Hi All,

I have a pile of dull drill bits, that don't bite anymore. At one time
there was an add on TV for some sharpening device. I'm always skeptical of
TV adds for gadget, but...

Is it practical to sharpen drill bits? Where would I look for that? It's
not something that comes up in a conversation very often.

Maybe I've bought cheap bits, but how you what's good v. just expensive.
They all have some line about carbide etc., but for me they never last.
These are for metal, under 1/2 dia.

Regards,

RichK

"RichK" wrote in message
. ..
Hi All,

I have a pile of dull drill bits, that don't bite anymore. At one time
there was an add on TV for some sharpening device. I'm always skeptical
of
TV adds for gadget, but...

Is it practical to sharpen drill bits? Where would I look for that? It's
not something that comes up in a conversation very often.

Maybe I've bought cheap bits, but how you what's good v. just expensive.
They all have some line about carbide etc., but for me they never last.
These are for metal, under 1/2 dia.

Regards,

RichK


Well, Rich, I'll get back to you.

I have about 300 drill bits, and I would estimate that probably half are
dull.

I used to work conventions, and bought a Drill Doctor 750. The cherry on
the machine is yet to be broken.

Yes, I think that sharpening bits can be a good thing. And, as drill bits
can cost as much as ten cents at a yard sale, the potential for having a
full index of sharp bits is pretty good.

That is, for people who actually take the time to sharpen them. My father
was a flight engineer on bombers in WW2. He could take a three by one inch
stone and sharpen any drill bit in a very short time.

For me, I have all the modern technology, and I still have a drawer full of
dull bits.

Like I say, I'll get back to you.

Steve

"RichK" wrote in message
. ..
Hi All,

I have a pile of dull drill bits, that don't bite anymore. At one time
there was an add on TV for some sharpening device. I'm always skeptical
of
TV adds for gadget, but...

Is it practical to sharpen drill bits? Where would I look for that? It's
not something that comes up in a conversation very often.

Maybe I've bought cheap bits, but how you what's good v. just expensive.
They all have some line about carbide etc., but for me they never last.
These are for metal, under 1/2 dia.

Regards,

RichK



Ask your question at rec.crafts.metalworking and you will get lots of spot
on information.

Steve

"RichK" wrote in message
. ..
Hi All,

I have a pile of dull drill bits, that don't bite anymore. At one time
there was an add on TV for some sharpening device. I'm always skeptical
of
TV adds for gadget, but...

Is it practical to sharpen drill bits? Where would I look for that? It's
not something that comes up in a conversation very often.

Maybe I've bought cheap bits, but how you what's good v. just expensive.
They all have some line about carbide etc., but for me they never last.
These are for metal, under 1/2 dia.

Regards,

RichK


There are a number of automatic drill sharpeners. "Drill Doctor" is one.
http://www.genext.drilldoctor.com/
And a lot mo http://www.toolstorecentral.com/shar...,c42290,1.html

If you have a grinder you can buy a fixture to hold the drill at the proper
angle. The smaller the bit, the harder it is to sharpen...

Al

I have one of those jigs that holds the bit at the proper angle which you
use in conjunction with a grinding wheel. Invariably I grind them into
oblivion. Then I got a Black and Decker automatic bit sharpener. You just
insert the bit and push a button, and it automatically grinds it into
oblivion. I must admit it does take a lot less effort to destroy a bit with
the B &D. If you find something affordable that works, please post it




"RichK" wrote in message
. ..
Hi All,

I have a pile of dull drill bits, that don't bite anymore. At one time
there was an add on TV for some sharpening device. I'm always skeptical
of
TV adds for gadget, but...

Is it practical to sharpen drill bits? Where would I look for that? It's
not something that comes up in a conversation very often.

Maybe I've bought cheap bits, but how you what's good v. just expensive.
They all have some line about carbide etc., but for me they never last.
These are for metal, under 1/2 dia.

Regards,

RichK

Sharpening them by hand isn't that hard. I'm sure there has to be a tutorial
online. There is a drill sharpening scale you can buy to help you get
started. After an hour you should be sharpening them like a champ. Once you
get good at it, you can put different angles on them depending on the
material you're cutting.


"RichK" wrote in message
. ..
Hi All,

I have a pile of dull drill bits, that don't bite anymore. At one time
there was an add on TV for some sharpening device. I'm always skeptical
of
TV adds for gadget, but...

