Drilling a pickaxe

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I need an excuse to fire up the welder, so I'm trying to repair a pickaxe blade.  The flat end developed a crack perpendicular to the cutting edge.  I'm have attempted to drill out the end of the crack with my drill press, but haven't had much success, except in dulling my drill bits.I bought these step drill bits hearing good things about them, but I haven't tried them yet.http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/cta...emnumber=91616From my research, I should also use cutting oil instead of WD40 for lubrication.Is there anything else I should do?  Am I using the wrong bits to drill the axe head?  Are those step bits sufficient for drilling hardened (I assume) steel?  Thanks!
Reply:The pictured step-drills, or Unibits, are for fast holes in light sheet metal work, and are not suitable for thicker metal.If the pick-axe is not too hard to drill, a high quality split point twist drill is what you need.For one hole, just use water as a flush and coolant.If a twist drill won't touch it, It'll have to be a carbide cutter.Maybe just burn in heavy at the end of the crack?Good Luck
Reply:I use water for a coolant because then I won't be stingy and I just pour the water to it while cutting.  Use a SLOW drill and sharp bit.  If that doesn't work, I agree to go to carbide.  Unibits are out, for the mentioned reason.
Reply:There is no need to drill a hole to stop the crack. Grind the crack out and weld it past the end of the crack and you are good. Of course after welding the blade it is junk until re-heat treated as you have destroyed the original temper of the tool.
Reply:Excellent tips everyone!So:1)  Grind the crack2)  Weld past the end of the crack3)  Heat temper the steelSo now I have an excuse to fire up the welder and the smoker!
Reply:I would just tack the opening of the crack and then weld. Use stellite hard facing rod.AWS certified welding inspectorAWS certified welder
Reply:Originally Posted by Donald BranscomI would just tack the opening of the crack and then weld. Use stellite hard facing rod.
Reply:I've got a nice pick axe.  I've replaced the head twice and the handle three times, but it's still the best pick axe I've ever owned.
Reply:I have a nice pickax too. I make sure it stays in pristine condition by leaving it over in the corner of the shop. I hope I never have to pick that thing up again.
Reply:that's why man invented the backhole. to retire the pick axe and make it into a dust collector.
Reply:Mac, Oldtimer, Patrick......"Any day above ground is a good day"http://www.farmersamm.com/