I need to drill some holes(for rivets) in 16 gauge 304 stainless steel tubing. Never worked with ss before. Did some reading and it doesn't sound run of the mill drilling. I have a low speed drill press and a higher speed 1/2" hand drill. Can I do this myself? I have no qualms with taking it to the machine shop. I want it done right(look nice). Going to be exhaust cans.

 

16 gauge is thin enough I would think your drill press will do just fine. Is there an unobtrusive corner or piece of scrap you could test on?

 

I should be receiving an extra eight inch piece with my order so I will have something to practice on. I figured since the hole is not big or deep I wouldn't have a problem but wanted to make sure. Will I need a lubricant? I have a couple things I can use, like bar chain oil.

 

Stainless steels do have a higher work harden-ability rate than carbon steels, but in a pure home hobbyist way they can be treated with similar machineability rates as plain carbon steels. I’m guessing there will be no production runs on your cans. Normal HSS drill tool geometry should be fine, the sharper the better and lube is a must (bar oil will work, even KY would be better than nothing ). Depending on size of hole, but I have it calculated to be close to 1100 RPM at a feed rate of 0.007in/rev for a 0.125” drill, Thanks machinery's handbook. This will change as drill size, machine capability, and operator comfort vary. The biggest thing would be your setup, I would use the drill press as it is closer to perpendicular to the work surface, allows better gripping/fixturing and is more constant in regards to pressure and rpm.

 

Thanks for the replies. Looks like I'm ready to go as soon as the ss shows up.

 

Personally I like to use spotting drills for very nice holes in stainless followed up with the correct size drill.
And I hate machining it freaking splinters like crazy. I Put a vacuum next to the cutter to keep the splinters to a minimum