Looking at the Norseman drill sets

[66HertzClone]

I am looking to add a set of bits that I can keep adjacent to my drill press, leaving a set on the workbench that I use with a handheld drill. I was seeing what H Epstein had to offer and noticed that they offer 2 sets (well more that that but just these for my purposes) a Magnum and then the Molybdenum set. The price is thee same for either set, does either have any overwhelming advantage over the other? I'm not fabricating anything exotic.

https://www.harryepstein.com/hi-molybdenum-29-pc-drill-bit-set-jobber.html

Norseman SPM-29P Magnum Super Premium Mechanic 29 Pc Set (SPM-29P)

Norseman SPM-29P Magnum Super Premium Mechanic 29 Pc Set

www.harryepstein.com

 

[Dave455]

I notice that one set are “jobber” length, and the others are “mechanics”. The former are standard length, the latter are shorter, and better for drilling into metal using a hand held drill.

I suspect that the drills are otherwise identical. A look on the Norseman website might confirm this

 

[Outahere]

Use the mechanics length, flatted shaft SPM-29P set with a handheld drill, and use the SP-29P with the drill press.

 

[Steve_P]

I notice that one set are “jobber” length, and the others are “mechanics”. The former are standard length, the latter are shorter, and better for drilling into metal using a hand held drill.

I suspect that the drills are otherwise identical. A look on the Norseman website might confirm this

This is correct. Mechanic length are shorter and have three flats for the chuck to grip on the sizes where it's possible to add the flats. Jobber are longer and have round outsides- typical drill bits. Material is the same. I have both sets and almost always use the mechanic style.

 

[GeoBruin]

Yep, you need both. Most of the time it's nice to have a shorter stiffer bit. But sometimes you need that little extra length.

 

[carmantl]

I have the mechanic's set and they are the best damned bits I have ever owned. Buy once, cry once!

 

[vwtrey]

I have the mechanic's set and they are the best damned bits I have ever owned. Buy once, cry once!

The price isn't even horrible. I've spent way more replacing crappy bits.

 

[mhejl]

Maybe not on topic but those plastic round drill indexes ****! Almost impossible to read the sizes and tight spacing on the inner rings to grab the bits.

I bought the jobber Magnum set and promptly trashed the plastic index for a Huot. You can get the same sets in a proper metal index.

 

[bluedog225]

The norseman vortex are very good.

 

[Steve_P]

Maybe not on topic but those plastic round drill indexes ****! Almost impossible to read the sizes and tight spacing on the inner rings to grab the bits.

I bought the jobber Magnum set and promptly trashed the plastic index for a Huot. You can get the same sets in a proper metal index.

Norseman sells them in the Huot metal index; all of mine were purchased that way.

 

[ronkz650]

Get the Norseman Magnum 115pc set in the metal box. I like having all the sizes. Kind of overkill probably for most, but comes in handy.

 

[neophyte]

The round plastic drill indexes are also a Huot product.
No, I don’t really like the design either, but there may be instances **** as carrying around the drill index in a toolbag were the round plastic thing is better.
Huot is the current better manufacturer of drill indexes in the USA.
There is also a company in Germany called Dril-box that also makes decent drill index cases.
The Drilbox cases are harder to get nowadays, but used to be used by Century, and Triumph, etc.
Precision Twist may still use the Drilbox cases.
Between Huot and Drilbox, the Huot cases are usually more compact.
The Drilbox cases (the higher end line) have rounded corners, and automatically display the bits when you open the case.
You used to be able to get “Automatic Drill Indexes” from US manufacturers, but they no longer seem to be in production.

 

[kjbenner]

Yep, you need both. Most of the time it's nice to have a shorter stiffer bit. But sometimes you need that little extra length.

You should probably get a set of screw machine bits too. And maybe a set of aircraft bits for when you need a lot of extra length.

 

[GeoBruin]

You should probably get a set of screw machine bits too. And maybe a set of aircraft bits for when you need a lot of extra length.

My shorter bits are actually screw machine length bits and that's primarily what they're used for, drilling in my benchtop mill/drill where I don't have a lot of z room.

 

[Mgdoug3]

I have a set of screw machine bits too and they're handy for my mill since I don't have to move my z axis as much. My Norseman mechanic set has been great but they all need to be resharpened or replaced eventually. I will buy Norseman again.

 

[QtheGenius]

bringing this back to the top since my googling isn't on par today. I'm seeing multiple "models" of these bits, including Ultra Dex, Hi-Molybdenum, Orange Ultra Dex, and others. The Norseman website doesn't do a great job of breaking down entry level to premium. Can someone help break down the models/sets of bits? From reading above, I now understand Jobber vs Mechanic.

 

[GeoBruin]

bringing this back to the top since my googling isn't on par today. I'm seeing multiple "models" of these bits, including Ultra Dex, Hi-Molybdenum, Orange Ultra Dex, and others. The Norseman website doesn't do a great job of breaking down entry level to premium. Can someone help break down the models/sets of bits? From reading above, I now understand Jobber vs Mechanic.

I don't know that it's necessarily about entry level to premium as much as it is use case specific. There's different materials for cutting harder or softer metals, different coatings for varying degrees of lubricity depending on what you're drilling, different tip geometries and shank lengths depending on what type of drilling operation (hand held, machine, high speed, etc.).

What kind of drilling are you looking to do?

 

[Steve_P]

Norseman has, or had, a good explanation on their bit materials. The Magnum is their general purpose use recommendation and is what I have multiple sets of.

 

[GeoBruin]

Norseman has, or had, a good explanation on their bit materials. The Magnum is their general purpose use recommendation and is what I have multiple sets of.

My metal shop has an index right by the checkout with every norseman magnum bit in fractional and numbered sizes. It really takes the sting out breaking small bits knowing I can just grab replacement singles. No machine length though...

 

[MJD1]

My lws handles viking brand which is the same as Norseman. Excellent drills but a little pricey when you get into larger s&d sizes. The drill and tap indexes by viking or Norseman are also very high quality with spiral point taps.

 

[QtheGenius]

General Purpose should be enough. Mostly lumber and light/thin metal work.