Where do I get/what is a good brand of USA made HSS bits?

S

Squashfan

Joined
Jun 6, 2012
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This is my first post in the Shop Talk section so please go easy on me if this is posted out of turn. :o
I just read Nathan the Machinist's thread and it was eye opening to me. Almost all of discussion after Nathan's first post was way over my head. But it got me thinking: Where can I get a good set of US made HSS bits? Or for that matter who makes good HSS bits? I am wanting to drill a hole in a steel liner to put in a stop pin and that is what got me searching for info on this. Also, a good tutorial on how to sharpen bits would be greatly appreciated. I am doing a search for drill bit sharpening on here as I type this.
 
Norseman makes excellent ones, HSS and cobalt. I don't know if they are US or European but everyone I know uses them. They are not cheap but are well worth the investment.
 
While a set of bits is nice, six bulk packs of drill bits in the most common sizes is often far more useful. Five to ten each of 1/16, 3/32, 1/8, 5/32, 3/16, 1/4 is pretty much a requirement for a working shop. They are surprisingly reasonable in multi-packs. Sometimes a bulk pack is less than half the per-drill price of single bits.
 
The term "set" can be misleading



You will need fractional, letter and number drills, especially on getting clearances on pins.

That full set 115 piece made in USA made will cost you big bucks.


I like having all those sizes available, but in reality it's just a few drills that you could buy if knifemaking is all you do.
 
Norseman 115 sets in black gold can be had for $250 and their bright hss for about $180. Learning to sharpen a drill is critical since I won't be long until your bits don't cut well. Think about a game plan for sharpening. Either a bench grinder or a drill doctor.

I just bought norseman black gold scre machine length in separate set to make up a115 set and have been very happy. They are USA made and a great value and all come in Huot indexes. Super nice.
 
12345678910 said:
The term "set" can be misleading



You will need fractional, letter and number drills, especially on getting clearances on pins.

That full set 115 piece made in USA made will cost you big bucks.


I like having all those sizes available, but in reality it's just a few drills that you could buy if knifemaking is all you do.
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That is the gospel, everyone uses different bits, I use Loveless bolts so I have the matched counter sink that I purchased from Jantz supply where I get my bolts. I use 1/4' Mosaic, so I have the slightly oversized letter drill to place those and 1/4" Lanyard tube.

Buy what you need from the knife supply house in one or twos, until you get your own system together. Then you can buy in bulk.
 
Wow, such great replies!!! Thanks for all the help!!! I realized that a sharp Chinese should be able to drill the liners of this bali. It is actually a Cold Steel Paradox that I am modding. What I think I want to do is stick to the cheap china bits someone gave me from Costco until I learn how to sharpen bits. And, boy, do these bits need sharpening out of the box! I watched a really good video on sharpening drill bit but there was no mention of grinder wheel grit. Most of the grinders I see around here have a very, very coarse wheel on them. Do I need a specific grit wheel size to sharpen twist drills? Also, I have been looking for a drill point gauge. I instantly wanted one when I saw it in a video.
 
No specific wheel size is needed to properly sharpen drill bits. Just so long as the edge is not wider than the wheel. It can be done on a thinner wheel but it is much easier.

I like MSC and Enco to buy most of my cutting tools. Enco can be cheaper but shipping can get expensive and takes a while to get it. MSC will do overnight shipping at ground rates. They are both the same company actually but different pricing.
 
A C Richards said:
No specific wheel size is needed to properly sharpen drill bits. Just so long as the edge is not wider than the wheel. It can be done on a thinner wheel but it is much easier.

I like MSC and Enco to buy most of my cutting tools. Enco can be cheaper but shipping can get expensive and takes a while to get it. MSC will do overnight shipping at ground rates. They are both the same company actually but different pricing.
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I will make a note to look up both websites. Sorry, I wasn't clear in my last post. I was trying to ask what grit do I need to sharpen bits? Or will it not make a difference?
 
I normally use my belt with a smooth wheel and whatever grit I had used before. It can range from 36 to 120. It really does not matter that much but I would try and get about a 60 grit wheel if I was going to just use it for sharpening drill bits.
 
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