Is it practical to sharpen drill bits? Where would I look for that? It's
not something that comes up in a conversation very often.

Maybe I've bought cheap bits, but how you what's good v. just expensive.
They all have some line about carbide etc., but for me they never last.
These are for metal, under 1/2 dia.

Regards,

RichK

"Steve B" wrote in message

Well, Rich, I'll get back to you.

I have about 300 drill bits, and I would estimate that probably half are
dull.

Well, you have 275 more than I do :-) It took me 20 years to get them all
dull. Had to drill out some old rusted bolts on a car and some of the new
bits I had would not even touch the bolt.

Now I all my bits are dull, but I did get those bolts out.

I used to work conventions, and bought a Drill Doctor 750. The cherry on
the machine is yet to be broken.

There are some on e-bay of that model. I assume this unit uses some
grinding stones. Wonder if they are replacable, if I were to get a used
sharpener. I can't see getting a new one, as I don't drill all that much.

Yes, I think that sharpening bits can be a good thing. And, as drill bits
can cost as much as ten cents at a yard sale, the potential for having a
full index of sharp bits is pretty good.

Have not even considered it - but it you have a sharpener, it would be a
great source.

Regards,

RichK

"CraigT" wrote in message

Sharpening them by hand isn't that hard. I'm sure there has to be a
tutorial
online. There is a drill sharpening scale you can buy to help you get
started. After an hour you should be sharpening them like a champ. Once
you
get good at it, you can put different angles on them depending on the
material you're cutting.

Have not even thought it was possible to do it by hand. I have a bench
grinder that does not get much use, maybe I'll destroy one for practice.
Will also look for a tutorial, although someone has already posted a few
hints in this Group.

Regards,

RichK

"RichK" wrote in message

Have not even thought it was possible to do it by hand. I have a bench
grinder that does not get much use, maybe I'll destroy one for practice.
Will also look for a tutorial, although someone has already posted a few
hints in this Group.

Possible, but difficult to get the angle exact on both flutes. Most people
ruin them. Some simple guides are available at low cost.

I sharpen mine now that we have a Drill Doctor at work. I cannot justify
buying one myself. They cost about $100 and for that money, I can buy a LOT
of bits.

wrote in message
ups.com...

RichK wrote:
Hi All,

I have a pile of dull drill bits, that don't bite anymore. At one time
there was an add on TV for some sharpening device. I'm always skeptical
of
TV adds for gadget, but...

Is it practical to sharpen drill bits? Where would I look for that?
It's
not something that comes up in a conversation very often.

Maybe I've bought cheap bits, but how you what's good v. just expensive.
They all have some line about carbide etc., but for me they never last.
These are for metal, under 1/2 dia.

Regards,

RichK

With the right grit stone on a grinder you can manually master the
trick of sharpening in a short time. Here is just a tip of how and
practice makes perfect. (1) Grind the cutting edge at the proper angle
for type of drill.. You'll get to where you can eyeball this. (2) Be
sure that the cutting edge is higher than fluke behind,, but only
micro in amount. in order that edge cuts. Keep cutting edges on even
plane as possible. Go to it practice makes perfection.
Automatics do work but hand held works just as good.


It has been said one thousand times before, but I shall say it one more
time -

"A two year old kid could do it with twenty years of practice."

Remember when you were learning to roller skate?

Now that you know how, how would you describe it to a newbie?

Steve

RichK wrote:
"CraigT" wrote in message


Sharpening them by hand isn't that hard. I'm sure there has to be a

tutorial

online. There is a drill sharpening scale you can buy to help you get
started. After an hour you should be sharpening them like a champ. Once

you

get good at it, you can put different angles on them depending on the
material you're cutting.


Have not even thought it was possible to do it by hand. I have a bench
grinder that does not get much use, maybe I'll destroy one for practice.
Will also look for a tutorial, although someone has already posted a few
hints in this Group.

Regards,

RichK






Here's the best tutorial on drill sharpening by hand that I've seen.

http://www.desktopcnc.com/drill/sharpen.htm

I've been hand sharpening on a bench grinder for about 50 years now, and
once you learn how, it's a snap.

HTH,

Jeff

--
Jeffry Wisnia
(W1BSV + Brass Rat '57 EE)
"Life is like a sewer -- what you get out of it depends on what you put
into it."

