Drilling holes in a pot

Hi-yas,

Is there a cheap and/or easy way of drilling holes in a pot to install taps && probes, etc. ?

I want to put a tap-thread (21mm), a thermowell socket (26.5mm) and a heating coil (32mm) into an old keg.
I don't really want to drop $99 on three drill bits that I'll use once, and I don't even know where to get a 26mm from.

Has anyone used one of those conical multi-size bits to drill into stainless steel?

Maybe I should just suck-it-up and spend the money, do a proper job of it.
My metalwork knowledge kind-a ends with aluminium foil though.

cheers,
-kt

kt wrote:Hi-yas,

Is there a cheap and/or easy way of drilling holes in a pot to install taps && probes, etc. ?

yeh borrow the drill bits.

i know duane has the 21mm as i borrowed it to put a tap in my keggle. dont know about the other sizes though

ask any builders you may know they might have a step drill bit.

I ordered the bits yesterday.

I still have to do something for those 26.5mm holes (for ½" threaded sockets).

My friend suggested using an air-powered burrer from a pilot hole. I think it's something like a powered file.

Cheapest was is to borrow the bits.
I was able to borrow a 32mm bit for my element hole, and bought a stepped bit for my tap which needed a 20mm hole.
The 20mm stepped bit was about $20 from bunnings, and in aluminium it was fine. but it is a soft metal.

The stepped bit held center easily, and i didn't have a problem. the 32mm hole bit, was more difficult to use, and drifted a bit. i guess the hole is slightly oval. but on a weldless kit it still sealed up.

I am also a dunce with metal so I was very nervous about ruining a perfectly good pot.

Might be worthwhile taking the pot to a metal worker. they might drill the holes for a 6pack.