Structural Steel
101030 and 101035 HoleCutters are highly recommended for drilling structural steel.
HMT VERSADRIVE TCT HOLECUTTERS & SHEETCUTTERS – TECHNICAL GUIDE
HMT Versadrive TCT HoleCutters are designed for portable drilling of larger diameter holes in structural steel, stainless steel, non-ferrous materials and other fabrication applications.
This technical guide covers materials, drilling machines, material thickness, lubrication, adapters, best practice and recommended rotary RPM.
Which Materials Can HMT Versadrive TCT HoleCutters Be Used On?
Hardened Steel
Drilling some grades of hardened steel is feasible in controlled situations.
For best results, the HMT Ultra tooling range is recommended.
Hardened or heat-affected materials may require higher torque, reduced RPM and feed rates, and extra coolant.
Stainless Steel
Suitable for drilling most grades of stainless steel.
Reduce spindle RPM, increase feed pressure and ensure sufficient coolant supply.
Non-Ferrous
All HMT tooling in this category is suitable for non-ferrous materials.
Which Drilling Machine Should I Use With HoleCutters?
| Machine | Suitability | Guidance |
|---|---|---|
| Impact Wrench / Impact Driver | Limited. |
Not recommended for impact use in hard materials such as structural steel because of the high rotational speed of impact wrenches. Non-ferrous and softer materials can be drilled using impact wrenches or impact drivers. |
| Rotary Pistol Drill | Highly recommended. |
Rotary pistol drills are highly recommended for best results with HoleCutters. Generally the best results are achieved using lower speed settings. |
| Compact Magnet Drill | Suitable with the 111035 Adapter. |
Check there is sufficient travel/stroke on the magnetic drill. Exchange the supplied pilot drill for the 101030P-0003 series Pilot Pin. |
| Large Magnet / Pillar Drill | Recommended for larger HoleCutters, for example above 50 mm diameter. |
Large magnetic drills can use a Weldon adapter. Large magnetic drills and pillar drills can also use a chuck. |
What Material Thickness Can HMT HoleCutters Be Used On?
Sheet Metal – Up to 4 mm
101050 TCT SheetCutters are recommended for this thickness rather than standard HoleCutters.
Standard Plate – 5–12 mm
101030 HoleCutters are recommended.
Medium Plate – 12–25 mm
101030 HoleCutters are recommended.
For thicker material, pre-drill a 6.35 mm pilot hole first, then use a sprung pilot drill or pilot pin as a guide.
Heavy Plate – Above 25 mm
When drilling steel thicker than 20 mm, ventilate the hole during the cut to clear swarf.
This means backing the cutter out of the hole while it is still rotating to help remove swarf build-up.
Which Lubricant Should I Use?
SpeedLube
Recommended for all general-purpose drilling applications.
BioCut Paste
Recommended for overhead drilling and applications where liquid lubricant is not suitable.
BioCut Blue
Recommended for general-purpose drilling, harder steels and stainless steel where heat reduction is important.
Best choice where the material will be welded or galvanised.
Which Adapters Can I Use With Versadrive HoleCutters?
Impact Adapters
Not normally recommended for use with HoleCutters.
Pistol Drill / Chuck
The Versadrive hex shank fits into a standard drill chuck.
130 mm and 300 mm Versadrive Extension Arbors also fit standard drill chucks.
Weldon Adapters
Versadrive HoleCutters can be used with Versadrive Weldon-shank Magnet Drill Adapters.
The standard pilot drill can be retained, or removed and replaced with an extended pilot pin such as the 101030P-0003 for use in an annular-broaching style setup.
Morse Taper Adapters
All Versadrive HoleCutters can be adapted for use in Morse Taper type drills using the 111045 Adapters.
HMT Versadrive TCT HoleCutter Best Practice
Do I need a pilot hole or centre punch?
For an accurate hole start, centre-punch the material to create a positive location point.
When using the integral pilot drill in a TCT HoleCutter, the cutter can catch and twist unexpectedly when the pilot drill breaks through.
To reduce this risk, use a separate 1/4" / 6.35 mm drill bit to pre-drill the pilot hole.
Then refit the pilot drill, or use a solid 101030P-0003 Pilot Pin as a stronger guide.
What is the correct feed pressure?
For hand-held applications, apply firm, steady feed pressure throughout the cut.
Use extra caution at the start of the cut while the hole is being established.
How can I prevent chipping or breakage?
Avoid lateral movement or tilting.
Do not use excessive feed pressure.
Steady feed pressure helps keep the tool controlled and at approximately 90 degrees to the cut.
This helps prevent snagging, chipping or kickback.
Maintain a consistent flow of swarf.
How many holes can I expect the cutter to last?
There is no fixed number.
Tool life can vary widely depending on the material, cutter size, machine, lubrication, feed pressure and application.
How should I drill thicker steel?
When drilling steel thicker than 20 mm, periodically back the rotating cutter out of the hole to clear accumulated swarf.
For thicker applications, pre-drilling a 6.35 mm pilot hole and using a sprung pilot drill or pilot pin can improve guidance.
Recommended Rotary RPM for HMT Versadrive TCT HoleCutters
Recommended spindle speed varies according to cutter diameter and material.
Exact RPM values will be added when supplied by HMT.
| Cutter Diameter | Structural Steel – RPM | Hardened Steel – RPM | Stainless Steel – RPM | Non-Ferrous – RPM |
|---|