What is the best bit to drill thu 316 stainless plate

[Mr. Sandman]

Slow is not working. I ordered new bits as directed above along with better cutting fluid.

T-316/316L STAINLESS STEEL SHEET / PLATE 3/16" T-316-2B Annealed
is what I am working with.

I am using it to back up two stern cleats on the transom. I need something that looks nice, will not rust when directly exposed to the elements, is stiff and will spread the load over more square inches than a few washers and with acorn nuts (which was there).

This stuff seems to laugh at drill bits. Need to drill 8, 5/16" holes. Have 2.5 drilled and have gone thru 6 bits. It is maddening. I thought this would take 15 minutes...Jezzzus, this is turning into a project itself now.


Moved on to more electrical work, will get back to this when the bits arrive. (nobody sells that stuff where I live, everything comes from the internet)

I ordered some bits made for hardened SS and will adjust the drillpress belts for the highest speed it can deliver, will go slow and lube this up like a dried out New Bedford hooker on a Friday night.