Drilling guide: why do you need to lubricate before drilling?

Drilling guide: why do you need to lubricate before drilling?

Drilling is a common operation in many DIY and industrial manufacturing projects. Achieving a quality hole requires not only precision, but also proper preparation and the use of appropriate tools. This article is intended for both amateur and professional DIYers and provides detailed advice on the essential steps to follow for a successful piercing. We'll also discuss the importance of lubricating with cutting oil before drilling, a crucial step that is often overlooked.

# The importance of preparing for the piercing 

Before starting any piercing operation, it is essential to understand why careful preparation is crucial. Proper preparation ensures not only the accuracy and quality of the hole, but also the durability of the drilling tool and the safety of the operator. Impurities, excessive heat, and poor lubrication can negatively affect drilling by damaging the bit and creating inaccurate holes. 

Step 1: Selection of tools and materials
Choosing the right tools and materials is the first step to successful drilling. Here are some tips for making the right choice: 

Bit selection: Drill bits come in different sizes, materials, and types. Make sure you choose a drill bit that is suitable for the material you are going to drill. 

The main categories of wicks are: 
-    High-speed steel (HSS) bits: ideal for drilling soft metals such as aluminum and brass. 
-    Cobalt bits: suitable for harder metals such as stainless steel. 
-    Carbide bits: used for extremely hard materials such as ceramics and some hardened steels. 
-    Titanium bits: known for their durability and ability to stay sharp for longer. 

Drilling Tool Selection: Choose a drilling tool that is suitable for the job: 
- Hand drill: ideal for small jobs and soft materials. 
- Drill Press: Provides more precision and stability for harder materials and repetitive drilling. 
- Cordless drill: versatile and practical for outdoor use or on construction sites.

Step 2: Marking and fixing
Before drilling, it is important to mark precisely where the hole will be made and to correctly fix the workpiece to be drilled. Here's how to do it: 

Marking the Drill Point: Use an awl to mark the location of the hole. Punching creates a small depression that prevents the bit from slipping and ensures a precise starting point. 

Fixing the workpiece: Firmly fasten the workpiece to be drilled using a vise or clamps. Make sure the piece is stable to avoid movement during drilling, which could damage the bit or create an inaccurate hole. 

Step 3: Lubrication with cutting oil
Lubrication is a crucial step that is often overlooked. Using cutting oil before and during drilling has several advantages: 
-    Reduced friction : Cutting oil reduces friction between the bit and the material, which decreases the heat generated and prevents overheating.  
-    Longer Bit Life : By reducing friction and heat, the cutting oil extends the life of the bit, making it more durable. 
-    Improved Hole Quality : Lubrication helps achieve a cleaner, more accurate hole by making it easier to evacuate chips and reducing uneven edges. 
-    Breakage prevention : Proper lubrication reduces the risk of bit breakage, especially when drilling in hard or thick materials.

# Types of cutting oils 

There are several types of cutting oils suitable for different materials and applications: 

Mineral oils, used for most metal drilling applications. 
Soluble oils, mixed with water, are commonly used in industrial environments for their cooling capacity. 
Synthetic oils, on the other hand, offer superior lubrication and are used for demanding applications. 
And cutting pastes, which are used for particularly hard metals, offer effective lubrication in paste form.

Step 4: Setting the drilling speed
The drilling speed should be adjusted according to the material and diameter of the bit. Here are some important recommendations for rotational speed: 
-    For soft metals (aluminum, copper): use a higher rotational speed. 
-    For hard metals (stainless steel, titanium): use a lower rotational speed to prevent overheating. 
-    And for wood, use a medium rotational speed.

Step 5: Drilling technique
Adopting good piercing techniques is essential to achieve optimal results. For thick materials or large diameter holes, it is recommended to drill in stages using bits of increasing diameter. This reduces the load on the bit and improves drilling accuracy. 
Also, make sure that the chips are well evacuated during drilling to avoid the accumulation of debris that could block the bit. Raise the wick periodically to allow the chips to escape.

Step 6: Finishing the hole
After drilling, it is important to finish the hole properly to remove burrs and ensure a clean surface. Use a deburring tool or file to remove burrs around the hole. This ensures a smooth finish and avoids sharp edges that could cause injury or interfere with the assembly of parts. AND finally, clean the area around the hole with a clean cloth to remove any remaining oil residue and chips.

Piercing may seem like a simple task, but to achieve quality results, it is essential to follow a structured method and pay attention to detail. By choosing the right tools, marking and fastening the workpiece correctly, lubricating with cutting oil, adjusting the drilling speed, and applying the right techniques, you can achieve precise and long-lasting holes. Remember, preparation and patience are the keys to a successful piercing. Happy drilling!