Spade Drills

‌

Spade Drills for Metalworking Explored

Definition: In metalworking, spade drills are designed for drilling larger diameter holes in all types of metals such as steel, stainless steel, super alloys, aluminium, brass and cast iron. Consequently, they are engineered for speed and efficient material removal. To this end Spade drilling inserts for metalworking are often made from high speed steel, cobalt or most commonly coated carbide to enhance their durability and resistance to wear - making them suitable for the industries toughest materials. These drills are used in industrial environments due to their adaptability and cost-effectiveness for drilling holes in metal components for example.

‌

How to Choose the Correct Spade Drill For You?

Spade drills really are key drilling tools in metalworking, as they are known for their unique flat-shaped inserts design that is superb at creating larger holes in tough materials such as alloy steel and cast iron to name only two. They are used on both CNC and manual milling machines and lathes, for example.

Unlike twist drills and drill bits, which have a spiral-cutting design, spade drills feature a more blade-like tip that allows for faster drilling in various metals.

As a result, spade drills are typically preferred for their ability to tackle a wide range of tasks, from basic drill hole creation to deep hole drilling applications, precision drilling alike.

Their simplicity in structure often makes them a more cost-effective option compared to complex alternatives like replaceable head drills.

But, given such a large selection to choose from, how do you know which one to buy?

Well fear not, as we have put together this handy guide to help you determine which one is right for you.

‌

Brief History of Spade Drills

The first spade drills can be traced back to the very early metalworking needs when simpler designs were made to handle heavy-duty materials.

‌

Over the Years

Over the years, these tools have since improved, adopting stronger materials such as carbide and enhanced cutting geometries to keep up with industrial demands on the whole.

‌

Today

Today, spade drills are widely used in both industrial and DIY settings for drilling larger diameter holes with a very high level of precision and accuracy.

For instance, they are preferred in operations where high-speed and deep drilling is required, like in heavy machinery or construction, for example.

‌ ‌

Spade Drill Applications in Various Metalworking Industries

Spade drills are used across a wide range of industries and drilling applications due to their ability to create large, precise holes in metal very well and give you efficient and high-quality results. Consequently, Spade drills can be used in nearly any application where a conventional drill is needed to create holes - typically with a cutting diameter range from 10mm to 65mm.

For instance, some of these include:

‌

Automotive Industry Applications

Spade drills are frequently used to create holes in engine components, frame structures, and exhaust systems due to their durability and precision when drilling steel and aluminium.

‌

Aerospace and Aviation

In aerospace manufacturing, spade drills are then used to drill precision holes in lightweight metals like titanium and aluminium alloys - particularly in structural parts and fuselage components.

‌

Construction and Manufacturing

Construction applications also include drilling into steel beams and structural supports, while in general manufacturing, spade drills are used for producing metal fittings, fasteners, and brackets.

‌

Drilling Large Holes in Metal

Spade drills are ideal for creating large-diameter holes in metals like steel, aluminium, and brass in industrial settings.

‌

Boring Holes in Woodworking

Spade drills bits is different type of drill often used to make clean, deep holes in wood for furniture making, cabinetry, and construction projects, these tend to be made from high speed steel rather than carbide.

‌

Creating Holes for Plumbing Pipes

In construction, spade drills are used to bore holes for running pipes through wood or metal studs.

‌

Electrical Conduit Installation

Electricians use spade drills to create holes in walls, floors, or studs for installing electrical conduits.

‌

Shipbuilding and Marine Engineering

Spade drills are also used in heavy-duty drilling for ships, particularly in metal sheets and structural components for example.

‌

Tool and Die Making

Spade drills are also used in the production of tools and dies, where precise and high-speed drilling in hard metals is required.

What is a Spade Drill Made up of?

A spade drill consists of two key components: the drill body and the cutting insert.

‌

The Drill Body

The body of the spade drill, is made from a tough steel and comes in a variety of diameters, lengths and designs, for instance, some drills come with spiral flutes, others with straight flutes depending on the manufacturer.

‌

Cutting Edges

These cutting edges are then designed to shear through metal with minimal resistance. We should note that when the insert edge becomes worn, it can be quickly replaced directly on the machine.

‌

Materials Used in Spade Drill Construction

Spade drills are often made from High-speed Steel (HSS) or Carbide.

‌

HSS

HSS is a cost effective insert option for general purpose which is used on softer materials like mild steels, and non ferrous materials.

‌

Carbide

Carbide-tipped spade drill inserts, on the other hand, are much harder and more durable, making them ideal for drilling through tougher metals like stainless steel, and heat resistant super alloys for example.

