Drill Bit Question

[knifethrow1]

Ive been making a couple knives, and I was just wondering what type of drill bits you guys use to drill annealed steel. Ive been using the bits I have but I dont know if they are made for drilling steel, Thanks.

 

[SBuzek]

I order the drill bits I use from Enco or MSC.Screw machine length cobalt.They cost a little more but last alot longer.
Stan

 

[Daniel Fairly Knives]

I have limited experience but so far the cobalt bits from Home Depot or Ace have been fine. I forget what brand they are.


On a side note I find only the Bosch jigsaw blades work. I just bought 2 packs of Ace store brand blades and they were worthless, one didn't even fit my jigsaw!

 

[Jason Fry]

I had good luck with the Norseman bits that Tracy Mickley sells, before I figured out I could get the exact same bits from my local mom and pop hardware store. Much better bits than anything from a big box store.

 

[Carl_First_Timer]

You can use most any HSS bits, just be liberal with the cutting oil.

 

[Ed Caffrey]

In my shop, anything smaller than 5/32" is generally cobalt screw machine length like Stan mentioned. I also consider 1/8" and smaller as disposable...meaning that if they exhibit signs of wear or dulling, then go in the trash. For bits larger than 5/32" I have a mixture of HSS, Cobalt, and Carbide, material depends on the intent task.
Quality of drill bits varies greatly! If you buy cheap imports, they are very often not exact size, and in general are of poor quality when compared to made in USA bits.

One final note, I think a Drill Doctor bit sharpener is a worthy investment. I've worn out three of them to date, but they have saved me literally thousands of dollars in drill bits.

 

[ecwj]

what wears out on your drill doctors ?

 

[Remyrw]

I had good luck with the Norseman bits that Tracy Mickley sells, before I figured out I could get the exact same bits from my local mom and pop hardware store. Much better bits than anything from a big box store.

+1. You can get them a variety of places. I usually toss one or two in on orders though.

I just buy cobalt bits, not worth messing around with multiple types in the smaller sizes. 1/2" and up is different but I don't remember the last time I drilled more than one or two half inch and bigger holes in anything.

I was having a problem drilling a 1/16" hole and tried the norseman carbide bits, worked nicely. You have to be gentle, but they work well.

 

[Ed Caffrey]

I've been using Drill Doctors for over 10 years now....and am currently on my 4th one. The first two were just used so much that things got "sloppy" on them, and the motors finally gave out. The third one I used until the motor went out, and I decided to call Drill Doctor and see if it could be "overhauled". When I told them my story, they asked me if I would write a testimonial for them....I agreed, and then sent me a brand new X750 model with lots of extras/spare parts for my trouble! That was really nice of them!

The biggest "wear" item on them is the diamond cutting wheels....the 180 grit wheel lasts me about 6-8 months.
What you have to realize is that I probably run these things more in 6 months than most folks would in 5 years. It's not uncommon for me to spend an entire afternoon, at least once a month, sharpening bits. Where the real money savings come from is with large cobalt bits...like 1/2" and larger. When you consider a 3/4" cobalt bit can run $60-$75 new, it doesn't take many sharpenings on the Drill Doc to realize a return.

About the only real drawback with the Drill Doc is on small bits...it just doesn't work well on anything small than about 5/32" bits....that's why I said previously that that bits smaller than that are "throw aways" to me.

 

[Fellhoelter]

I order the drill bits I use from Enco or MSC.Screw machine length cobalt.They cost a little more but last alot longer.
Stan

That's the way to go.
Enco usually has better deals, and since they are the same company, you get the exact same item.

 

[ERIK KNIVES]

My local Costco carries a 99 pc. titanium set from Kawasaki for $19, yes it's China. It's something like 1/32 through 3/8. Way more small bits than the larger ones, and they are disposable for sure, but they work on stainless with proper speed, feed, and fluid.

Like Ed, I sharpen the bigger ones with a Drill Doctor, and toss the others.

Step bits are sweet and have a built in countersink, great for drilling weight reduction holes in tangs (after a 1/8 pilot hole is drilled)

 

[SBuzek]

That's the way to go.
Enco usually has better deals, and since they are the same company, you get the exact same item.

I agree and order from Enco whenever possible but usually takes a week to get my stuff,MSC on the other hand if I order before 7PM my time I get it the next day,So it just depends on how big a bind I put myself in.
Stan