Drill Doctor- sharpening drill bits

Tom Lewis

Tom Lewis

Joined
Feb 24, 2000
Messages
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Have any of you ever used the Drill Doctor to re-sharpen bits. It is a machine with a diamond wheel that re-sharpens drill bits.
Northern Tool Catalog has them, and I have seen them for sell other places as well.
Yes, I know I should learn to sharpen them free hand, but I have not been too successful at that, and would rather spend my time doing something else.
I am thinking of buying one of these machines but wanted to see if anyone had any experience with one of them. Thanks, Tom Lewis
 
I've had a Drill Doctor for almost 2 years now. I absoultely love it! I can sharpen a bit by freehand, but this device will make a 135 degree split point, and I certainly can't do that freehand. I'd estimate that it has saved me $300-$400 in bits over that time. It's only drawback are bits smaller than 1/8", but there are ways around that too. I highly recommend it!
 
I dont have one,but watched a neighbor sharpen a whole box of drill bits,in avery short time,I was amazed. :cool:
 
I was always embarrassed by the large amount of money I spent for a bit sharpener, but I found out that I haven't bought a bit 1/8 or over since. I also found out that my critics were quick to request bit sharpeneing as a favor! You can change the bit angle, also, from "standard" and this will get you a better cut in hi-chrome steels. When a buddy brought me about $500 worth of "garbage" bits from the junk bin at work the unit paid for itself. A worthy shop addition if you go through bits like I did, and keeps you from wasting money on the latest worthless coating technology. ;)
Go for it!
 
Thanks everyone, I appreciate the feedback. I think I will get one. I also have lots and lots of dull drill bits.
Thanks again. Tom Lewis
 
Just a tip for those who own lathes. You can stick a bit in a lathe and hand grind it MUCH more accurately than you can holding it in your hand and turning it on a bench grinder..
 
I'll second Mr. Caffrey's post!

I've had mine for about the same length of time and really like it! Considering what 135 degree split point cobalt drill bits cost, it doesn't take long to pay a "Drill Doctor" off. ;)
 
I agree!!!

My grandmother wanted to get my dad a bit sharpener for his birthday, but was looking at some little dinky thing. I told her about the Drill Doctor (I'd read about it) so we went in on it and ordered it for him from Tool Crib of the North (they linked up with Amazon.com).

I think I should steal it from him!!! The diamond wheel handles cobalt just fine...and a monkey can sharpen a bit with it.

Money well spent!!!
Nick
 
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