‌

Surface Coatings

Then you have surface coatings, which can also be applied on top of the carbide inserts, such as Titanium Nitride (TiN) or Titanium Aluminium Nitride (TiAlN) - which are also common - these further improve the lifespan of the insert cutting edges by helping to reduce friction and heat buildup, which can wear a tool out prematurely.

‌

Types of Spade Drills for Metalworking

There are several types of spade drills, each suited to different tasks.

For instance, here you have:

‌

Standard Length Spade Drills

Standard length spade drills are usually 2 - 3 x the diameter..

‌

Long Series Spade Drills

Long series spade drills have longer body lengths and usually 5 - 8 x the diameter or even longer in some cases.

Spade Drill Shanks

Spade drills can also come with different shank designs to suit different machine tools, typically having a Morse taper or a weldon shank.

‌

Consequently, choosing the right spade drill type will help you get the best performance and the longest use in your metalworking task, as a result.

‌

Choosing the Right Spade Drill for Your Project

So, how do you select the right Spade Drill for your application?

Well, there are several factors here for you to consider when determining the appropriate drill.

For instance, these include:

‌

• Type of workpiece material being drilled
• Material thickness
• Hole diameter
• Shank type (depending on machine configuration or tool holder)

‌

For example, carbide-tipped spade drills are ideal for hard metals like tool steel, whereas standard HSS drills are better for softer metals such as aluminium.

‌

How Do Spade Drills Work in Metalworking?

Spade drills work by cutting through metal using their sharp ground cutting edges.

As the drill then rotates, the cutting edge shears through the material, creating a smooth accurate hole.

All while the flutes of the drill body helps clear away metal chips which prevents clogging from occurring.

Here the drilling speeds and feeds really are key to achieve the best performance, with slower cutting speeds recommended for harder workpiece materials, this avoids overheating which then helps to reduce premature tool wear.

‌ ‌ ‌

What Are The Benefits of Using Spade Drills for Metalworking?

One of the primary advantages of spade drills is their ability to adapt to drilling various metals just by changing to a different insert type.

For instance, their straightforward design makes them very cost-effective, while their durability and strength allow for repeated use without significant degradation in performance as they do so.

Spade drills also offer you very excellent hole quality in metalworking applications - making them ideal for both large-scale industrial use and smaller precision tasks.

Additionally, their flat design allows for a good efficient chip removal, this helps reduce the risk of the flutes clogging up when drilling deeper holes.

‌ ‌ ‌

What Are The Best Practices for Using Spade Drills on Metals to Get The Best Results?

To get the best results, certain practices should be followed when using spade drills in metalworking.

For instance, we would tend to recommend:

‌

Mark the Exact Location

Start by marking the exact location of the hole to be produced, using a centre punch or a centre drill to help guide the drill.

‌

Ensure the Workpiece is Properly Clamped

You also want to make sure that the workpiece is properly clamped securely to the machines table to avoid movement during drilling.

‌

Maintain Consistent Pressure

You then want to maintain the correct, consistent pressure and avoid pushing the drill too hard, as this can cause damage to the drill or even break.

‌

Apply the Correct Speed and Feed Rate

Additionally, using the correct speed and feed rate is key to reducing your tool wear and ensuring that you get a smooth finish as well.

‌ ‌ ‌

What Metals Can Spade Drills Be Used On?

Spade drills are very adaptable and can be used on a wide range of workpiece materials such as, carbide-tipped spade drills are recommended for harder metals.

In terms of the metals they can cut , with the right cutting insert selected, you have, for instance:

‌

• Aluminium
• Brass
• Copper
• Carbon Steel
• Steel
• High Temperature Alloys
• Tool steel
• Stainless Steel
• Structural Steel
• Cast Iron
• Bronze
• Titanium
• Zinc
• Nickel
• Magnesium
• Chromium
• Lead
• Molybdenum
• Tungsten
• Cobalt
• Pewter
• Platinum
• Silver
• Gold

‌ ‌ ‌

How Do I Maintain a Spade Drill?

Maintaining spade drills is actually really straightforward, as you should regularly inspect them for signs of wear or damage, and replace with a new insert when required, you may also want to consider applying lubricants during use, this can extend the life of the insert as well.

‌ ‌

Can I Use Spade Drills in a Hand Drill?

While Hss spade drills can technically be used in hand drills, for wood working projects, carbide spade drills are better suited for industrial machines like drill presses or CNC machines due to their shank design and the need for stable set up and cutting consistent pressure.

Consequently, they wouldn't be recommended for use in this way.

