Just a couple of quick comments:

Go to an actual hardware store and request "High speed steel" drill bits.
I have an Ace hardware close by which carries them.

If you must pilot drill, do it only once! Measure the web thickness of your
1/2
drill and pilot drill same size or slightly larger. It doesn't take much of
a drill
press to drill 1/2 dia. in mild steel.

Calculate RPM at which to run your tools. RPM=(cutting speed * 4) / dia.
Cutting speed for mild steel using High speed steel is approximately 80
sfpm.

So 80*4/0.5 = 640 RPM for the 1/2 drill.

It's unlikely your drill press will match exactly, so select speed closest
to
what you have calculated. Better to start slightly slower if possible.

If a true do-it-yourselfer, you probably don't have any cutting oil. I have
found WD-40 is a pretty good substitute and is readily available.

Good luck!

"Rod" wrote in message
...

I'm working with 2" angle iron from home depot making a frame that will
support a dc winch motor for rolling a pool cover onto a spool. I'm having
a hard time with drilling and cutting slots.

I'm trying to drill several 1/2" holes using a bench drill press. Using
pilot holes I'm able to work my way up to 3/8" holes with no problem but
as soon as I go for the 1/2" bit it just spins and spins and doesn't want
to cut anymore. I end up forcing it down pretty hard to get through and it
takes for ever, what's the trick?


The next question that I had was, I need to cut some slots into the angle
also, so that the dc motor that I'm mounting can be adjusted a little,
I've been using a cutting torch to cut some slots but with my skills they
come out extremely messy, any good advice or ways to cut these with
standard tools? (drill, jig saw, sawzall)?

Thanks for any help.


Mark