Drilling holes in stainless sheet?

[Tony Wells]

Well, the clearance is wrong for metal, and of course, they just beat the concrete into submission, but if you give them a little more back relief and a sharp edge, they will do pretty good. Just watch the temp, like I mentioned, you can melt out the braze. Use oil and fairly slow speed, heavy feed.

Planning to drill them with a drill motor, or on a dp or mill?

[Mayhem]

(11-04-2012, 09:12 AM)Highpower Wrote: ... just want to make some baffle / separator plates for a rod oven and want them ventilated to keep the temperature even throughout.

Is this really necessary? You are trying to recondition welding rods, not case harden something. Personally, I'd just stick them in and get the job set up whilst you are waiting.

[Highpower]

(11-05-2012, 04:33 AM)Mayhem Wrote:

(11-04-2012, 09:12 AM)Highpower Wrote: ... just want to make some baffle / separator plates for a rod oven and want them ventilated to keep the temperature even throughout.

Is this really necessary?

Probably not, but most all the professional ovens I have looked at seem to be that way.

[Mayhem]

Then wait until someone you know throws out a cheap wine rack!

I'd bet that is simply to keep different types of rods separated in a professional shop. Are you planning on cooking multiple types/gauges etc at the same time? Personally, I'd get a cheap toaster oven (or pick up a tossed one) and use that. I know people who use them and they have no worries.

Save some money and time for other projects on your list.

[TomG]

I've even seen old refrigerators used with a light bulb to drive out the moisture.

Tom

[Mayhem]

But the light goes off when you close the door Tom!

[the penguin]

Couldn't you plasma cut the holes (slots) necessary to allow the circulation?? It would be real quick to do it that way.

[TomG]

(11-05-2012, 09:15 AM)Mayhem Wrote: But the light goes off when you close the door Tom!

Do you know that for sure Darren? Have you actually witnessed it first hand?

[Highpower]

I searched all the welding supply companies looking for this divider and none of them carry it.

After a week of trying to contact the company that made the oven, they finally called me back a few minutes ago. I now have a factory divider (an optional component) on the way to me so the problem no longer exists.

The stainless sheet alone would have cost me almost double what they charged me for their part, but I never expected to hear back from them.

[Black Forest]

I use a refrigerator and keep a bucket of magnesium cloride in the bottom. That sucks all the moisture out of the air inside. I use a lot of 7018 rod and it welds great even after sitting for a couple of months. Yes I know it is not a certified method but it works for my farm needs.

As you know the rods need to "bake" for at least two hours before use if you go by the book. And only a few rods at a time out of the oven.

Too bad you don't live closer to me. I have a friend that is the GM at a CNC punch manufacturer. He would have all the 200 holes punched in ten minutes including setup time. They are great to watch.