‌

What Is the Optimal Speed for Drilling with Spade Drills?

The speed and feeds you use depends on the workpiece material you are drilling into and the type of machinery being used.

For instance, softer metals like aluminium will require higher speeds, while harder metals like steel should be drilled at slower speeds to help prevent overheating, for example.

‌

How Do I Know When a Spade Drill Needs Replacing?

Signs of dullness include difficulty in cutting, increased heat buildup, and poor hole quality.

‌

Coolants and Lubrication During Spade Drilling

As you know, the use of coolants, cutting fluids improves lubrication and reduces heat in metalworking.

Since spade drills generate a significant amount of heat during cutting, proper lubrication helps minimise friction, which reduces any heat buildup, and extends the life of the tool as a result as well.

‌ ‌

Maintaining Spade Drills

Proper maintenance of spade drills is also key to ensuring that you get consistent performance while simultaneously extending your tool's lifespan.

As a result, routine inspection to make sure the insert is sharp and not chipped can really help to improve hole quality as a result.

‌

Proper Storage Techniques

For example, here, you want to store them in dry, cool conditions, away from moisture, as this can cause rusting - particularly on high-speed steel (HSS) spade drills.

‌

Use of Spade Drill Holders

You should also consider investing in dedicated CNC tool holders or storage cases to keep your spade drills organised and to avoid accidental damage to the cutting edges as well.

‌

Safety Considerations for Using Spade Drills in Metalworking

When working with spade drills, safety should always be your top priority.

Metalworking, as you know, can be dangerous, especially when using high-speed machinery.

Consequently, you should always take appropriate precautions to minimize any risks, make sure your working environment is clean and tidy, and that machinery is always well maintained.

‌

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

When it comes to PPE, there are a few areas you need to consider here consisting of for example:

‌

Safety Glasses or Face Shields

‌ This is because these Safety Glasses or Face Shields will protect machinist's eyes from metal chips and debris that can fly off whilst drilling.

‌ ‌

Protective Gloves

You will also want to make sure you have appropriate Heat-resistant gloves and hand protection to help protect your hands from sharp edges and hot metal chips.

However, be cautious about loose-fitting gloves around rotating machinery.

‌

Ear Protection

Drilling through metal can be noisy, so ear protection is another safety essential, especially in high-decibel environments.

‌ ‌

Appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Clothing

You also want to avoid loose clothing that can get caught in machinery, and always wear fitted workwear and Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and ensure long hair is tied back at all times as well.

‌ ‌

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Using Spade Drills on Metal

Even experienced metalworkers can make mistakes when using spade drills, and here are some common errors and how to avoid them to help you get the most from drilling tools:

‌

Incorrect Cutting Speeds

Drilling at excessive speeds and without proper lubrication can cause the drill to overheat - leading to tool damage.

Consequently, always use the recommended cutting speed and coolant for the workpiece material when possible, this will give you the best results and avoid premature wear.‌

‌

Incorrect Feed Rates

This is one that we see often, as pushing the drill through the workpiece material too fast can cause poor hole quality and premature tool damage.

Consequently, it is essential to match the manufactures feed rate with the workpiece materials hardness.

‌

Failure to Use Proper Clamping and Support:

Not securing the workpiece can also lead to inaccurate drilling, tool breakage, or serious safety hazards.

Always clamp the workpiece securely before starting any work on it.

‌

Skipping Centre Marking

Failure to centre punch or centre drill the workpiece before hand can easily cause the spade drill to wander off course - leading to angled or out of position holes and could even damage the workpiece or drill as a result.

‌ ‌

The Importance of the Shank in Spade Drills

The shank of a spade drill plays another key role in its overall performance and stability during metalworking tasks.

For example, the shank is the part of the drill that is inserted into the drill press, CNC machine or any other drilling equipment, you will need to match the drill shank with a compatible tool holder or machine spindle.

Straight Shank Design

One of the most common shank types for drills is a straight shank.

A straight shank or otherwise known as a plain or cylindrical shanked drill, allows you to hold spade drills in a hydraulic or a collet chuck which makes it compatible with a wide variety of milling machines and lathes.

This then gives you a secure set up, which in turn reduces the risk of slippage during use, especially in high-torque applications for example.

Weldon Shank Design

Weldon shanked drills is another popular shank type on spade drills and has one or two flats machined on the drill shank of the drill, these drills shanks are used in side lock tool holders and grub screws are used to clamp the drill in place, this avoids any drill movement when used during heavy drilling operations.

