Drill bit

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Raider18
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Drill bit

Postby Raider18 » Sat Aug 31, 2013 4:25 pm

Is there a special drill bit to use on the drums or will a standard wood bit work?


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Re: Drill bit

Postby spacetrucker » Sat Aug 31, 2013 4:28 pm

use a bit made for steel, a wood bit will not hold up it will dull quickly and not cut at all...
for a few extra dollars you can buy a step bit at your favorite home improvement center
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Re: Drill bit

Postby Mr. Orange » Sat Aug 31, 2013 6:36 pm

Use a bit for metal. Depending on the size of the hole to be drilled, you might look into a stepped-drill bit.
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Re: Drill bit

Postby Grillatarian » Sat Aug 31, 2013 10:54 pm

I have used bi-metal hole saws that include a centering bit. They are cheaper than the step bits, but they don't hold up near as well. If you are just doing a single drum then a good bi-metal hole saw bit will do the job just fine. If you think you will be doing more than a single build then a step bit is worth the money. Since it is 'stepped' you can use it for a variety of the holes you may need or desire.

Since I got tired of wearing out the bi-metal hole saws and bought a step bit I have only used the step bit. I now have two and that is all I use during drum builds. They are safe and easy to use and make much cleaner holes.
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Drill bit

Postby Raider18 » Sat Aug 31, 2013 11:14 pm

I bought a UDS just want to add a grommet for temp probes


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Re: Drill bit

Postby Grillatarian » Sun Sep 01, 2013 9:42 pm

As long as you use a bit rated for metal you will be fine. For a single hole, buying the proper sized bit may be your best choice. If you are making a large hole, 1/2" or larger, then I would still grab a step bit. Hard to beat for control and versatility. If you're going to use a coax or similar 1/4" sized ferrule assembly, then a single bit should work fine and would be easier on the wallet.
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Drill bit

Postby Raider18 » Sun Sep 01, 2013 10:53 pm

I bought a grommet from Cajun bandit.


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Re: Drill bit

Postby Boots » Mon Sep 02, 2013 12:30 am

Use oil or some light running water to cool and lube the bit while drilling steel, it will cut better and last longer.
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Re: Drill bit

Postby Big Ed » Mon Sep 02, 2013 4:09 am

I use a uni-bit, a step drill. Works great and you can drill up to a 1'' hole.
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Re: Drill bit

Postby SoEzzy » Sun Sep 22, 2013 4:36 pm

Use a high speed steel (hss) drill bit, to create a pilot hole then use a step bit to get to the size that you want.

On a 55 Gallon drum, go to 1/2" on a step bit, on the lid, I drill 8 exhaust holes in my lids. You can go to 3/4" for the intakes and I like 6 of them.

When cooking on a UDS, close the intakes about 3 or 4 minutes before you take the lid off, work with the lid off for less than a minute, then put the lid on and wait 8 to 10 minutes before you reopen the intake... if you follow this, you will reduce the temperature spikes in your UDS and be able to maintain a much more even cooking temperature.
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Re: Drill bit

Postby Raider18 » Sat Oct 12, 2013 7:59 pm

Used a regular drill, installed R&O more racks, one for meat and another for when I use a water pan


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Re: Drill bit

Postby txluke » Tue Feb 18, 2014 9:09 pm

Technically you only need one drill bit to make a UDS. It is the size needed for the bolts to hold the grate. For the intake just drill a cluster of holes and use a refrigerator magnet to adjust. Use the bung for exhaust or go with clusters again. I built one this way and used the drill bit and drill as my only tools. I used wing nuts to hold the bolts in and bolts and wing nuts to hold my charcoal basket together. Why? Because someone told me he didn't have enough tools to build one. I showed him.
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Re: Drill bit

Postby Vinnere » Thu Nov 29, 2018 5:43 am

I know it's an old thread, but maybe it will be a timely resurrection for someone.

I want tell how I did my bass drum last week for the double tom holder. First, measure 4 times, place a mark and measure again. Second, I put blue painters tape, double thick, on the drum and put my marks on that. Second Put the tape on the inside as well to prevent any tear out of wood ply. Drill small pilot holes first, then make sure your tape on the inside is in the proper place. If the holes only need standard drill bits like this https://mechanicguides.com/best-drill-bit-for-metal/, nothing like hole saws, then now you can now drill the proper size for the bolts. Once the holes are drilled remove the tape. The blue tape should leave no residue. Mine didn't. Make sure any gaskets are placed on the drums outside then put the pieces together. Hand tighten to make sure they are perfectly lined up, then tighten with a tool. Carefully. Any other ???? please PM me. Measure measure measure. Oh one more thing. Do not force the drill thru the wood and make sure the bit is sharp.
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Re: Drill bit

Postby OldUsedParts » Thu Nov 29, 2018 7:04 am

Vinnere wrote:I know it's an old thread, but maybe it will be a timely resurrection for someone.

I want tell how I did my bass drum last week for the double tom holder. First, measure 4 times, place a mark and measure again. Second, I put blue painters tape, double thick, on the drum and put my marks on that. Second Put the tape on the inside as well to prevent any tear out of wood ply. Drill small pilot holes first, then make sure your tape on the inside is in the proper place. If the holes only need standard drill bits like this https://mechanicguides.com/best-drill-bit-for-metal/, nothing like hole saws, then now you can now drill the proper size for the bolts. Once the holes are drilled remove the tape. The blue tape should leave no residue. Mine didn't. Make sure any gaskets are placed on the drums outside then put the pieces together. Hand tighten to make sure they are perfectly lined up, then tighten with a tool. Carefully. Any other ???? please PM me. Measure measure measure. Oh one more thing. Do not force the drill thru the wood and make sure the bit is sharp.


I approved this because it made me smile :laughing7: :lol: :D
Sir Vinnere, the Drum that is mentioned at the beginning is an UGLY DRUM SMOKER and it "does not" have a double Tom Tom Mount :lol:
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Re: Drill bit

Postby TwoGuysBBQ » Thu Nov 29, 2018 9:34 am

:shock: :oops: 8)

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