SteelMax Drills & Cutters: Q&A

1. What unique SteelMax drill features will save me money?
SteelMax® brand drills are the most advanced, low cost high performance drills available today. Light weight, energy saving, low maintenance and safety first are just some of the stand-out features. Our drills actually help extend cutter life by eliminating runout through our unique rail system. This rail system eliminates 14 service parts while making the drill stiffer and totally eliminates gib maintenance.

2. Why use the SteelMax brand drills and Cutters?
The drill and cutters will cut holes that are nearly reamed quality and burr free in a "fraction of the time" of conventional drill bits. Time saving is typically 3-4 times of step drilling. SteelMax cutters can also be re-sharpened many times, which further lowers your cost per hole. Our unique metallurgy provides a Rockwell hardness of 68 at tip, comparable to cobalt, but less brittle, with a shaft hardness of 55HRC. This stepped hardness provides greater durability.

3. What range of holes can SteelMax drills cut?
The d1 drill is designed to use SteelMax annular cutters to cut holes from 7/16" to 1-1/2" diameter through 2" depth of material in one pass. The d2 drill is designed to use SteelMax annular cutters to cut holes from 7/16" to 2 1/16”" diameter through 2" depth of material in one pass. The d2 can also use twist drills with the use of our 2MT 1/2” twist drill chuck.

4. On a conventional magnetic drill, what is the largest hole that a standard drill bit will drill?
Some magnetic drills, which can weigh as much as 90 Ibs., can only drill holes up to 1", but not in a one pass operation. A pilot hole and numerous step drilling operations must be done before you have a finished 1" hole.

5. What is the minimum thickness of steel that should be used to cut holes?
Because steel is made of many different alloys, there is no absolute thickness we recommend. However, the "Intelligent"TM magnet will assure that the operator is safe when cutting holes. We recommend a work piece thickness of 3/8" or greater. For thinner material drilling, clamp a piece of steel directly under the magnet for additional holding power.

6. How does the magnet in the base of the drill function?
The Intelligent magnet will not let the motor come on if there is insufficient magnetic holding power. In addition, if the magnet is left in the "On" position with the drill motor “Off,” only 50% of the magnet strength is used. 100% magnetic hold is active only when the motor is running. This energy saving feature will prevent the magnet from overheating.

7. Can these drills make "blind" or dead holes?
The d2 drill can drill blind holes with the use of our optional 2MT 1/2” drill chuck.

8. What is the most common application for this drill?
Any welder or steel fabricator that needs through holes 7/16" and larger. Structural steel components that need to be bolted together are a prime application for the drill.

9. Can you use the drill in the horizontal position?
Yes. However, since our coolant system is gravity fed, you must use an external source of lubrication such as an aerosol or edge cream.

10. Do the d1 and d2 drills need to be returned to a service center when repair or servicing is needed?
No. Both the d1 and d2 drill are engineered to be serviced in the field due to design of modular components that include the motor, control panels, gear housing, and magnet. Spare motor brushes are included with each machine.