Morse Taper Shanks

Morse taper shanks tend to be used more on manual machines like drill presses and lathes, this design has been around for many decades and is still popular with machine tool manufactures even today, still popular even with the new modern manufacturing developments.

‌

How to Choose Between Spade Drills and Other Metalworking Tools

When deciding between spade drills and other metalworking tools, such as annular cutters, twist drills, or step drills, it is important to consider the specific project needs.

‌

Comparing Spade Drills to Other Large Diameter Drilling Methods:

For instance, here you have:

‌

Annular Cutters

These are more ideal for large-diameter holes with minimal material removal, as annular cutters may offer faster cutting speeds but do come at a higher cost.

‌ ‌

Twist Drills

Hss twist drills are more cost effective when you have a requirement to drill a wide variety of larger diameter holes. Twist drills work well for general-purpose tasks but may not be as effective for large volumes within in a production environment as what carbide spade drills are for instance.

‌ ‌

Step Drills

Step drills are best suited for drilling through thinner sheet metal plates and don’t work in heavy-duty metalworking tasks compared to spade drills.

‌ ‌

Troubleshooting Common Issues with Spade Drills

When using spade drills, certain issues may arise that can affect it’s performance.

Consequently, we have highlighted some of the common issues you may see and why this could be the case to help you debug your issue further.

‌

Poor Hole Quality

If you are seeing a poor quality surface finish, then this is often down to incorrect surface speed or feed rate being used, or it could be unstable work holding or even a lack of lubrication.

‌

Solution

Here, you want to work out which of those could be causing the problem (as it could be multiple). So you could either adjust the speed and feed, clamp the workpiece in a more rigid work holding device like a vice or a chuck, while also ensuring the use of proper lubrication to reduce friction.

‌

Premature Tool Wear:

If you see your tools wearing out prematurely, you want to check for overheating, which could be due to insufficient coolant or an excessive drilling speeds.

‌

Solution

If you spot or believe this is the case, you could apply coolant or a metal cutting fluid consistently and also reduce your drill speed - which is especially important when working with harder workpiece materials like stainless steel for instance.

Some spade drills also come with through tool coolant, this helps direct coolant straight to the cutting edge and also helps to flush out swarf, but bear in mind your machine will need through spindle coolant capability to be able to make use of this feature.

‌ ‌

Drill Breakage:

If you notice the spade drill insert becomes chipped rather than worn it could be due to the workpiece isn’t securely fastened to the machines table, carbide is a very hard material but also very brittle, so minimizing vibration and chatter is very important to avoid this.

‌

Solution

Here, you want to use the correct type of spade drill for the workpiece material and apply consistent moderate pressure during drilling process. Make sure the spade drill inserts are stored safely in the supplied box when not being used.

‌ ‌ ‌

Spade Drills in Metalworking - Which One Is Right For You?

As you can see above, spade drills have proven themselves to be indispensable tools in the metalworking industry due to their efficiency, precision, and large number of applications.

For instance, their ability to drill a wide range of workpiece materials, from softer materials like aluminium to harder alloys such as titanium, makes them a key part of any machinist’s toolkit.

So, whether you are working on automotive parts, aerospace components, or large-scale construction projects, spade drills offer you the reliability and effectiveness needed to complete these demanding jobs as a result.

‌ ‌ ‌

Related Products

If you are interested in these Spade Drill Inserts, you may also like:

‌

• Spade Drill Bodies
• Spade Drill Inserts
• Carbide Drill Bits

‌ ‌

Contact Customer Support

If you are still not sure which Spade Drill is right for you or you need help, then please contact our team, and we will be happy to help you understand which ones are perfect for you and your team.

Standard Delivery Information

We have also extended our delivery service and ordering hours to offer you next working day delivery, making your shipping experience even easier.

Place your order online by 7 p.m. and choose the delivery charge that suits you best to ensure the timely, UK mainland hassle-free delivery of your products.

Standard next-day delivery is also available for all products ordered within the specified time, with free shipping for certain items as well.

Who Is MSC Direct?

Here at MSC Industrial Supply Co., we are a leading supplier of industrial tools, equipment, and maintenance supplies across the United Kingdom and can also offer you trade accounts, along with a wide range of inserts in our product range above.

As a result, we can offer you a vast selection of similar products, including countersinks, masonry drill bits, hand tools, indexable insert drills, cutting tools, abrasives, power tools, Reamer tools, and safety equipment, many of which are available with special offers.

We also serve a wide range of industries, from manufacturing and engineering to maintenance and beyond.

Consequently, our outstanding customer service and expert technical team, fast delivery times, and technical support make us a trusted partner for all your business needs as a result.