Benchmark Abrasives - USA Drill Bits?

[Terra Nova]

Anyone know if the Benchmark Abrasives USA drill bits are made by Viking-Norseman? I've been eyeing the 29 pc set at Zoro but a set popped up at Benchmark Abrasives with identical specs and looks. Even with 20% coupon at Zoro they are a fair bit cheaper at Benchmark.

USA Made Black & Gold Drill Bit Set - 29 Piece

Benchmark Abrasives 29 Piece Black & Gold Drill Bits Set are made of heavy-duty High-Speed Steel for drilling into a type of materials including plastic, wood, and metal.

benchmarkabrasives.com

https://www.zoro.com/viking-norseman-drill-29-pc-set-type-240-ub-135-degree-split-pt-magnum-jobber-drill-44150/i/G4563816/

 

[RoninB4]

a set popped up at Benchmark Abrasives with identical specs and looks.

-No they're not "identical specs". Not one mention of the Benchmark being made from HSS. The TiN coating, at that price, is also an indicator being made from inferior steel. Looks the same? That's where marketing hooks the novice on price point. The Norseman set at least states that they're HSS.

Even with 20% coupon at Zoro they are a fair bit cheaper at Benchmark.

-Priced far less often means some things are not equal, HSS is more expensive as a cutting tool material and for heat treating for a reason. Buy what you want but don't expect them to hold up well when drilling steel. Even states that they're suitable for drilling soft materials and "lite steel". Thought you may want to know the difference.

USA Made Black & Gold Drill Bit Set - 29 Piece

Benchmark Abrasives 29 Piece Black & Gold Drill Bits Set are made of heavy-duty High-Speed Steel for drilling into a type of materials including plastic, wood, and metal.

benchmarkabrasives.com

 

[tarbellb]

-No they're not "identical specs". Not one mention of the Benchmark being made from HSS. The TiN coating, at that price, is also an indicator being made from inferior steel. Looks the same? That's where marketing hooks the novice on price point. The Norseman set at least states that they're HSS.

-Priced far less often means some things are not equal, HSS is more expensive as a cutting tool material and for heat treating for a reason. Buy what you want but don't expect them to hold up well when drilling steel. Even states that they're suitable for drilling soft materials and "lite steel". Thought you may want to know the difference.

Lots of good points from Ronin

plus WTF is "lite steel"?

 

[dnschmidt]

Cheap never works on drill bits. Bite the bullet and buy the Norseman or Viking. Few things in life can piss you off more than a ****** drill bit.

 

[woody 73]

It might be my old eyes playing tricks on me, but I swear the drill bits coming from that benchmark blurb above say they are good for drilling in wood, furniture or plastic and other soft materials and lite metals, sounds like they are made out of tin foil and Swiss cheese if I am reading them correctly.

 

[RTM]

blurb above say they are good for drilling in wood, furniture

Bed frame steel is furniture, right?

 

[woody 73]

RTM I'll do you one better bed frame steel is made out of railroad track, ask me how I know, stuff is hardened beyond belief, I've destroyed many a drill bit cutting holes in that steel. According to their blurb they won't cut it.

 

[American Locomotive]

I mean, how many US manufacturers of drill bits are left? Of those that are left, how many are making drill bits with the gold outer and black nitro-carburized inside flutes that Norseman is known for? Also if you zoom in on one of the BA photos, you can see one of the bits says HSS on it.

Those BA bits look exactly like my Norseman set. Also if you search that Norseman part number, you can find a few vendors selling it very close to the BA price.

My vote is that they're relabeled Norseman.

 

[Terra Nova]

I reached out to Benchmark customer service and they said they are made of M2 HSS. They would not divulge who their supplier is though.

I mean, how many US manufacturers of drill bits are left? Of those that are left, how many are making drill bits with the gold outer and black nitro-carburized inside flutes that Norseman is known for? Also if you zoom in on one of the BA photos, you can see one of the bits says HSS on it.

This is what lead me to ask the question. Can’t be too many US drill bit manufacturers left building extremely similar bits? I can absolutely see cheap knockoffs from overseas but US made?