When drilling holes in titanium, when should you lubricate the drill bit?

Lubricating the drill bit between each hole when drilling in titanium is vital for several reasons. Titanium is known for its strength and toughness, which can lead to increased friction and heat generation during the drilling process. Applying lubrication helps to reduce this friction, thereby minimizing heat buildup. Excessive heat can cause rapid wear of the drill bit, reduce the tool's effectiveness, and potentially lead to drill bit failure.

Lubrication between holes ensures that each new hole being drilled benefits from a fresh application of lubricant, helping to maintain optimal drilling conditions throughout the process. This practice not only extends the life of the tooling but also improves the quality of the holes being drilled by preventing issues such as galling or material welding to the bit.

While lubricating before each hole could seem beneficial, it does not accommodate the timing needed for each drilling operation, and lubricating after every few holes may not provide consistent lubrication. Only lubricating when noticed ignores the preventative aspect of lubrication that is essential for effective drilling in tough materials like titanium.