• From: Colorado Springs, CO
  • Registered: 2004-03-27
  • Posts: 3,622

Topic: Drill Bit Suggestions?

  • hank
  • Member
  • Offline
  • From: British Columbia Canada
  • Registered: 2004-03-30
  • Posts: 430

Re: Drill Bit Suggestions?

Clancy,
The best drill bits we have gotten came from Boeing - used bits from the aircraft industry-
there were sharpened and sold by the pound. small sizes but tuff
I see a ad from KMS tools in Coquitlam (Vancouver) BC for 20pc assorted drills from Boeing for $11.95
sales@kmstools.com

a old machinist friend took the time to show me how to sharpen drill bits using a bench grinder
I get pretty good results by hand but would like to see one of those drill doctor in action
be sharp
hank

'57 bug "BlackBerry"
'58 type261 single cab "Ruf"
'86 vanagon syncro "Syncro da Dr.Mayo"
and way too many project waiting
  • From: Cincinnati, Ohio
  • Registered: 2005-09-10
  • Posts: 2,336

Re: Drill Bit Suggestions?

I have a Drill Docter.  It seems to work reasonably well. 

I would say that the Drill Doctor sharpened bits are sharper than they were before sharpening...but maybe not as good as when they were new.

I am sure the Drill Doctor has paid for itself with the dull bits that I have sharpened...versus always buying new ones!

- Nick

1979 Super Beetle Convertible
  • From: Bethel Park PA
  • Registered: 2004-06-27
  • Posts: 686

Re: Drill Bit Suggestions?

Nothing beats a good hand, a good eye and a good grinding wheel for sharpening bits.  It does require a lot of practice and experience to do it right.  Practice with a cheap set of bits goes a long way to proficiency.

On the other hand, for ease of use with relatively good to very good results, a real Drill Doctor can't be beat by any of its clones.

David H
'66 VW Beetle w/sunroof
http://tinyurl.com/qhw59
"Where am I going ... and why am I in this handbasket?"
  • From: Canada
  • Registered: 2004-03-27
  • Posts: 630

Re: Drill Bit Suggestions?

You might find some worthwhile info in these threads, Clancy...that, or you'll find out more about drill bits than you ever wanted to know!

http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/show … php?t=4136
http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=630
http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/show … php?t=1661

1979 Type 1 Convertible                                       1976 Scirocco (For Sale!)
1971 Type 1 Semi-Automatic Super                       1968 Type 1 Sedan
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1957 Type 1 Sunroof

Der Bugmeister's Website

  • Ryan
  • Member
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  • From: Silicon Valley
  • Registered: 2004-04-24
  • Posts: 587

Re: Drill Bit Suggestions?

I always preferred sharpening by hand, but you can only go so far before you lose your point.
At the shop where I work, we carry Union Butterfield bits, taps and dies.  Their cheap stuff is good and will last pretty well if you keep them cool and don't let them sing (chatter).  Their good stuff is good, and costs accordingly.  --Ryan

  • From: Colorado Springs, CO
  • Registered: 2004-03-27
  • Posts: 3,622

Re: Drill Bit Suggestions?

Wow, Guys! Thanks for the leads. Anyone else on the same quest should review the links Der B provided. As have most of us, I've tried touching up the edges on a grinding wheel when stuck in the middle of a job....and succeeded on occasions. But my patience is not what it used to be, at least when it comes to trying to hand sharpen bits.

As I mentioned before, I think I'll try and get my kids to spring for a Drill Doctor...and if they really love me, a nice set of M-42 cobalt bits! Wish me luck.

Seriously to all, thanks for your suggestions and personal experiences. That is exactly what I was hoping for.

Clancy