Drill Bits

crocogator106

crocogator106

Joined
Nov 16, 2012
Messages
994
I am about to start a new grinder build and need more drill bits than what I now how which I use for knives. Has anyone tried any of the large bit sets from Harbor Freight and if so what has been their experience. I know the expensive cobalt bits are best but I just can not afford a cobalt set.
 
Do yourself a huge favor, don't buy harbor freight drill bits. You are better off buying just the sizes you are going to use in good cobalt screw machine length bits(uncoated is usually what I get, they're more versatile). Hertel is a good value.

I've used, burned, and reground a lot of drill bits. You'll always lose with cheap drill bits(usually money AND time).

HF is good for hammers, dead blows, maybe screwdrivers, disposable digital calipers, funnels, cheap storage solutions, etc. I would avoid tools with motors, and anything you need to be a precision long lasting tool. The one exception I have found is the digital calipers with the black face on the beam(silver faced ones they mostly sell now are not as good). For some reason those have worked well for me, I even cut them up and use them for digital indicators on things like my quill on my manual mill and tailstock on my lathe.

Good luck with your projects!
 
As far as box stores go, I recently found that Lowe's carries x/64" and x/32" bits. Very handy for me, as I like to drill 1/64" larger than my rivet material.

A handful of good bits in sizes you use is better than a whole set of crappy ones, I think.
 
Norseman bits have served me well. I agree with the other guy, no need for a whole set. I use 1/16, 3/32, 1/8, 5/32, 3/16, and 1/4, and I really could do without the 1/16 and 5/32. Get good bits to match your pin stock, and don't worry about a "set".
 
You get what you pay for, buy single bits of what you will need most . Bit sets are good for variety but if you are going to use the same bolt size for most of the job then a nice bit treated right will last through the job and then some
 
If you have a Home Depot near you look for the Ridgid brand, "Cold Fire" line of drill bits. They are cryo treated and work very well. You can get a small set then add any additional individual sizes you need.
 
Jason Fry said:
Norseman bits have served me well. I agree with the other guy, no need for a whole set. I use 1/16, 3/32, 1/8, 5/32, 3/16, and 1/4, and I really could do without the 1/16 and 5/32. Get good bits to match your pin stock, and don't worry about a "set".
Click to expand...
I second Norseman.

Your grandkids will likely be able to use them...

-Eric
 
Thanks guys! I think I will go with the Norseman. I can get a small set for about $75.00 (NORSEMAN RSPM-29 135 DEG SPLIT PT MAGNUM HD SUPER PREMIUM MECHANICS LENGTH DRILL BIT SET BLACK & GOLD 1/16" to 1/2" By 64ths). This set should be plenty. Thanks again for steering me in the right direction.
 
The set you mentioned doesn't sound like a cobalt set. You would be much better off just buying a few cobalt bits (machine screw length, not mechanics or jobber). Enco or MSC sell singles of the sizes you will need for just a couple bucks a piece. It makes no sense to me to pay for a bunch of bits that you won't use.
 
J. Hoffman said:
The set you mentioned doesn't sound like a cobalt set. You would be much better off just buying a few cobalt bits (machine screw length, not mechanics or jobber). Enco or MSC sell singles of the sizes you will need for just a couple bucks a piece. It makes no sense to me to pay for a bunch of bits that you won't use.
Click to expand...

Thanks. I really do not know the difference in different bit types. Sounds like good advice. I guess I can just add as I need more.
 
The machine screw length are shorter, and will bend and deflect less than a longer bit. Jobber or mechanic length are good general purpose bits, but we generally drill through thin, hard material, so the shorter bits are advantageous. The set you are looking at appears to be HSS, which again are good general purpose bits, but Cobalt will last you longer and will work better for drilling steel. I pretty much use 4 drill bits (1/4" for Kydex, 3/16" for pins, 3/32" for leather stitch holes, and one more than I can't think of right now). These are the kinds of bits you are looking for.
 
J. Hoffman said:
The machine screw length are shorter, and will bend and deflect less than a longer bit. Jobber or mechanic length are good general purpose bits, but we generally drill through thin, hard material, so the shorter bits are advantageous. The set you are looking at appears to be HSS, which again are good general purpose bits, but Cobalt will last you longer and will work better for drilling steel. I pretty much use 4 drill bits (1/4" for Kydex, 3/16" for pins, 3/32" for leather stitch holes, and one more than I can't think of right now). These are the kinds of bits you are looking for.
Click to expand...

Thank you, I appreciate your letting me know; and the link!
 
Crocagator, I have used Vermont American, Dewalt, Irwin, Grainger's "no name" cobalt drills and a few others and I cannot really say that I can tell much difference. I pay so much attention to my knives that I cannot count how long each bit lasts before getting dull but I can tell you that the drills I use to drill the scales with have to be really nice and sharp to avoid "tearouts"on the opposite side of the scales. I have been taping the other side of my scales with postal tape before drilling to avoid this but a sharp bit is the only answer so I look for good high speed steel drills in bulk packs for cheap and inspect he tips before drilling scales. I keep my expensive drills for punching through my steel blades. I just bought some 1/4" Norseman High speed steel super premium drills in a twelve pack for $37.00 on advice of a machinist friend of mine but have not used them yet. Everyone here has an opinion but you need to try them yourself and shop them hard. I buy drills every single month and have a pile of almost sharp bits. I would rather make another knife than sharpen the used drills. Get some more advice on this forum and then try them and make up your own mind. Some of the most expensive drills I bought were a disappointment . The generic cobalts I bought from Grainger's by mail order were the best for me. I think the set you found for $75.00 might be a good deal and you will use most of the sizes eventually. I have a full set and used some weird ones today while making modifications to a 2x72 grinder and some tool arms. You cannot have too many drills in my opinion.
 
crocogator106 said:
What about the Vermont American cobalt bits?
Click to expand...

Vermont American is one of the few brands I consider as bad, or worse, than Harbor Freight bits. I had problems with them as a luthier, I refuse to even try them on metal.

The OP appears to have purchased a good starter set, if he gets cobalt screw machine length replacements as he wears them out, he will still have a full set, and the ones he's using frequently will be the better quality bits. We all have to start somewhere.
 
On another topic (sort of), has anyone tried the Drill Doctor for sharpening bits? I've seen mostly good reviews on it. It does seem to have a slight learning curve though.
 
crocogator106 said:
On another topic (sort of), has anyone tried the Drill Doctor for sharpening bits? I've seen mostly good reviews on it. It does seem to have a slight learning curve though.
Click to expand...

I have one, works just fine. I've saved a lot of money thanks to mine. It doesn't leave the smoothest grinds on the bit, and can't help damaged flutes, but otherwise it's a good tool.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top