01M546 - Walter SST+ 23/32" Cobalt Prentice Drill Bit with 1/2" Shank

High-Performance Drilling for Large Diameters

The Walter 23/32" SST+ Prentice Drill Bit (01M546) is an industrial-grade cutting tool engineered for precision and longevity in the most demanding metalworking environments. Designed to bridge the gap between large-diameter hole requirements and standard chuck capacities, this bit features a "Prentice" or Silver & Deming style design. The cutting diameter is a substantial 23/32 inches, while the shank is reduced to 1/2 inch, allowing it to be utilized in a wide range of portable power drills and stationary drill presses that would otherwise be limited to smaller bits.

Advanced Metallurgy and Geometry

At the core of this drill bit's performance is its material composition. Manufactured from a high-speed steel (HSS) matrix blended with Cobalt, the SST+ series exhibits superior hardness and red-heat resistance compared to standard HSS bits. This makes it particularly effective when drilling tough materials like stainless steel, where heat buildup is a primary cause of tool failure. The bit is finished with Walter's exclusive bronze SST surface treatment, which significantly reduces the coefficient of friction between the tool and the workpiece. This coating aids in smooth chip evacuation, reduces heat generation, and ultimately extends the service life of the cutting edges.

Secure Grip and Precision

One of the critical features of the 01M546 is its shank design. Large diameter bits often generate significant torque, which can cause round shanks to spin inside the drill chuck, damaging both the bit and the tool. Walter has addressed this by machining three distinct flats onto the 1/2-inch shank. These flats provide a positive lock within the chuck jaws, ensuring maximum torque transmission without slippage. Furthermore, the tip geometry is ground to a self-centering point (typically 135° split point style for this series), which allows the operator to start drilling immediately without the need for a center punch or a pilot hole. This feature not only saves time but also ensures greater accuracy in hole placement.

Versatile Applications

This drill bit is an essential asset for maintenance, repair, and operations (MRO) professionals. It excels in drilling round surfaces and is robust enough for heavy-duty fabrication tasks involving mild steel, non-ferrous metals, and stainless steel alloys. Whether used in a hand-held drill for on-site repairs or a magnetic drill press for structural work, the Walter SST+ Prentice drill delivers consistent, clean holes with minimal effort.