[AT] Drill bits

[Ron Cook]

I have sharpened many bits.  As a matter of fact, that is what I do 
until I break it or lose it.  I only buy good industrial bits and have 
not run into any that I could not sharpen.  I have changed the angles 
for different uses and then ground them back for another use.  For that, 
I have a fixture for my grinder that I bought years ago.  I don't even 
remember the name of it or where I got it but it works.  It is good for 
bits from 1/8 up to 1/2 inch.  From then on it is freehand like Bill 
does.  I have a nephew that likes his Drill Doctor.  I have no 
experience with it so cannot comment on that.

Ron Cook
Salix, IA
On 10/13/2013 11:39 PM, Bill Brueck wrote:
> I've had consistent success sharpening bits freehand on the flat side of a
> grinding wheel.  I'm sure my bits have drifted some from the correct angles
> but they cut well.
>
> I've not been able to sharpen real small bits this way...maybe about 1/8
> inch and less.  I'm just not steady nor accurate enough to do the smaller
> bits.
>
> Study up just a little on bit geometry, there is plenty of information on
> the web.  I rotate the bits with my right hand whilst the left hand guides
> the bit into the stone.
>
> Some bits don't sharpen up well, I expect they are tempered just at the
> factory edge and once that's ground past the steel isn't any good.  That
> seems to be true for some cheaper bits I have bought that cut well for a
> little while and then need to be discarded as near as I can figure.
>
> Will be interested where this thread goes.
>
> Bill Brueck
>     Pine Island, MN  USA
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: at-bounces at lists.antique-tractor.com
> [mailto:at-bounces at lists.antique-tractor.com] On Behalf Of Dick Day
> Sent: Sunday, October 13, 2013 10:08 PM
> To: atis
> Subject: [AT] Drill bits
>
> I guarantee that everyone on this list knows way more than I do about tools.
>
> I assume that, like most things, you get what you pay for.  Years ago, I
> bought what I thought was a very good (expensive, at least for this wallet)
> set of drill bits, that went from just thicker than a hair to 1/2"  They
> performed well but over the years they have pretty much worn out, and I hate
> to admit it, I broke a few and lost one.  When drilling any type of metal, I
> always have a can of 3-in-1 Oil with me and use it liberally.
>
> Does anyone use a Drill Doctor (or similar piece of equipment) to lengthen
> the life of your bits?  It looks like they range in cost from $50 to $250.
> Before I invest in a new set of bits, any thoughts on renewing verses
> replacing?
>
> Thanks
>
> Dick
>