Cutting broaches on steel?

[Steve CrowParticipant @stevecrow46066]

I've using cutting broaches for some time now – for small work (0.8 to 2mm dia.) my standard procedure is to drill a hole under size and bring it up with a broach and smoothing broach if necessary.

The thing is, I've been working exclusively with brass but now I need some smooth, precise holes in steel.

The steel in question is annealed Stanley and Swann Morton blades between 0.4 and 0.65mm thick. They both saw, file and drill beautifully when annealed. I'll also be using 1/32" ground flat stock.

I'm reluctant to dive in with my Bergeon broaches so has anybody any experience with this?

If not, is there an alternative tool I could make for the purpose? It must be something I can use by hand. Maybe a D- bit with a very gentle taper?

Any suggestions?

Cheers

Steve

[Steve CrowParticipant @stevecrow46066]

[JohnFParticipant @johnf59703]

Steve , not speaking from great experience with this type of tool tbut I would not use the broaches you use on brass, buy another set, I see no reason why they should not work on steel indeed I have use the type of broach you are speaking of on steel and they worked just fine. You do have to leave as little as possible to remove they are not designed to move large amounts of material. a D bit could work but difficult to make in te sizes you are quoting,

Hopefully others willl pass no their comments as well John

Edited By JohnF on 02/08/2017 09:54:40

[Neil WyattModerator @neilwyatt]

You could make a spark eroder and use a round copper electrode. Would give you parallel holes too.

Neil

[Martin KyteParticipant @martinkyte99762]

Funny you should ask that. It seems that Greenwood tools are selling machine reamers in 0.01mm increments which is a new one on me.

http://www.greenwood-tools.co.uk/shop/drilling-tools/machine-reamers.html

They are not cheap.

regards Martin

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