Solid Carbide Drill Calculator
High-penetration carbide drilling parameters with through-spindle coolant pressure and pilot drilling rules.
Carbide Tool & Cutting Setup
Internal through-spindle coolant strongly recommended to flush chips without pecking. Maintain 8–12% emulsion concentration for lubricity.
Direct single-shot drilling approved. 140° self-centering point does not require a pilot hole for L/D ≤ 5.
Never Peck with Modern Carbide
Pecking a solid carbide drill causes thermal shock when coolant floods the red-hot cutting edge during retract. It also work-hardens austenitic materials (like 304 stainless) and risks jamming chips when plunging back into the hole. For holes up to 5×D to 8×D, drill continuously in a single plunge with high-pressure internal coolant.
Runout (TIR) Tolerances
Solid carbide has zero ductility and high notch sensitivity. Total indicator runout (TIR) must be maintained under 0.008 mm (0.0003") measured 3×D from the holder. Always choose high-rigidity hydraulic chucks or shrink-fit holders over standard ER collets or set-screw Weldon flat holders.
Deep Hole Pilot Sequence (8×D+)
When drilling beyond 8×D, use a short stub drill (1.5×D to 2×D) with a point angle equal to or greater than the deep drill (142° pilot for a 140° drill). Enter the pre-drilled pilot hole at 300 RPM without coolant, turn on high-pressure TSC, ramp to 100% drilling speed, drill through, and reduce RPM to 500 before retracting.