Drilling a hole in my brewpot

[balickma]

Hey, I got a two part question for you guys.

I just got some drill bits to drill a hole in my stainless steel brewpot so I could put a valve on it. I was wondering what kind of drill lubricant I could use for this. A quick google search came up with something like this:
Amazon.com: LC Lubri-Cut Tap and Drill Lubricant Paste Stick - 2 oz - Special cooling and lubricating agent for better machining of metals: Electronics

Second part: Speaking of the valve, I wanted to get this one:
Kettle Conversion Kit Deluxe PLUS - Rebel Brewer

I got this one before for my mash tun and it worked great, but when I went to look at it today it says it's sold out now. I found another very similar deal online but it was made with brass instead of SS, and I would just prefer SS to brass.

Any help is appreciated, thanks in advanced.

 

[chezhed]

Drilling the hole....
I use a step bit with a little bit of 3-in-1 oil. It's what I had at the time and works fine. Just give it a minute rest or so between steps and you won't have a problem.

There are lots of suppliers for valves/kits...many of the vendors here and others the specialize in brewers hardware. I would for sure use a stainless valve on the brewpot.

 

[stevea1210]

I've used wd-40 before. Not saying it's the best thing, but in a pinch it worked fine.

I'd reccomend bargain fittings for your other needs.

 

[outside92129]

how much machining are you going to be doing over the next week/month/year? If a lot then get the good stuff, otherwise what do you have on hand? Motor oil, 3-1, wd-40...

 

[balickma]

how much machining are you going to be doing over the next week/month/year? If a lot then get the good stuff, otherwise what do you have on hand? Motor oil, 3-1, wd-40...

I don't really plan on doing any machining, I'm not a DIY kind of guy. The only oils I have now are olive oils.

 

[durban]

I don't really plan on doing any machining, I'm not a DIY kind of guy. The only oils I have now are olive oils.

Thats exactly what I used with a step bit and it worked fine. Just make sure that the bit doesn't get hot. I checked it between steps, if was warm, I wated a minute or two and dipped the bit in oil to cool down.

 

[Coldies]

+1 to olive oil. Its what I used as well.

 

[A4J]

I used veggie oil, so whatever kind of oil you have on hand will work.

 

[ETCS]

I have used Pam spray before, worked great.

 

[LandoLincoln]

I used olive oil and went moderately slow.

 

[Gear101]

Word of advice, stop in-between the step of the drill and check the hole. Last one I did you could just about screw in the temp gauge.

 

[balickma]

Hahah I was just kidding about the olive oil, then a few people said that's what they used haha that cracks me up.

 

[balickma]

Would WD-40 be a reasonable selection for drill lubricant?

 

[mcnewcp]

I used KY jelly on mine, since I had so much just lying around.

(Joking)

 

[balickma]

I used KY jelly on mine, since I had so much just lying around.

(Joking)

I'm telling Hannah you're wasting your KY stash

 

[Bobby_M]

I'd use olive or other veggie oil before I used WD40. Whatever you do, use a lot of pressure and slow drill speed. If you spin that bit a few times without cutting a ribbon, you're going to work harden the stainless. Fill a small cup like a shot glass with oil and dip the bit in between every step. That will force you to let it cool.

 

[durhamdr]

Would WD-40 be a reasonable selection for drill lubricant?

WD-40 should work fine. You are just trying to keep the temperature down. Spray it well and go slow.

 

[mcnewcp]

Spray it well and go slow.

I believe that's what she said.

But seriously, I'd use olive oil. WD40 does more than just lubricate.

 

[DeafSmith]

+1 to Bobby_M's advice and also be sure to have someone else holding the brewpot while you drill so you can keep both hands on the drill - it may tend to twist sideways when you break through a step, especially the last and biggest one.