Why is my drill press burning up Bits??????

Question

I have been drilling holes in stainless steel. At first it was great and easy but now the bits are burning as well as the stainless steel. I have changed the bits several times hoping that would be better. I really want to avoid drilling pilot holes, I need to drill as many holes as possible in as little time as possible. Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance.

Answer 1

you need to run the drill slower than you would for carbon steel. use a good cutting oil and sufficient pressure to develope a good continuous chip. flakes are from chatter and that will dull the bits up instantly