Steve B wrote:

wrote in message
ups.com...

RichK wrote:

Hi All,

I have a pile of dull drill bits, that don't bite anymore. At one time
there was an add on TV for some sharpening device. I'm always skeptical
of
TV adds for gadget, but...

Is it practical to sharpen drill bits? Where would I look for that?
It's
not something that comes up in a conversation very often.

Maybe I've bought cheap bits, but how you what's good v. just expensive.
They all have some line about carbide etc., but for me they never last.
These are for metal, under 1/2 dia.

Regards,

RichK

With the right grit stone on a grinder you can manually master the
trick of sharpening in a short time. Here is just a tip of how and
practice makes perfect. (1) Grind the cutting edge at the proper angle
for type of drill.. You'll get to where you can eyeball this. (2) Be
sure that the cutting edge is higher than fluke behind,, but only
micro in amount. in order that edge cuts. Keep cutting edges on even
plane as possible. Go to it practice makes perfection.
Automatics do work but hand held works just as good.



It has been said one thousand times before, but I shall say it one more
time -

"A two year old kid could do it with twenty years of practice."

Remember when you were learning to roller skate?

Now that you know how, how would you describe it to a newbie?

Steve



And, like riding a bicycle and fornicating, once you learn how, you
never forget how.

Jeff (Who never mastered accomplishing the latter while riding on the
former.)
--
Jeffry Wisnia
(W1BSV + Brass Rat '57 EE)
"Life is like a sewer -- what you get out of it depends on what you put
into it."

Go over to rec metalworking and search for T Nut's article on
sharpening twist drills.


RichK wrote:
Hi All,

I have a pile of dull drill bits, that don't bite anymore. At one time
there was an add on TV for some sharpening device. I'm always skeptical of
TV adds for gadget, but...

Is it practical to sharpen drill bits? Where would I look for that? It's
not something that comes up in a conversation very often.

Maybe I've bought cheap bits, but how you what's good v. just expensive.
They all have some line about carbide etc., but for me they never last.
These are for metal, under 1/2 dia.

Regards,

RichK

I worked in the tool crib for 25+ years and we tried various and
expensive machines to sharpen bits and we always went back to doing it
by hand. It is much faster and easy to do when you get the hang of it. I
could sharpen bits that would drill to within .005 of the drill
diameter. Like I say all it takes is practice. Go to the library and get
a book that shows the characteristics of a drill bit. Buy a cheap
protracter ( for measuring the angles ) and if you have a grinder you
are all set.

RichK wrote:
"Steve B" wrote in message


Well, Rich, I'll get back to you.

I have about 300 drill bits, and I would estimate that probably half are
dull.


Well, you have 275 more than I do :-) It took me 20 years to get them all
dull. Had to drill out some old rusted bolts on a car and some of the new
bits I had would not even touch the bolt.

Now I all my bits are dull, but I did get those bolts out.


I used to work conventions, and bought a Drill Doctor 750. The cherry on
the machine is yet to be broken.


There are some on e-bay of that model. I assume this unit uses some
grinding stones. Wonder if they are replacable, if I were to get a used
sharpener. I can't see getting a new one, as I don't drill all that much.


Yes, I think that sharpening bits can be a good thing. And, as drill bits
can cost as much as ten cents at a yard sale, the potential for having a
full index of sharp bits is pretty good.


Have not even considered it - but it you have a sharpener, it would be a
great source.

Regards,

RichK

On Wed, 14 Jun 2006 20:13:27 -0400, "RichK" wrote:

Hi All,

I have a pile of dull drill bits, that don't bite anymore. At one time
there was an add on TV for some sharpening device. I'm always skeptical of
TV adds for gadget, but...

Is it practical to sharpen drill bits? Where would I look for that? It's
not something that comes up in a conversation very often.

Maybe I've bought cheap bits, but how you what's good v. just expensive.
They all have some line about carbide etc., but for me they never last.

Don't really know but doesn't all steel contain carbon? Does that
make it carbide?

I think what you need to drill steel is high speed steel. It's
labeled HSS on the shank if the shank is big enough.

If you can't get high speed steel, get low speed steel, put it in your
car, and try to go over 70 MPH. That ought to do it.

But seriously, can't you just break off the last quarter inch and get
a new point. Or am I thinking of Scotch tape?


These are for metal, under 1/2 dia.

