Preferred method of cutting Stainless Steel?

[DethApostle]

Hi all,

I've finally taken delivery of a new 56l boiler (from TheHomeBrewShop.co.uk) however need to make some additional holes for an extra element and built in whirl-pooler amongst other things.
I've trawled Google for most of today and there seem to be 3 main ways of making new holes in stainless steel pots. Bearing in mind I will need to buy the equipment which do people generally think is best or most cost effective? Stepped Drills, QMax Cutter or Hole Saws?

Thanks
DA

[barneey]

A qmax cutter will provide a easy and fast way of cutting a hole, providing you have access to both sides of the pot, a TCT Starett Cutter is also an option but not as easy to use, step drills work but IMO go for a qmax or TCT.

[Secla]

Yeh I used qmax, simple and a good finish if a little pricey for a 1 off use

[JamesF]

Definitely a QMax cutter. Easy to use and does a very neat job. And if you never wanted to use it again I'm sure offering it for sale here would get a bit of cash back.

James

[DethApostle]

Thanks for the replies folks. 40mm Qmax and a couple of drill bits ordered!

Cheers
DA

[EccentricDyslexic]

Always worth keeping in mind that whenever you need to drill/cut stainless, keep it cool! If allowed to heat up, the stainless will harden, and you have to use brute force to get through it!

I used a hole cutter with a hose pipe flowing water over the stainless to keep it stone cold, go nice and slow- it works a treat. Don't use a mains drill though....

steve

[DethApostle]

I think I have some cutting paste somewhere in the garage so that'll work. Thanks for the tip though!

DA

[JamesF]

I used some cutting fluid (that I have for the lathe) when drilling the pilot holes for the QMax cutters. It definitely made life easier.

James