Projects In Metal, LLC

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Drill bit sharpener

February 10, 2012
8:07 AM

jvander68

new york

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January 19, 2012

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Im looking to buy or build a drill bit sharpener.Any suggestions on what kind is the best for a newbie? I seen gadget builders by John moran but yikes that might be above me right now lol.

February 10, 2012
10:05 AM

rleete

Rochester, NY

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September 26, 2011

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I recently got a drill doctor (model 350) from eBay. Quite frankly, I expected it to be junk, or very fussy to use.

I was pleasantly surprised at how easy it is, and how consistant the results are. It sharpens bits evenly and cleanly. I tried sharpening a 1/4" bit that was all but useless. A couple of minutes later, I had a fresh, sharp point on it, and it cut better than new.

The 350 model only goes up to 3/8" diameter or so. The 500 model goes up to 1/2" I believe the 750 goes all the way up to 3/4" bits. For the money, I'd recommend them.

February 10, 2012
12:22 PM

Jerry

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February 10, 2011

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Learning to sharpen a drill offhand is a worthwhile thing to do I think, especially for those quick touch up prior to use. But on occasions where some assured accuracy is needed I've been using a Picador jig for many years. It's the type that mounts to the side of a bench grinder. They are a little clumsy in use, needing some sense of feel to set up and operate, but it's easy enough to overcome.

There are a number of clone versions out there, I've no idea if they are the same quality as the original, but there at least is another option for you.

But, as a final note, some grinding wheels are not suited to side loading, few these days, but worth the awareness.

February 10, 2012
4:13 PM

harborfreight8x12

Lake Charles, Louisiana, USA

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July 18, 2010

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IMHO my DrillDoctor 500 does an excellent job on drill bits up to 1/2" dia. I also freehand sharpen after watching Tubalcain on YouTube. Look up "mrpete222" on YouTube if you have time.

Regards, Al

February 10, 2012
5:57 PM

jvander68

new york

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January 19, 2012

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I watched this video and ever since i have been pretty good at sharpening drill bits from 3/8s on up.. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v…..plpp_video

February 11, 2012
10:55 AM

kennycrawford

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October 16, 2011

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I would like to add my support to the drill doctor. I had my first one 10 or 12 years years ago. All we sharpened was 3/8 inch bits and smaller with it but I remember it from those days as being easy to use and extremely reliable. I too plan on purchasing one when Grizzly finally has some G0704 mills to ship.

Kenny

February 18, 2012
5:14 PM

Tyler

Seattle, WA

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January 9, 2009

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I agree, the drill doctor is an excellent machine – especially for the price! I've only had issues with it when I've tried to sharpen a slightly bent drill bit (when I say slightly I mean only perceptible when rolling the bit on a surface plate). Any deviation from exactly centered will lead to uneven flutes – which makes sense. And even then it's only a problem on the smallest of bits (about 1/8"). I've never had any problems getting a perfect grind on bits 1/4" and larger.

The drill doctor is made by the same people that make the Darex drill sharpening system – a much more expensive (1.5k+) system that also does an excellent job. But the funny thing is I had a chance to compare the results of the drill doc to the darex and the results were almost identical.

The big thing you lose with the drill doc over the darex is long-term durability. The drill doc would wear out much faster than the darex, which could be used to sharpen tens of thousands of drills. The Drill Dr. would wear out long before that. But for a home machinist, the drill doc is great. We don't need to be able to resharpen thousands of bits.

And of course as Jvander68 already mentioned, this site has a 2-part video tutorial on sharpening drills by hand that can be found here:

http://www.projectsinmetal.com…..-tutorial/

NOTE: I work full time and I'm attending college full time as well. So if it takes me a few days to respond, please don't take it personally. If it's urgent please send me a Private Message.

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