Regards,

RichK

Jeff Wisnia wrote:

Here's the best tutorial on drill sharpening by hand that I've seen.

http://www.desktopcnc.com/drill/sharpen.htm

I've been hand sharpening on a bench grinder for about 50 years now, and
once you learn how, it's a snap.

A noticed a carpenter put a bit in a drill and run it backwards on a belt
sander...

Nick

Thanks Jeff,

My search last night did not find that FAQ, yours did.

"Jeff Wisnia" wrote in message

Here's the best tutorial on drill sharpening by hand that I've seen.

http://www.desktopcnc.com/drill/sharpen.htm

I've been hand sharpening on a bench grinder for about 50 years now, and
once you learn how, it's a snap.

This is a case for picture (moving) is worth a thousand words. I read the
FAQ and will try, but still hard to visulize exactly the describe motions.
A little compressed movie would be ideal. I'd even recorde it, if I had an
actor :-)

Regards,

richK

"mm" wrote in message

I think what you need to drill steel is high speed steel. It's
labeled HSS on the shank if the shank is big enough.

So, that's what it means :-) I have some with HSS stamped on it.

If you can't get high speed steel, get low speed steel, put it in your
car, and try to go over 70 MPH. That ought to do it.

Which begs another question, that I should have asked up front. For
drilling out an old bolt (my most frequent use for steel drilling), what
speed is best. Fast 2000RPM, or low in the 100's?

Regards,

RichK

On Wed, 14 Jun 2006 20:13:27 -0400, "RichK" wrote:

Hi All,

I have a pile of dull drill bits, that don't bite anymore. At one time
there was an add on TV for some sharpening device. I'm always skeptical of
TV adds for gadget, but...

Is it practical to sharpen drill bits? Where would I look for that? It's
not something that comes up in a conversation very often.

Maybe I've bought cheap bits, but how you what's good v. just expensive.
They all have some line about carbide etc., but for me they never last.
These are for metal, under 1/2 dia.

Regards,

RichK


I don't bother sharpening twist bits, just replace them. Same with
router bits.

"RichK" wrote

Which begs another question, that I should have asked up front. For
drilling out an old bolt (my most frequent use for steel drilling), what
speed is best. Fast 2000RPM, or low in the 100's?

Regards,

RichK

Which begs another question. What speed is best for drilling? I always go
low, and just watch for the chips or spirals to come out. I know that
speeding things up with a various speed drill stops the cutting the faster
you go. I always tend to go slow and watch for chips. I still turn some
bits blue, but not many any more.

And when I do, I just throw them in the old cigar boxes with all the others
that I'm some day going to do on my Drill Doctor 750 that I haven't used
yet.

Trouble is, every time I go to yard sales, they are about a buck a dozen, or
something outrageous like that, and I can't seem to run out.

Steve

On Thu, 15 Jun 2006 07:52:10 -0700, "Steve B"
wrote:


"RichK" wrote

Which begs another question, that I should have asked up front. For
drilling out an old bolt (my most frequent use for steel drilling), what
speed is best. Fast 2000RPM, or low in the 100's?

Regards,

RichK

Which begs another question. What speed is best for drilling? I always go
low, and just watch for the chips or spirals to come out. I know that
speeding things up with a various speed drill stops the cutting the faster
you go. I always tend to go slow and watch for chips. I still turn some
bits blue, but not many any more.


There are charts you can use as a guideline to determine the proper
speeds. When drilling metal I use some kind of lubricant, oil or
water. Soft woods need a high speed to get a nice clean hole. When
drilling deep, bits can easily overheat.


And when I do, I just throw them in the old cigar boxes with all the others
that I'm some day going to do on my Drill Doctor 750 that I haven't used
yet.

Trouble is, every time I go to yard sales, they are about a buck a dozen, or
something outrageous like that, and I can't seem to run out.

Steve


New twist bits or paddle bits are very inexpensive. Look for
USA-made, HSS, for better quality.

Phisherman wrote:
On Wed, 14 Jun 2006 20:13:27 -0400, "RichK" wrote:

Hi All,

I have a pile of dull drill bits, that don't bite anymore. At one time
there was an add on TV for some sharpening device. I'm always skeptical of
TV adds for gadget, but...

Is it practical to sharpen drill bits? Where would I look for that? It's
not something that comes up in a conversation very often.

