What to Buy? DRILL BITS Sharpner?

[suncoast]

The "Drill Doctor" is a very wise investment. I have used one for many Years and have saved literally thousands of dollars. There are very good brands and pretty much worthless no name drill bits. Anyone with a drill press knows what a cheap bit acts like. (You can see how out of round it turns). Different bits are advantageous for the material they are used on. HSS are very basic along with black oxide. I would have to be in a real pinch to use either; plastic, PVC or very thin wood. Titanium coated bits are what I use for wood and Cobalt is the only bit for metal. Silver & Deming are the inexpensive choice for large steel bits. Always use a lubricant when drilling metal, (not wd-40 or the likes) I use a lightweight "clear" lubricant for soft and cold rolled steel and a petrolium based lube for hot rolled steel (which has more debris in it). Try a machining forum and you will learn a lot about this topic.

 

[Blagadan]

Dormer split point bits would be my first choice. I've had some bits that I've worked hard and are still in good shape, even after drilling a lot of 316 stainless. Slow speed, lots of oil and not too much pressure on the press and they will last ages. More expensive than DIY bits of course but well worth the extra cost.

I have some dewalt split point bits that I use for general purpose drilling and such. I like these too, they keep a sharp point and last quite a while.
I do sharpen my dull bits, but once they've been sharpened they go into a big box under my drill press for light use only, obviously I cant resharpen a split point and so grind it back to standard cutting face. I prefer factory honed split points up to 13mm.

 

[4shorts]

Being involved in machining work, automotive repair and fabrication work for years drill bit sharpening has been a very important task to me. I've sharpened bits most of the time by hand until I purchased the Drill Doctor 750X last year. This tool is an esiential tool in our shop. It does a perfect job making the bits look as good if not better then new. They just don't look good they work! It's saved me money and time by having it in our shop.

 

[J_J]

I have some smaller size bits that have about a 1/4 in threaded end on them. I believe some call them aircraft bits. Well anyway, I have seen them drill many holes in a file demonstrating this bit. I was impressed, and now have several boxes of them. I also have the Drill Doctor, and like the results, and I believe it will do split point. Titanium coated. Just what is the purpose of titanium on the outside of the bit, If the total bit is not titanium why bother. If you grind the tip of a titanium bit, is there any titanium left. A carbide bit is supposed to be carbide, through and through. Cobalt the same way. When picking up an unknown bit, most people will not know what they have. I don't believe that a magnet will stick to carbide. Don't loan good bits and good tools to friends, or anybody.

 

[Egon]

Don't loan good bits and good tools to friends, or anybody.

That is the only type I would loan to my Friends. They are worth it and I do respect them.

 

[J_J]

The angles do vary for sharpening drill bits. Usually about 59 degrees for most bits

Lip clearance angles must be adjusted to the metal's degree of hardness and machinability. GENERALLY, less clearance for hard metals and increased clearance for softer metals accordingly.

 

[4shorts]

I have some smaller size bits that have about a 1/4 in threaded end on them. I believe some call them aircraft bits. Well anyway, I have seen them drill many holes in a file demonstrating this bit. I was impressed, and now have several boxes of them. I also have the Drill Doctor, and like the results, and I believe it will do split point. Titanium coated. Just what is the purpose of titanium on the outside of the bit, If the total bit is not titanium why bother. If you grind the tip of a titanium bit, is there any titanium left. A carbide bit is supposed to be carbide, through and through. Cobalt the same way. When picking up an unknown bit, most people will not know what they have. I don't believe that a magnet will stick to carbide. Don't loan good bits and good tools to friends, or anybody.

J.J. Those sound like some very interesting bits. I've never seen them. As for Titanium coated bits, your right. It's only a coating but I still sharpen them and with some good cutting fluid such as "Rapid Tap" they last and last.

I've never seen a A carbide bit that was carbide through and through. Although carbide is tough it is very brittle and can crack very easily. As much as I hate to admit it your right about lending good tools or bits to friends. I've done it and if I get the stuff back at all a lot of the times there damaged, cracked or burnt out and they always forget to tell you so until I go to use them myself. When I question them on it they reply, "It was working OK when I had it"

You speak words of wisdom sir and I'm going to adapt your policy from now on

 

[Mickey_Fx]

Like others have said, qlty steel is a must if you do any tough drilling and what the bit to last. When sharpening, one needs to be careful not to let the bit over heated, the heat will destroy the temper.

I have a bit sharpener but not a consumer model. Have a Durex, a pro model. Unit is about 15 yrs old and cost ~$700-$800 then. This is not something the avg person would spring for.

My model was a predecessor to this current model and works sim. V-390 Sharpener

 

[mwb]

Get good bits: Dormer, SKF, Butterfield. Generally you will find these at a "real" machine shop supplier (not HF, Busy Bee, Princess Auto). Better bits are worth it.

I was given a Drill Doctor as a Christmas present. I thought "what a piece of crap" until I tried it. I do a good job by hand but the DD is worth it's weight in gold (it doesn't weigh very much though)

I also use a good quality cutting fluid made by Butterfield. It is thick like honey.

 

[escavader]

Ijust got my drill doctor and love it.Iwas telling the head mechanic at work today about it.He is a pure genius to anything mechanical,and its fun to pick his brain ,to get his opinion.Ialways assumed he sharpened his own drills and had some ingenous method involved ,like most of the tasks hes involved in.When i told him about the drill doctor,he smiled reached in a drawer on his tool box and said"like this one ALAN?"
Ihavent heard of anyone who wasnt impressed by the drill doctor.Why i never had one before is beyond me
ALAN