9-piece setMilwaukee’s M18 Fuel™ 1½” Magnetic Drill is fitted with a quick-release Weldon chuck to fit and rapidly change annular cutters, and even to mount a Weldon to ½” adapter for conventional twist bits. Their 9-piece annular cutter set (49-22-8410) is a good companion to this and other mag drills. The German-made kit includes 9 cutters ranging from ½” to 1-1/16″,  and two pilot pins.

From Milwaukee’s overview:

“Dual alternating tooth geometry and thin-wall construction help Milwaukee’s durable 9-Piece Annular Cutter Set cut up to 15% faster than the competition. With 20% thinner walls, these cutters displace less material for the same size hole, giving you fast, burr-free holes in anything from sheet metal to thick steel plate. Milwaukee’s proprietary high-speed steel with three
hardness zones minimizes breakage and helps the bits last longer. Each cutter comes with a 3/4” Weldon shank, which is ideal for use with most small magnetic drill presses and large magnetic drill presses with the correct arbor. The kit includes 1/2″, 9/16″, 5/8″, 11/16″, 3/4″, 13/16″, 7/8″, 15/16″ and 1-1/16″ cutters, two 2″ pilot bits (centering pins) and a sturdy carrying case.”

 

1" CutterThe tooth geometry can be seen in Milwaukee’s catalog shot of this 1″ bit. They are quite sharp as are the helical edges, allowing the cutters to leave a very clean hole. I was able to poke a finger through several test bores without fear of cuts from burrs or slivers. The cutters feed easily through steel, a feat that this woodworker finds quite remarkable. A small amount of cutting fluid from the mag drill’s tank or applied directly keeps them cool and happy and sharp.



close_cuttersThe kits come with 2 ejector (or pilot) pins that help center the drill over the marked hole locations, start the cutting fluid flow when compressed and eject the cut plug when the operation is through. I imagine it’s considered a no-no, but I have removed the cutter from the drill and lightly tapped the pin to release a tight plug. There was no harm, as far as I could tell.

These cutters are a considerable step up from twist bits or metal cutting hole saws for structural steel, pipe, sheet steel and other applications. The following video shows several holes being bored in ¼” steel:



Milwaukee’s annular cutters are available in 6 and 9 piece kits or individually.

-dvl