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Countersink tool for steel

skipnay

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Dec 11, 2014
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PA
Who makes a really good countersink bit? Not something cheap where you have to replace it after using it once or twice. If possible something between 1/4-3/4. I don't think I will use anything bigger but you know how that story goes... A deburr tool might also come in handy but would like your opinion on the countersink tool.
 
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Milton Shaw

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Feb 11, 2011
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Search EBay for microstop countersink. These are aircraft tools and the bits on them are hardened and work good for steel or non steel materials. