mm holes in a 2mm stainless enclosure this afternoon at home.

Took me like 10 mins with a cordless, starret cutter and some cutting paste.

 

[grandfortune]

Defiantly not structural,

Try's really slow but haven't try's with paste yet will give it a go, never seen anything like tbh, thought there may be a high end cutter out there , I've got 15 of them To do so I know even with paste and low spin speed I'm going to get through 4 or 5 bits

 

[buzzlightyear]

will be still working on xmas day then !

 

[LeeH]

You can get cobalt cutters if you're really struggling.

 

[Marvo]

Defiantly not structural,

Try's really slow but haven't try's with paste yet will give it a go, never seen anything like tbh, thought there may be a high end cutter out there , I've got 15 of them To do so I know even with paste and low spin speed I'm going to get through 4 or 5 bits

I think you really need to do some investigating and find out why that plate is there before you turn it into Swiss cheese. It must have a purpose and I've got doubts it will still be performing it very well after you've whacked 15 downlight holes in it. Even the most basic risk assessment would dictate you need to find out why it's there.

 

[buzzlightyear]

I know why you are going through it, is the girder it is on is side.
I have never see a girder under the soft .
unless it is load bearing.

 

[PEG]

Starrett cutters will go through an inch of HT steel,with paste and the right speed. If the material is thick,four slots can be cut with a mini-grinder to aid clearing.
I would want to be knowing what i was perforating,before commencing.

 

[buzzlightyear]

so would I !