I’m thinking about purchasing a drill bit sharpener and was just wondering if others have done so and what level of skill is required to put a sharp edge on a drill bit.
Thanks for any input.
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-Do the thing you fear and the death of fear is certain-
Replies
I have an older drill doctor 500, and although the collet is worn ( waiting for replacement ) It is one of the toys I have that actually does what it is meant, and quite wel at that. I highly recommend them.
Save some $, freehand on a bench grinder, easy and fast with a little practice. Even a brad point can be done, which a Drill doctor can not do.
The secret ( if ay call it that) is to do the actual cutting edge first, then do a relief grind just behind that to leave some clearance. You can alter the angle if you wish , I often go more pointy for wood, and flatter for plastic or copper. And if ya need a really wierd size like a 23/64, off centering the grind will drill a slightly larger hole. Can't do that with a drill doctor either.
Spheramid Enterprises Architectural Woodworks
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Thank you for the responses. Thirty plus years ago in high school shop class we sharpened drill bits all the time using the free hand method with the bench grinder. I had kind of forgotten about it. And I do have a bench grinder sitting in the garage gathering dust. Also, thanks for the info on the drill doctor. .++++++++++++++++
-Do the thing you fear and the death of fear is certain-
Sphere, old buddyI think the sharpeners call that "snag grinding". I used to do that too, but that little Drill Doctor (50$ Ebay) is fast and does a great job - 1/16 to 1/2. I keep it in the drill bit bucket, and I can sharpen a bit easily in a minute including set up. Treat yourself to one - you deserve it!
Edited 1/28/2006 10:17 pm ET by Fonzie
but get the big one, that does up to 3/4. 2+3=7
I have a very old drill sharpening accessory for the bench grinder. I should probably go thru and do some sharpening, it's been a long time. It's definitely more precise than freehand, especially my freehand. Drilling steel in the lathe, you can see right away if you don't have the two flutes equal.
-- J.S.
I'm with the others on freehand being the way to go..
Sharp fine well tuned white oxide wheel.
I do alot of metal work. not sheetmetal but 1/4 inch thick stuff. I also have the drill doctor. at first it was great. lately I have not been happy with it. Would I buy another one, yes. because its really the only one out there.