Which Drill Bit for Steel

[Underdog57]

With a good example of how to do it hand sharpening is not hard to do at all; Shield Arc showed me how as he stated.

I found that a lot of drill bits new are not sharpened properly. I ended up buying a 7/8" bit for a project and it did not cut for hill of beans. Very frustrating. After I learned how to hand sharpen I sharpened the 7/8" bit and WOW does it cut nice now. Learn how and do not hesitate to sharpen even your new ones if they do not cut properly. You can even go back and sharpen the broken bits if they still have any flute left and use them.

I think Shield Arc should make a YouTube video and show us all how to do it! :thumbsup:

 

[Shield Arc]

Here is a pretty good video.
Sharpening Twist Drills by Hand - Part 1 of 2: Introduction.mp4 - YouTube

 

[zing]

Here is a pretty good video.
Sharpening Twist Drills by Hand - Part 1 of 2: Introduction.mp4 - YouTube

That was good, thanks for the link!

 

[BKBoiss]

I was trying to use a drill doctor at our shop when I was about 16 when one of our mechanics offered to show me how to sharpen by hand, once I learned that it made things so much easier. In the beginning sometimes I would sharpen one and it wouldn't bite and it would take me a few times to get it right but now it's only once in a blue moon that I have to redo one. If you have old bits just practice on them to learn your angles and what not and then when you get to a project you'll have a pretty good idea what your doing. As well like someone else said if there are still flutes left you can resharpen a broken bit, these are great for short holes in tight spots and such as the stubby ones are less prone to bend or break when you put pressure on them.

 

[Underdog57]

Here is a pretty good video.
Sharpening Twist Drills by Hand - Part 1 of 2: Introduction.mp4 - YouTube

Thanks SA, very good video I have a few bits I tried sharpening without having any idea how to do it, now I know why it didn't work!! :mur:

 

[kencunningham]

The drill doctor i have ( i can't recall the model number ) can be used to make split point bits out of regular bits. And i would have to agree that split point bits cut better. When i get a chance im gonna watch that video on hand sharpening, mine only does up to 3/4 inch. I'll have to invest in a new bench grinder, mine is not very good.

 

[Shield Arc]

I bought a wider wheel for my bench grinder to do bigger bits.

 

[wdchyd]

I bought a wider wheel for my bench grinder to do bigger bits.

Here ya go ShieldArc......here's a sharpener for up the 2.500"

 

[muddstopper]

http://www.kellyindustrial.com/images/April_Special__12.pdf best bits I have ever used. I have drilled probably 100- 1/2in holes in 1/4-1/2in mild steel and still havent had to sharpen the bit.