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Author Topic: Drill bits  (Read 2028 times)

wreckit87

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Drill bits
« on: May 20, 2020, 04:00:01 PM »

What's your favorite drill bit for carbon steel? I've bought about 20 different sets over the years all claiming to be the best and they all either dull very quickly, bend, or break when the final grab happens drilling though steel. DeWalt and Milwaukee I think were the worst, ironically enough. About all that's left is the $10 set from Harbor Freight but I'm pretty sure I'd have better luck trying to burn through steel by lighting that $10 bill on fire. I did recently buy a set of Irwin bits for my job trailer and they've been great but that's pretty light duty stuff for the most part so I don't know how they would perform in drill press duty. At this point I'd gladly pay top dollar for something that's not always dull or broken
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juddspaintballs

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Re: Drill bits
« Reply #1 on: May 20, 2020, 10:10:28 PM »

Drill slow, use a good drilling oil.  Norseman makes a good bit, especially if you use the slow and lubed approach.  They should last a long time.  If you're really drilling high carbon steel, a cobalt bit will help, but it can still be done at a low speed with lube with a standard quality HSS bit. 


Drill bits:
https://www.amazon.com/44170-Norseman-set-de-Bit/dp/B00627C8ZU/ref=sr_1_2?dchild=1&keywords=norseman+drill+bits&link_code=qs&qid=1590033141&sourceid=Mozilla-search&sr=8-2


Cutting oil:
https://www.amazon.com/Forney-20857-Magic-Industrial-Cutting/dp/B003X3ZKXI/ref=pd_bxgy_2/141-5762093-5951527?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_i=B003X3ZKXI&pd_rd_r=72a7aef2-1876-4c80-a579-375c75a38f22&pd_rd_w=zZVDP&pd_rd_wg=hdxZH&pf_rd_p=4e3f7fc3-00c8-46a6-a4db-8457e6319578&pf_rd_r=R8DJA05R5Q7H7FFYQ2WH&psc=1&refRID=R8DJA05R5Q7H7FFYQ2WH



This chart will work up to 1/2" for twist drills. 

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mlappin

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Re: Drill bits
« Reply #2 on: May 20, 2020, 10:30:24 PM »

Norseman is good, I also have a set of Huot thats holding up reasonably well. MSC Direct also has a good selection.

Best bet is to learn how to sharpen em, Drill Doctor don’t count either as they are crap. On a good day I can grind a split point back into a broken bit, on a REALLY good day I can sharpen my 3 flute 1 3/4” bit and have all three flutes make curls evenly. Drill a bunch of 1/2 or 5/8 holes in a semi frame and you get good quick.

Can’t remember the brand, but the welding shop in town has some real high dollar ones, like $25-30 for one 3/8” bit.
« Last Edit: May 20, 2020, 10:34:37 PM by mlappin »
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