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What is an annular cutter?

An annular cutter, also known as a core drill, cuts only around the edge of a hole and removes the centre as a solid slug. Because it removes less material than a twist drill, it can produce large, accurate holes faster and with less power.

Euroboor annular cutters are designed for use with magnetic drilling machines. The range includes HSS, HSS-Co and TCT annular cutters for different materials, diameters and cutting depths.

Which annular cutter do you need?

Cutter type

Best suited for

Main advantage

HSS

General metalworking in mild and structural steel, aluminium, copper and plastics

Versatile and accurate

HSS-Co

Repetitive drilling and more demanding materials

Greater hardness and heat resistance

TCT

Hardened, stainless and high-tensile-strength steel

Extremely hard, durable cutting teeth

HSS annular cutters

High Speed Steel (HSS) annular cutters are a versatile choice for everyday fabrication and general metalworking. Their tooth geometry and spiral flutes support a fast, stable cut with effective chip removal and a smooth hole finish.

Euroboor HSS annular cutters feature an additional landing on the outside, helping them cut more accurately with less friction. The precision-ground inner surface gives the slug room to expand, helping prevent it from binding inside the cutter.

HSS-Co annular cutters

HSS-Co annular cutters are manufactured from M35 High Speed Steel containing 5% cobalt. The added cobalt increases hardness and helps the cutting edges retain their performance at higher temperatures.

Fully ground flutes support efficient chip removal, making HSS-Co a strong choice for harder materials, repetitive drilling and applications requiring higher cutting performance.

TCT annular cutters

Tungsten Carbide Tipped annular cutters are designed for demanding drilling applications. Euroboor TCT cutters use durable carbide cutting teeth for materials such as HARDOX, stainless steel, high-tensile-strength steel and railway track.

Their spiral flute geometry supports effective chip removal, while the tooth positioning helps limit heat development. TCT cutters are also well suited to larger diameters and greater cutting depths.

How do you choose the correct size and cutting depth?

The cutter diameter determines the size of the hole. The required cutting depth depends on the thickness of the workpiece.

Always select an annular cutter with sufficient cutting depth to pass completely through the material. Euroboor cutters are available in a wide range of diameters and cutting depths for both plate and pipe applications.

Which shank does an annular cutter use?

Euroboor annular cutters are fitted as standard with high-precision Weldon shanks. Depending on the cutter size and specification, two shank diameters are used:

  • 19.05 mm (3/4")
  • 31.75 mm (1 1/4")

Cutters with a double-shank design (WelNit) are also available. These can be used on machinery requiring either a Weldon or Nitto fitment, increasing compatibility across different magnetic drilling machines.

For Euroboor TCT cutters, diameters up to 60 mm use a 19.05 mm WelNit shank. Diameters from 61 mm use a 31.75 mm Weldon shank.

Why is the pilot pin important?

A correctly fitting pilot pin supports accurate drilling and smooth operation. It performs three essential functions:

  • It centres the cutter before drilling begins.
  • It controls the flow of cutting lubricant.
  • It ejects the slug after the hole is completed.

The pilot pin must match the cutter diameter and cutting depth. An incorrect or poorly fitting pilot pin can affect centring, lubricant flow and slug ejection.

Why do cooling and lubrication matter?

Using the correct cutting lubricant can significantly extend the life of an annular cutter. It reduces friction and heat while helping the cutting teeth work efficiently.

Annular cutters perform best with internal cooling and lubrication. This delivers lubricant through the pilot pin directly to the cutting area, where it is needed most.

What RPM should you use?

The correct spindle speed depends on the cutter type, cutter diameter and material being drilled. TCT cutters generally require a higher spindle speed than HSS cutters under comparable drilling conditions. Using the recommended RPM helps control heat, improve cutting performance and extend cutter life. The Euroboor Cutting Speed Calculator provides a recommended spindle speed based on your cutter and application.

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