Recommended bit to drill a large (2” hole) through side of pan

[Bruce L]

Looking for a bit to drill a large hole through the side of the flue pan to run the manifold through for the bubbler.Thanks

[fred]

Electricians knock-out

[BAP]

I have drilled stainless steel sap tanks with a good quality hole saw made for metal. I believe the one I used was a Lenox brand.

[minehart gap]

Just my 2 cents and I am not familiar with enhanced steam away's but wouldn't it be better to build a riser section between the pan and the steam away with a hole in that? You obviously have a good bit invested and I would want to find a way to preserve it. Maybe not practical but figured I'd give my thoughts.

[Openwater]

I usually use a step-bit when drilling any holes in metal.

[TapTapTap]

Electricians knock-out

I agree. Punch it out.

[johnallin]

Looking for a bit to drill a large hole through the side of the flue pan to run the manifold through for the bubbler.Thanks

Bruce Like BAP, I used a 2" Milwaukee hole saw to go through the side of my hood..
Use good steady pressure...keep drill speed as slow as you can..keep some cutting oil on it.
Most important is to keep rpms as low as you can.

Go too fast with speed and your saw/bit is toast.

hole saw.jpg

[DrTimPerkins]

I agree. Punch it out.

We used to have a metal-working person come do it....he used a large cone shaped grinding stone, but made a heck of a mess. We've used a hole saw occasionally, lots of sharp filings and the holes weren't always perfect. A few years ago we invested in a Greenlee punch (knockout) set -- a wonderful acquisition. Quick, smooth, no filings or dust.

[maple flats]

I second the Greenlee punch. Having been in the heating and associated electrical business for years I became acquainted with Greenlee punches. In that business most were to add knock out holes for electrical connectors to be installed. Thus once I got into Maple any time I needed a perfectly neat hole in SS I used the right sized Greenlee punch. Just be certain what size you need, you mention a 2" hole, but is that the O.D of what you want to attach or in I.D.? Measure the O.D. (outside diameter) and get that size. It will make a perfect hole with no distortion every time.
It will have a high grade bolt that will need to go thru the piece being punched. The hole can be drilled using a cobalt bit of the proper size or even a step titanium bit. It's ok of that hole is not perfectly smooth, wavy is OK. Then you will use the punch. It has 2 parts, a punch and a die. The bolt will pull the punch into the die making a perfect hole every time. Smaller punches have 2 leading edges, larger ones can have more than 2. My largest is a 1.75", I think that size still has just 2 points. Someplace larger than 1.75" the use more points. While Greenlee is the name of the original manufacturer, I've seen the same type of punches made by others, I don't know about their quality.
According to my now deceased BIL those punches are also used to punch holes in Chassis on vehicles. Maybe you can rent one from a frame shop, or even a large rental yard patronizing tradesmen. If a 2" is the right size, you can find it for $60 up to about $200 depending on who you buy from. Shop around, Google can be your friend.

[Bruce L]

Thanks everyone,actually have two brothers in law are plumbers/ electrician,one checking now to see if he has a big enough punch. Also have a friend in auto repair business to check with. Saw one of these way back in the 90’s but didn’t know what it was. Picking up a flue pan at Small Brothers in Quebec and they had the drainage hole on wrong side,while I was there he drilled a pilot hole,then put the ratchet to something and just ratcheted until a perfect hole cut out and soldered in a new fitting while I watched.