What would be the best way to machine cut a 4” hole in 3/4” stainless? Plasma is not an option. I’ve cut two holes with 3/8 end mill on rotary table but taking to long. I have a Val Cut but it’s breaking bits. I’ve read about a Holex brand with two cutters, they are pricey. Has anyone used the Holex on stainless? Any other recommendations on cutting this part?
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Cutting 4” hole in stainless?
- Thread starter taltexan
- Start date
Holex appears to make a variety of cutters, including an annular cutter like this:
www.hoffmann-group.com
They also make a hole saw, which I don’t think would be nearly as good:
www.hoffmann-group.com
Oh I see Val-Cut is a trepanning cutter. That seems tough in stainless.
What grade stainless?
How many holes?
What tolerance?
Simply buy HSS core drill Depth of cut 30 mm 50 mm | Hoffmann Group
They also make a hole saw, which I don’t think would be nearly as good:
Simply buy Carbide hole saw flat 50 mm | Hoffmann Group
Oh I see Val-Cut is a trepanning cutter. That seems tough in stainless.
What grade stainless?
How many holes?
What tolerance?
Last edited:
- Joined
- Jan 1, 2018
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- 1,205
316LHolex appears to make a variety of cutters, including an annular cutter like this:
Simply buy HSS core drill Depth of cut 30 mm 50 mm | Hoffmann Group
They also make a hole saw, which I don’t think would be nearly as good:
Simply buy Carbide hole saw flat 50 mm | Hoffmann Group
Oh I see Val-Cut is a trepanning cutter. That seems tough in stainless.
What grade stainless?
How many holes?
What tolerance?
40
.010
- Joined
- Feb 2, 2013
- Messages
- 3,643
Maybe a circle cutter could suit your needs.
If you use a carbide trepanning tool, you will get the most lifetime. An M42 blank would suffice too.
Substitute cobalt pilot drills for more holes per bit .
A carbide hole saw and punching the holes are the only other accurate options i can think of without plasma , flame ,or electrical discharge
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- Jan 20, 2018
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I have a trepanning cutter similar to that. It would be absolute agony in 3/4" 316
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- Feb 2, 2013
- Messages
- 3,643
Disregard my previous suggestion, I missed the 3/4” thickness 
Wow, been a while since I seen one of those. I have one that’s called a Bore master Jr that has carbide inserts. Made in Germany. Have never used it. Still in the box