To: "homestead AT lists.ibiblio.org" <homestead AT lists.ibiblio.org>
Subject: [Homestead] Drill bit selection
Date: Thu, 19 Jan 2006 12:46:51 -0600
Ernie, the safe-mechanic brother-in-law says for drilling mild steel he
likes carbide bits, for "hard plate" he uses strong arm bits; they are
diamond chip impregnated.
Gary, the retired-mechanic brother, says carbide tips are not suitable for
home sharpening. There are various grades of high-speed steel used for
drill shanks and, as I expected, softer shanks are less brittle and
therefore break less readily. One can buy all-carbide drills but they are
very expensive. He noted that I will find it hard to hand sharpen the
brad-point drills that are part of the set I bought.
Gary also noted that what I call bits, everyone in a machine shop calls
drills, to differentiate between drills and the cutting bits used in
machines. I guess if I continue to say drill bits, there should be no
confusion.
Bottom lines: at an average cost of twenty cents per item I am happy with
what I bought. I don't break many drill bits, mostly work with wood, and
intend to buy a sharpener, so I will get my money's worth. As these drill
bits and other drill tools die I will replace them with higher quality
pieces, most of which I already own.
[Homestead] Drill bit selection,
Gene GeRue, 01/19/2006