anyone sharpen their drill bits anymore?

[IndyGarage]

I've had a drill doctor on my "list" for a few years now, grandpa left me a couple coffee cans full of bits, and I've got a pile going as well, any preference as to wich Dr? Seems the "base" model is fine? I don't require lefty ability, though I do like a split point style...

Just borrow one from somebody. It's a tool that works so well for me that I use it twice a year for a couple hours at a time. The first hour is spent figuring out how to use it again, then an hour to sharpen all my bits again. It works really fast and puts a nice edge on the bits once you get the hang of it.

 

[rlitman]

...The DD is more suited to putting an edge on the bit. It is not for grinding a broken or chipped bit back into form. If I have a chipped or broken bit I will sharpen it on a wheel and then use the DD to put an edge on it. I read a good piece on why not to sharpen on a belt sander. The belt will set up a standing wave just in front of the tool and it changes giving a more rounded edge, not a keen edge that the grinder will give. It made sense to me and I have stopped using a belt sander to put an edge on a cutter. The belt is fine for roughing in but a stone or diamond is needed for the final edge...

Good point. DD is for finishing. If you're starting with a snapped off bit, the DD is not appropriate. And after every 2-3 passes, the bit requires realignment in the DD.

As for belt grinding, how bad the standing wave is, or if it even exists, is determined by the belt tension. With correct tension, and correct down-force, you don't get the standing wave. Push what you're grinding too hard, or have too loose a belt, and you get it, as the cloth is held back by what you're cutting. Too much belt tension cups the belt, causing rounding perpendicular to your standing wave issue. Proper tension keeps the drive pulley pulling, and not pushing the belt (once it starts to push, you'll get that bow wave).

Knife makers pretty much universally use belt grinders, so belt grinding is certainly capable of producing a fine edge. If you're using a crappy belt grinder, well then sure, you may be doomed to a rounded over edge.

My favorite sharpening method is by hand. While I'm not a fan of scary sharp, I've found that abrasive paper on a flat surface can be better than a coarse water stone, but like your bow-wave issue, the paper needs to be tensioned. What I do is use an old belt from by belt grinder (right now, I'm using an 80 grit zirconia belt that's worn to the point that it cuts like a 150). I lay it down on my cast iron tablesaw top, and place a block of wood over one end, near the edge of the table, which I clamp down. Using strokes away from the wood, the belt stays taut and you get a fine enough bevel to take it straight to the medium diamond stone to polish and remove the wire edge. Then a few passes on the black arkansas and strop. Like this, I can take a fresh from flea-market used-boat-anchor chisel to a hair splitter in about 2 minutes without any products from Tormek or any jigs.

 

[rlitman]

Just borrow one from somebody. It's a tool that works so well for me that I use it twice a year for a couple hours at a time. The first hour is spent figuring out how to use it again, then an hour to sharpen all my bits again. It works really fast and puts a nice edge on the bits once you get the hang of it.

I got my DD back when they came with a VHS tape with the instructions. The DD is capable of putting on a better tip than factory (something IMPOSSIBLE to do by hand), but only when handled properly. DO NOT expect to be able to do that right out of the box the first time. There are good video instructions out there to set you straight.

 

[southalabama]

Is there a YouTube video anyone recommends for learning how to sharpen with a grinder ??

 

[larry_g]

Knife makers pretty much universally use belt grinders, so belt grinding is certainly capable of producing a fine edge. If you're using a crappy belt grinder, well then sure, you may be doomed to a rounded over edge.
.

I'm thinking few here have belt grinders in the knife makers class, including me, more are in the second general purpose sander class.

lg
no neat sig line

 

[Roberts210]

Been sharpening by hand on a bench grinder for decades.
As Zeke pointed out, the smaller ones are harder, especially as my eyes age. I may get a Drill Doctor one of these days just for the tinies. Maybe Roberts210 will be ditching his now that he has a (gasp!) Lisle!

Already sold the old Doc on fleabay for $28.50. Seemed fair to me since I got a great deal on the Lisle.

 

[Engine]

Is there a YouTube video anyone recommends for learning how to sharpen with a grinder ??

This one gives a good explanation of how to do it:

If you want to get into more detail about the geometry of drills, watch the videos from tubalcain. He has vast knowledge of machine tools and has lots of interesting stuff to learn from.

 

[southalabama]

Thanks for the recommendation. Without knowing it's often hard to pick the pros from the posers on YouTube.

 

[R W]

Check Out.
www.vsctools.com/ drill- sharpening- jig/
May have to use google to bring the drill bit sharpener up.

Also try 978 UTube
Twist Drill Sharpening Jig Product Demo

 

[ajchien]

I do small bits in a drill dr. Larger ones are freehand on the bench grinder. I may convert over to a belt sander someday, it seems like it'll take off less metal at a time.

 

[AJ.]

I have been sharpening them on a bench grinder for 30 years, it took a lot of practice years ago to get good at it, but it's second nature nowadays.

Cheers Andrew

 

[PhantomEB]

Multiple drill bit kits, one these days I gonna have to come up with a better way to combine them all. Use til dull throw in bucket for a rainy day of sharpening them all at once.

 

[VDubJoe]

Been using the Drill Doctor for years.

 

[77thor]

Drill Doctor here, too

 

[stioc]

After purchasing about a dozen sets of drill bits in the last 4 to 5 yrs I decided to buy my first Drill Dr. 750X Pro. Sharpened all of them one afternoon, amazing how well sharp drills work. I also don't feel bad about throwing away perfectly fine bits adding to the landfill just because they needed sharpening.

 

[rharman]

I bought a Drill Doctor 500 a long time ago. One of these days, I hope to find time and use it on my collection of old bits. Just too many other things to do in the garage that are a lot more benefit and fun....

 

[WhiskeyRanger]