The steel is pretty thick, maybe 3mm and bolted to the  cement, also somewhat cramped for space.  If i heat the metal with a propane torch, will the drill bit bite into the steel easier and make the job go faster?

 

I have a powerful drill which also has a hammer function but can't see how the hammer function would help. 

Absolutely not may harden the area your trying to drill plus it will dull the cutting edge of the drill,do not use the hammer action, if its a large hole start with a smaller dia drill first,try and use a cutting lubricant if possible,not too high a drill speed and take your time...

Peter nailed it.

 

1) Use a steel punch to provide a starting point for the bit and keeps the bit from wandering.

 

2) Cutting oil cools the steel and bit while carrying away shavings. Apply liberally.

 

3) Start with a small bit size for a pilot hole.

 

4) slow steady speed. You will feel it bite abd cut as the bit spins. Too fast and it overheats and glazes. (Hammer drill is for masonry only).

 

5) Choose a bit designed for steel.

 

6) Step up bit size and enlarge pilot hole. Maybe a couple times depending on size diameter.

 

If the bottom of angle iron is in contact with concrete then when bit penetrates steel it will hit concrete and very quickly destroy steel bit. Keep control of drill housing and control speed and you will feel a change when bit breaks through steel. Stop pressure before it bites hard into concrete.

 

If you need to drill into concrete after then once steel is drilled only then switch to a masonry bit and hammer function. Do not use cutting oil for concrete drilling.

1 minute ago, ClutchClark said:

Peter nailed it.

 

1) Use a steel punch to provide a starting point for the bit and keeps the bit from wandering.

 

2) Cutting oil cools the steel and bit while carrying away shavings. Apply liberally.

 

3) Start with a small bit size for a pilot hole.

 

4) slow steady speed. You will feel it bite abd cut as the bit spins. Too fast and it overheats and glazes. (Hammer drill is for masonry only).

 

5) Choose a bit designed for steel.

 

6) Step up bit size and enlarge pilot hole. Maybe a couple times depending on size diameter.

 

If the bottom of angle iron is in contact with concrete then when bit penetrates steel it will hit concrete and very quickly destroy steel bit. Keep control of drill housing and control speed and you will feel a change when bit breaks through steel. Stop pressure before it bites hard into concrete.

 

If you need to drill into concrete after then once steel is drilled only then switch to a masonry bit and hammer function. Do not use cutting oil for concrete drilling.

Peter was a time-served toolmaker by trade...............

Just now, petermik said:

Peter was a time-served toolmaker by trade...............

 

Clutch was a time-served tool "user" by trade who very much appreciated the quality tools made by guys like Peter ;-)

26 minutes ago, ClutchClark said:

 

Clutch was a time-served tool "user" by trade who very much appreciated the quality tools made by guys like Peter ;-)

 

And I too am a major user of tools who agrees 100% with the above.

 

It's worth learning how to sharpen your drills, it's not really difficult and can save pots of cash of you're dumping them when they get blunt.

 

48 minutes ago, Crossy said:

 

And I too am a major user of tools who agrees 100% with the above.

 

It's worth learning how to sharpen your drills, it's not really difficult and can save pots of cash of you're dumping them when they get blunt.

 

 

There you go again.  Should I have googled or is "how to sharpen drill bits" easily explained?

1 minute ago, bankruatsteve said:

There you go again.  Should I have googled or is "how to sharpen drill bits" easily explained?

 

I learnt as an apprentice, but YouTube is your friend, just don't expect round holes first attempt

13 hours ago, Crossy said:

 

I learnt as an apprentice, but YouTube is your friend, just don't expect round holes first attempt

Gawd that takes me back 40 years. Rake angles and the like.

I can still remember "total tooth depth is 3.157 by diametral pitch".

118 deg angle, I learnt that 46 years ago! yet I still cant remember the wife's birthday!