quote:

Originally posted by FloydNC:
slightly off topic but what to do with a bucket of old drill bits? all kinds, all sizes and conditions. Took them from family of an In-law to dispose of, cleaning out a garage. I was thinking I could use in some arts/crafty type thing but can't think of a way to use them.

List them in the classifieds here. I would be interested in a flat rate box full of them.

Im just a home handyman and I bought a set of Milwaukee colbalt bits and they have been awesome. The set was about $40. Im sure they are not the best.

Dormer Drills are high quality, or at least they used to be. I mostly have experience with their carbide stuff but check this out: https://www.amazon.com/Dormer-...th=1#customerReviews

I bought a drill doctor, nothing better than a bottle of rum on a rainy day, sharpening bits, I have hundreds, sharp as hell.

Thanks everybody! . I will start checking the named brands out today....usually he drills metal, for projects here and there. Just installed bucket hooks on our tractor, and realized our drills were old, and we could use a nice new set. Figured he deserved a nice set for a change.

I've never sprung for a Drill Doctor, thought about it for sure. How long do its sharpening wheels last? Do sharpened bits hold their edge well or does the process compromise the bit steel?

So far, leaning toward Norseman.....like the description and reviews. Maybe a drill doctor for Christmas, lol.

Drill Doctor user. When done properly, the bits are fine. I have the XP2.

I bought a set of Harbor Freight bits about a year ago. For $17 on sale, it is really hard to beat. If it breaks just throw it out.

https://www.harborfreight.com/...set-29-pc-61637.html

quote:

Originally posted by SOTAR:
I bought a set of Harbor Freight bits about a year ago. For $17 on sale, it is really hard to beat. If it breaks just throw it out.

https://www.harborfreight.com/...set-29-pc-61637.html

Take a damaged bit back. Depending on their mood, they'll replace the bit or give you a whole new set. I bought a standard drill bit set from them and they're pretty much crap, don't know about the titanium.

A nice "USA Made" bright steel jobber length 115 piece drill index will do most jobs. A big supplier like MSC sells these - the manufacturer on their "USA brands" varies but they are all high quality. Bright steel drills work a little better than the black oxide for me. I drill hundreds of holes in metal a week. If I need a special drill coating or material for a particular job - I just order it individually from McMaster-Carr for a few dollars.

quote:

Originally posted by m1009:
....usually he drills metal, for projects here and there.

Since he usually drills metal, I would get drill bits made from M42 (8% cobalt high-speed tool steels) instead of M37 (5% cobalt high-speed tool steels), M7 (molybdenum high-speed tool steels), black oxide high-speed tool steel, or titanium coated.

quote:

Originally posted by m1009:
So far, leaning toward Norseman.....like the description and reviews. Maybe a drill doctor for Christmas, lol.

Since you're thinking drill doctor for Christmas it makes my recommendation against titanium coated even more prudent as sharpening will eventually go through the coating. The cobalt and molybdenum high-speed tool steels will stand up to many sharpenings since its excellent properties are consistent from the surface to the center.

Vermont American

I don't think you get them hot enough to effect the steel when sharpening. If they have some kind of surface hardening or metalizing I guess you would eventually get below it. It takes a little practice to restore back to as new sharpness and keep the point in the center. I like them for masonry bits, save a bunch of money sharpening them.

quote:

Originally posted by Ripley:
I've never sprung for a Drill Doctor, thought about it for sure. How long do its sharpening wheels last? Do sharpened bits hold their edge well or does the process compromise the bit steel?

quote:

Originally posted by SOTAR:
I bought a set of Harbor Freight bits about a year ago. For $17 on sale, it is really hard to beat. If it breaks just throw it out.

Unless the Chinese crap bit damages your work piece, causes undue stress on your drill motor or generally just makes an easy job miserable.

Precision Twist is a great made in the USA brand. They cater mainly to cnc machine shops but you can get a nice set of 135° split point cobalts for a reasonable price.
Rocky Mountain Twist Drill out of Montana is another great source.

Thanks again, more great brands to review. Leaning toward molybdenum coated too. The info here is very much appreciated!

quote:

Originally posted by m1009:
Leaning toward molybdenum coated too.

If you're going molybdenum then go with M7 high speed steel since it is an alloy (it's melted with the other elements) instead of a coating that can wear out or be removed by sharpening. It's actually a little more flexible than the M42 cobalt so less likely to break a bit.

Thanks tatortodd! I was wondering about brittleness. I’ll keep that in mind as well.
You are all so helpful, really like this forum.