Maybe I've bought cheap bits, but how you what's good v. just expensive.
They all have some line about carbide etc., but for me they never last.
These are for metal, under 1/2 dia.

Regards,

RichK


I don't bother sharpening twist bits, just replace them. Same with
router bits.


Thats because you have not went through a depression, of not having
enough money to get food or the necessities of life. If you had then
you would have learned the lesson--Waste Not WANT NOT! But perhaps you
will someday as it is a very good possibility.

I use a cheap $20 sharpener from Harbor Freight. It's OK for home use.
Drill bits do work much better when you keep them sharp.

http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/cta...emnumber=36585
Shows it for $28, but wait for a sale.

RichK wrote:
Hi All,

I have a pile of dull drill bits, that don't bite anymore. At one time
there was an add on TV for some sharpening device. I'm always skeptical of
TV adds for gadget, but...

Is it practical to sharpen drill bits? Where would I look for that? It's
not something that comes up in a conversation very often.

Maybe I've bought cheap bits, but how you what's good v. just expensive.
They all have some line about carbide etc., but for me they never last.
These are for metal, under 1/2 dia.

Regards,

RichK



Drill Doctor is OK for larger bits,1/4" & up. For the small, non-carbide
stuff, just toss 'em. IMO it's not worth the time to fiddle with
sharpening a 79 cent bit, and the Drill Dr. doesn't do very well with
the really small, expensive bits.

Remember when you were learning to roller skate?

Now that you know how, how would you describe it to a newbie?

Easy: "move forward, but don't fall!". (That kind of leadership is what
you learn in management classes)

Years ago I worked summers as a machinist, and we sharpened our carbon
steel bits on a grinding wheel; its not difficult after you've done a
few. Eye protection is essential.

We always sent carbide bits out to a contractor for sharpening as they
require special equipment, I think a diamond wheel, but I'm not sure.

I can't tell from your posting if yours are carbide tipped. You can
tell by looking at them as the carbide cutters are welded onto the body.

RichK wrote:
Hi All,

I have a pile of dull drill bits, that don't bite anymore. At one time
there was an add on TV for some sharpening device. I'm always skeptical of
TV adds for gadget, but...

Is it practical to sharpen drill bits? Where would I look for that? It's
not something that comes up in a conversation very often.

Maybe I've bought cheap bits, but how you what's good v. just expensive.
They all have some line about carbide etc., but for me they never last.
These are for metal, under 1/2 dia.

Regards,

RichK

On Thu, 15 Jun 2006 15:08:05 GMT, Phisherman wrote:

On Thu, 15 Jun 2006 07:52:10 -0700, "Steve B"
wrote:


"RichK" wrote

Which begs another question, that I should have asked up front. For
drilling out an old bolt (my most frequent use for steel drilling), what
speed is best. Fast 2000RPM, or low in the 100's?

Regards,

RichK

Which begs another question. What speed is best for drilling? I always go
low, and just watch for the chips or spirals to come out. I know that
speeding things up with a various speed drill stops the cutting the faster
you go. I always tend to go slow and watch for chips. I still turn some
bits blue, but not many any more.


There are charts you can use as a guideline to determine the proper
speeds. When drilling metal I use some kind of lubricant, oil or
water. Soft woods need a high speed to get a nice clean hole. When
drilling deep, bits can easily overheat.

tHERE'S something different about plastic but I forget what it is!
You have to go fast or slow, one of them. Even thin plastic
backed up by a piece of wood.

And when I do, I just throw them in the old cigar boxes with all the others
that I'm some day going to do on my Drill Doctor 750 that I haven't used
yet.

Trouble is, every time I go to yard sales, they are about a buck a dozen, or

I never see bits and rarely see any tools at yard sales.

something outrageous like that, and I can't seem to run out.

Steve


New twist bits or paddle bits are very inexpensive. Look for
USA-made, HSS, for better quality.

On Thu, 15 Jun 2006 03:20:01 -0400, mm
wrote:


Maybe I've bought cheap bits, but how you what's good v. just expensive.
They all have some line about carbide etc., but for me they never last.

Don't really know but doesn't all steel contain carbon? Does that
make it carbide?

To answer myself, no it doesn't. After not's post, I remember what
carbide is, and I haven't ever had to sharpen one. Those I did get
free from folks who retired.

