Buying new drill bits

[biguglycaprice]

I'm looking to get a new set of drills for using in my press and the lathe. I use cobalt thunderbits at work and while they are great, I cannot justify spending that kind of money for use at home. I don't know a whole lot about the different types: bright finish, black oxide, bronze oxide, etc... Or why you would buy one type over the other???

I mostly work with steel.

So, what should I be looking for in a new set?

Are any of the imports worth looking at or should I stick with American?


Thanks

 

[Old Iron]

I've had a few of the import sets and there just not anywhere close to the one made here. So I buy mine here http://www.carbideprocessors.com/triumph-twist-drill/twist-drill-sets/ still made in the USA and there a good quality.

Hope this help you decide, I just get the bright finish HHS there as good as any.

Paul

 

[Tom Griffin]

Bigugly,

Unless you are running production, there is no need for any of the exotic coatings. Ordinary black oxide will serve you well. I get HSS Jobbers length 135º split point drills and most of them come from McMaster Carr. They have a good selection, ship quickly and carry good quality drill bits. The split point drills are nice because they drill with less pressure and in many cases don't require a center drill to start. I've pretty much given up on the Asian import cutting tools in general. Yes, the initial cost is less but performance is not as good and they don't last near as long as quality American or European made tools. I'd rather pay more up front for a better product.

Tom

 

[goldenchips2]

Drilling holes is meat and potato stuff...an everyday type thing...
Buy good drills and they will serve you for years.
Buy cheap drills and suffer from buying cheap drills...

 

[wineslob]

I use Viking Ultra Cut bits. Made in the USA and aren't too expensive.

 

[biguglycaprice]

Great, thanks for the advice everyone.

 

[miner49r]

Thanks for bringing this topic up. I was just thinking about buying new bits.

Alan

 

[Redirish]

Drill bits

I have two sets, a set of Cleveland for my shop here at home, and a set of imports that I kept at work until I retired. Did the same as you, a trip through the Drill Doctor and they work fine and hold up as well as the Clevelands.

 

[irishwoodsman]

drill bits

jergenson is a good bit:biggrin:

 

[biguglycaprice]

I've had imports for at home for a few years and have had the same experience as turbine doctor. Send them through the drill dr and they'll be decent for a while. Also have noticed they seem a little more flexible than my good drills at work. Since these see double duty, on the machine tools and out in the garage, some are broken, missing, or otherwise mangled. The plan is to sharpen my old set, send them to the garage, and keep a good set inside.