Drill Bits

[jclay]

What are you guys using for drill bits for pinning, bottle bosses, whatever? I've been using Enco import bits for pinning, jobber length, don't remember what angle, black oxide; not too impressed, they seem to dull very quickly, break easily. I'm about to freshen my supply and am leaning towards 135 degree split points, screw machine length, black oxide, Enco again, possibly Hertel brand (import, or domestic)

Even the larger sizes for bosses (std bits from Lowes or Home Depot) walk enough to annoy (yes, even after spotting) so I figure I'll use the same type as above....or just use spotting drills.

Or would straight flute, stub length be the ticket, or perhaps something else?

Interested in feedback, recommendations, reactions.

Thanks

[Curt Goodrich]

Try center drills.

[Clockwork]

Center drills are awesome. For other drills never go cheap. Cobalt drills aren't that much more and last a lot longer. Screw-length is often nice.

Enco or McMaster Carr have plenty for decent prices.

Good technique will also greatly lengthen drill life.

[adarn]

+1 on the center drills, especially for bottle bosses.
Learning to sharpen bits was an awesome decision as well.

[ToddFarr]

Another +1 for the center drills for starting, and for thin wall tubes and shallow holes I always finish with "stub drills" (short length bits, less drill wander).

2¢

[jclay]

Fantastic! Thanks for the photo Curt. That's the answer - I shall make the switch to center drills.

Sharpening my conventional twist bits....I've tried to do that freehand and not been too successful but it seriously grates me to toss a bit for the loss of an edge. How is it done?

[Mike Mcdermid]

john grinding a drill is not easy on small bits if your learning

get yourself a big old drill like 1" in diameter then get yourself a book describing drill nomenclature

try to sharpen the big drill ,but basically as an apprentice we were taught both chisel edges should be equal otherwise your drill is going off centre and going to cut big

drill sharpening picture.jpg

drill sharpening motions.jpg

once you get the big drill down as its easier to see whats happening ,move onto smaller drills

[MagicCycles]

Ohhhhh…Me Likey!

[dsaul]

I sharpened all my cheap drill bits with a Drill Doctor. They work better than they did when they were new. https://www.drilldoctor.com/