earthman
Fascinated by rolling objects!
Is there a bit sharpener that actually works well? I don't think it is possible but i go thru a lot of expensive bits.
drill bit sharpener
- Thread starter earthman
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Old Iron
Well-known member
I had 2 different Drill Doctors and couldn't get either one to sharpen a bit that would cut hot butter. I sharpen all mine by hand.
05snopro440
Well-known member
I do the same, my dad taught me to do it that way. I have never had good results with a drill bit sharpener.
Dr Crankenstein
Rocket Surgeon
Me three. My father was a millwright, so I've done them his way since I was a kid.
It's not rocket surgery, just takes some practice...
.
BillM
Well-known member
Same here - by hand. One of the first lessons at trade school (millwright) was how to sharpen bits by hand. Once you get the hang of it, it's not that hard.
forbigpicture
Please stand by.......
MercuryMac
Builder Junky!
One more vote. I couldn't make a Drill Doctor work, mostly because I couldn't see what I was doing. I just sharpen them by hand on the grinder.
Bonehead
Skull Master
Me too, sharpen by hand. Small bits are harder.
Neto
Well-known member
No kidding. I used to be able to sharpen bits by hand, but now I can't see well enough to do the small ones anymore. I need to either set up a magnifying glass at the grinder, or get new glasses, or maybe both. Now it's really hit & miss on the small ones, and my eyes hurt from the eye strain by the time I finish, and then maybe the bit still won't cut at all.
(Glad you all mentioned that the drill bit sharpeners don't work well, because I was thinking of getting one, because of my poor eyesight.)
Old Iron
Well-known member
The video shows a bit being back cut that gives it a great cutting edge.
If you have a tendency to break the outer corners off the bit then after getting the cutting edge you want just roll the point of the bit down as you make the last swipe and it will leave more material behind the outer corners for strength.
If you have a tendency to break the outer corners off the bit then after getting the cutting edge you want just roll the point of the bit down as you make the last swipe and it will leave more material behind the outer corners for strength.
Bamamav
Well-known member
I've never had much luck trying to resharpen drill bits. They might do OK in soft wood, but wouldn't make a dent in steel. I just toss'em and go buy new ones. I bought a set of step bits from Harbor Freight, I'm impressed at how easily and fast they drill. Had never used that type before, I'm hooked now. Got a set of Bostitch twist bits if I need to go deeper than the step bits.
charliebob
Well-known member
Long ago I also learned to sharpen drill bits by hand, but increasingly shaky hands and poorer eyesight led me to buy a Drill Doctor. I have sharpened many bits with the DD and have been very pleased with it. With very small bits, 3/32 or so, it does not always align perfectly and the bit will not cut. But another try typically gets it right. The DD has always worked perfectly for me with 3/16 -- 1/2" bits.
Two spirals are nice!
Two spirals are nice!
earthman
Fascinated by rolling objects!
I will try that FBP. Thanks. C-Bob i am surprised that you had good results with the drill doctor. I did not get any improvement with the bits i tried to sharpen. So i will put on my reading glasses, find a strong light, have a couple of shots to steady my hands and wind up the grinder. Nothing to lose.
I love those step bits from HF too Bam. They drill very well for cheap.
I love those step bits from HF too Bam. They drill very well for cheap.
Old Iron
Well-known member
If you'll spend a little more money, the Dewalt Cobalt Pilot Point bits are awesome.
I bought a set and will not go back to the cheaper bits.
A set of 29 runs from $85 to $110 on dabay or Amazon.
Very little force to get them to cut.
I bought a set and will not go back to the cheaper bits.
A set of 29 runs from $85 to $110 on dabay or Amazon.
Very little force to get them to cut.
Dr Crankenstein
Rocket Surgeon
How do you sharpen those, OI?
Just kidding, moving along!
.
Just kidding, moving along!
.
earthman
Fascinated by rolling objects!
99% of my drilling is with hand drills which wear out bits way faster than a press. I made the support structure for steering, pedals and gauges on the mono woody from 3x3x3/16" angle from a demo job years ago.
The pieces were used as door and window lintels and i didn't realize the metal is the poor grade recycle stuff like rebar is made from. Sometimes it drills easily and an inch over there may be some cast iron in the mix. Destroys new bits very quickly.
Hoping i can sharpen some of these old bits i was going to throw away well enough to get the last few holes i need.
When i do get new bits i will try those Dewalts on your recommendation OI.
The pieces were used as door and window lintels and i didn't realize the metal is the poor grade recycle stuff like rebar is made from. Sometimes it drills easily and an inch over there may be some cast iron in the mix. Destroys new bits very quickly.
Hoping i can sharpen some of these old bits i was going to throw away well enough to get the last few holes i need.
When i do get new bits i will try those Dewalts on your recommendation OI.
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Old Iron
Well-known member
LOL, Doc in a pinch I have sharpened a couple to get by till I could get a replacement. It can be done.
eman, you won't be disappointed. You know how your arm will start shaking when you're an arms length, above your head, from where you're drilling? These bits will eliminate almost all of that.
I use the Dill Dr. I have the one that sharpens with a split point. I have decent results.
I've resharpened bits but after a few holes they go dull again so I just keep new ones on hand! 
BoB
BoB
