[AT] Drill bits
Ron Cook
ron at lakeport-1.com
Sun Oct 13 22:35:43 PDT 2013
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
>
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