On 15 Jun 2006 08:10:27 -0700, wrote:


Phisherman wrote:
On Wed, 14 Jun 2006 20:13:27 -0400, "RichK" wrote:

Hi All,

I have a pile of dull drill bits, that don't bite anymore. At one time
there was an add on TV for some sharpening device. I'm always skeptical of
TV adds for gadget, but...

Is it practical to sharpen drill bits? Where would I look for that? It's
not something that comes up in a conversation very often.

Maybe I've bought cheap bits, but how you what's good v. just expensive.
They all have some line about carbide etc., but for me they never last.
These are for metal, under 1/2 dia.

Regards,

RichK


I don't bother sharpening twist bits, just replace them. Same with
router bits.


Thats because you have not went through a depression, of not having
enough money to get food or the necessities of life. If you had then
you would have learned the lesson--Waste Not WANT NOT! But perhaps you
will someday as it is a very good possibility.

Possible, but what's more likely is that even if no pensions are
disowned, and no Social Security is bankrupt, retirement funds won't
keep pace with inflation. And added personal savings plus compound
interest would have made a big difference.

OTOH, I haven't had luck with sharpening drills, and I have no idea
how to sharpen a router bit properly (Of course I got the router
second-hand and haven't dulled a bit yet.)

Phisherman wrote:
On Thu, 15 Jun 2006 07:52:10 -0700, "Steve B"
wrote:


"RichK" wrote

Which begs another question, that I should have asked up front. For
drilling out an old bolt (my most frequent use for steel drilling), what
speed is best. Fast 2000RPM, or low in the 100's?

Regards,

RichK

Which begs another question. What speed is best for drilling? I always go
low, and just watch for the chips or spirals to come out. I know that
speeding things up with a various speed drill stops the cutting the faster
you go. I always tend to go slow and watch for chips. I still turn some
bits blue, but not many any more.


There are charts you can use as a guideline to determine the proper
speeds. When drilling metal I use some kind of lubricant, oil or
water. Soft woods need a high speed to get a nice clean hole. When
drilling deep, bits can easily overheat.

Here's a pretty good chart, from Wood Magazine (covers metal too...)
for drill speeds.
http://www.ibiblio.org/twa/info/drillSpeedChart.pdf

DP

According to Not@home :
Years ago I worked summers as a machinist, and we sharpened our carbon
steel bits on a grinding wheel; its not difficult after you've done a
few. Eye protection is essential.

We always sent carbide bits out to a contractor for sharpening as they
require special equipment, I think a diamond wheel, but I'm not sure.

You can sharpen carbide bits with an ordinary grinder. However,
there's a huge difference between the carbide bits you were probably
grinding and the ones that most homeowners see.

Most homeowners see carbide in the form of masonry bits. Those
are trivially easy to sharpen on a grinder. You do very little
to them, you don't really need sharp edges at all.

The carbide that machinists use is sometimes a slightly different
alloy, but more importantly, the precise shaping of the tips is
fairly critical. Especially when used in automated machines.

As such, it's better to get them done with the right equipment.

Carbide tipped drills for wood, such as the Lee Valley carbide-tipped
brad points are just plain difficult to shape right. As are the
non-carbide brad points. Unless they're very large bits, you're
best off trying with a dremel. Unless you're real good at it,
it's better to replace 'em.
--
Chris Lewis, Una confibula non set est
It's not just anyone who gets a Starship Cruiser class named after them.

According to mm :

tHERE'S something different about plastic but I forget what it is!
You have to go fast or slow, one of them. Even thin plastic
backed up by a piece of wood.

You generally can't go wrong by treating it as if it was wood.
Same speeds, tooth counts usually. Goes for drilling and sawing.

Just _don't_ stop. Causes heat buildup and it'll melt or burn.
--
Chris Lewis, Una confibula non set est
It's not just anyone who gets a Starship Cruiser class named after them.

I worked for a locksmith years ago, who used a bench grinder and a
well practiced eye to sharpen drill bits. He showed me how, and I've
been sharpening since then. Really money saver.

--

Christopher A. Young
You can't shout down a troll.
You have to starve them.
..

"RichK" wrote in message
. ..
Hi All,

I have a pile of dull drill bits, that don't bite anymore. At one
time
there was an add on TV for some sharpening device. I'm always
skeptical of
TV adds for gadget, but...

Is it practical to sharpen drill bits? Where would I look for that?
It's
not something that comes up in a conversation very often.

