Annular Cutters

Select a cutter by its diameter and cutting depth to match the hole size and workpiece thickness; choose materials/coatings based on the workpiece—high-speed steel (HSS) or cobalt HSS for mild steel and stainless, and carbide or TiN/TiCN coatings for abrasive or high-production work

Annular cutters are commonly used with magnetic drills, drill presses, and dedicated arbor-mounted systems; ensure the cutter shank and arbor taper (e.g., Weldon, 19mm, 3/4") and pilot pin style match your machine

Lifespan depends on material, coating, feed rate, speed, coolant use, and workpiece hardness; properly matched cutters with correct speeds, steady feed, and adequate lubrication can last many holes, while misuse or cutting hardened materials will shorten life

Use manufacturer-recommended RPMs based on cutter diameter and workpiece material—lower speeds for larger diameters and harder metals—and apply cutting fluid or coolant to reduce heat, improve chip evacuation, and extend tool life

Many HSS and cobalt cutters can be re-sharpened by a toolroom with the correct equipment; replace cutters when re-sharpening is no longer economical or when coatings are worn off and re-coating is impractical

Use the correct pilot pin, maintain steady feed pressure, clear chips frequently, keep coolant flowing, and verify machine alignment; ensure the cutter is perpendicular to the workpiece and that speeds/feeds suit the material to avoid taper and jamming