Drill Bits...

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97SWBCHEVY

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Just curious what brand of drill bits do y’all consider to be the best these days...something that doesn’t burn up as soon as you get started...it just seems like they just keep getting crappier and crappier these days compared to what you would get 15+ years ago...
Metal...like a truck frame as far as thickness etc...not going through any thick plate steel, or trying to drill out a hardened broke bolt out, or anything special...
I slow my drill down, I spray some lubricant while drilling a hole, etc...etc...etc...
I just want a decent set of drill bits 3/8th’s or so and down that will last a lil while...and if you’re gonna suggest a set of DeWalt drill bits don’t bother responding...lol
 

PlayingWithTBI

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My son has these and says they work better than any others he's tried.

Years ago we used cobalt bits on stainless and other hard surfaces. The only issue with them is they're brittle. If you catch one on a burr when breaking through, they'll break or chip the cutting edge off.
 

TechNova

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I buy only form Max Winters Drill Bit City for home and work. You have to call hi, he doesn't have online ordering.
Regardless of the bit you use, most people have trouble because they don't apply enough pressure. The heat needs to be carried away in the chips. You have to put enough straight pressure on the bit so it will cut a chip to remove the heat. A drill bit that rubs and doesn't cut heats the bit and ruins even the best bit. It can also damage a bit by predrilling a smaller size. Predrilling causes alot of pressure on the edge of the larger bit. The best way is a spot drill with a smaller size for location then go right to the finish size bit. I use some USA Fluid from Max but often use motor oil from squirt can.
 

thegawd

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I have every cobalt drill bit I'v ever had, up to half an inch. I do know how to sharpen drill bits and so I have a lot of assorted highspeed steel drill bits I just keep sharpening them but I have yet to sharpen a cobalt, a couple will need it soon or if I need them for steel. I needed to drill 27x8 1/4" holes in 3/8 steel plate that holds benches for a locker room because someone forgot to put holes on the official drawings FFS'S. anyways I bought every 1/4" drill bit the hardware store had anticipating a bunch of broken bits due to inexperienced helpers. but we didnt break one and only used 1 cobalt drill bit a piece. those are the ones that need some sharpening but are still working just fine.

I agree with everyone but @TechNova nailed it.... if your not producing perfect chips or 1 solid perfectly cut shaving then your not doing it right. I also agree with him that its not wise to step up drill bit sizes unless you want to ruin everyone of them. drill 1 small pilot hole if you must, I dont. I use a steel punch and hammer a center hole into it and then go for gold with the correct size final size drill bit. drill it once and be done. you dont even need oil as a lubricant.... Most of the time I dont want to waste it and only use water. generally setting the bit in a cup of water whenever it starts to get hot.

Al
 

TechNova

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there is the theory that water can cause hydrogen imbrittlement in the drill bit. I don't know if it is true, if not drilling dry, I use lube or oil. If doing many holes I tend to not drill dry since the bit heats up.
I have a farmer friend that argued that all drill bits are junk. I watched him drill some holes by hand, no pressure at first, would get frustrated then try to push hard after the cutting edge overheated. He would then break the bit from his frustrated pushing. He never could grasp the concepts.
 

thegawd

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ah interesting. I could see that happening. I however based that off of the coolant used in machining, it's mostly water so its not a concern of mine. but maybe what they mixed it with prevents that from happening.... IDK but good point. If I'm drilling over head or something like that, I load up a spray bottle with water or drill one tiny hole in a water bottle and spray that because I dont mind getting water everywhere when I might not want oil everywhere. I also dont really want to breath in oil fumes. plus you know when it comes to wood.... you dont want oil on it because it will never take a stain or hold paint and if it gets on a stain or paint its ruined. water generally is very easy to clean up. I'm a cabinet maker with lots of machine shop experience and always have water available.

Al
 
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