Maybe I've bought cheap bits, but how you what's good v. just
expensive.
They all have some line about carbide etc., but for me they never
last.
These are for metal, under 1/2 dia.

Regards,

RichK

I bought one of those flat grinding wheels at the hardware store that fit
into a 1/4" drill motor chuck. I use just a regular drill motor to sharpen
bits with. You can, somehow, fasten the motor down to a workbench and use
both hands to hold the drill bit, or, as I have practised, hold the motor
with one hand onto a surface, and then sharpen the bit with the other. Once
you get the hang of it, it turns out quite well, and you can re-use the bits
over and over again. It really is a money saver. Many individuals use
drill bits at work, and when they become useless, throw them away. You can
obtain quite a huge collection of bits by just retreiving old drill bits and
resharpening them.

The flat grinding wheel that I use I can grind the bits on the larger flat
surface. You wouldn't do this with a normal bench grinder, that is, grind
on the side of the wheel, but with the small, 1/4" wheel in a drill motor,
it is not as high speed as the bench grinder. I have used this method for
many years with success.

------------------------------------------
I worked for a locksmith years ago, who used a bench grinder and a
well practiced eye to sharpen drill bits. He showed me how, and I've
been sharpening since then. Really money saver.

--

Christopher A. Young
You can't shout down a troll.
You have to starve them.
..

"RichK" wrote in message
. ..
Hi All,

I have a pile of dull drill bits, that don't bite anymore. At one
time
there was an add on TV for some sharpening device. I'm always
skeptical of
TV adds for gadget, but...

Is it practical to sharpen drill bits? Where would I look for that?
It's
not something that comes up in a conversation very often.

Maybe I've bought cheap bits, but how you what's good v. just
expensive.
They all have some line about carbide etc., but for me they never
last.
These are for metal, under 1/2 dia.

Regards,

RichK

RichK wrote:
Hi All,

I have a pile of dull drill bits, that don't bite anymore. At one time
there was an add on TV for some sharpening device. I'm always skeptical of
TV adds for gadget, but...

Is it practical to sharpen drill bits? Where would I look for that? It's
not something that comes up in a conversation very often.

Maybe I've bought cheap bits, but how you what's good v. just expensive.
They all have some line about carbide etc., but for me they never last.
These are for metal, under 1/2 dia.

Regards,

RichK




My one extravagance in life is new drill bits. I use a drill bit once
and throw it away and get a new one. Not necessarily one hole; one
project, or one day of a big project. HTH :-)

Bob

060616 2236 - Stormin Mormon posted:

I worked for a locksmith years ago, who used a bench grinder and a
well practiced eye to sharpen drill bits. He showed me how, and I've
been sharpening since then. Really money saver.

I bought one of those flat grinding wheels at the hardware store that fit
into a 1/4" drill motor chuck. I use just a regular drill motor to sharpen
bits with. You can, somehow, fasten the motor down to a workbench and use
both hands to hold the drill bit, or, as I have practised, hold the motor
with one hand onto a surface, and then sharpen the bit with the other. Once
you get the hang of it, it turns out quite well, and you can re-use the bits
over and over again. It really is a money saver. Many individuals use
drill bits at work, and when they become useless, throw them away. You can
obtain quite a huge collection of bits by just retreiving old drill bits and
resharpening them.

The flat grinding wheel that I use I can grind the bits on the larger flat
surface. You wouldn't do this with a normal bench grinder, that is, grind
on the side of the wheel, but with the small, 1/4" wheel in a drill motor,
it is not as high speed as the bench grinder. I have used this method for
many years with success.

I have A Drill Doctor I received as A X-mass present A few years
ago(Even came with a left hand chuck). It's ok but unless you want to
set it up and make a day of it( I would just as soon sharpen them by
hand and if smaller than 1/8 th inch out they go!)it's more work than
it's worth getting out the case and setting up the tool.Then after your
done you get to put it back in the case and stow it away
again.
They have A dimond grinding wheel inside. It needs to be replaced from
time to time but on HSS should last many years. On carbide your results
may vary.
I prefer to sharpen my bits on A belt grinder. Nice,solid platen to
hold the bit against, no chance of the wheel coming apart, runs much
cooler than A grinding wheel so it won't take out the temper,easy to
change the belts when they wear out and no tools needed,no need to dress
the wheel.Easy!

Good Luck!
H.R.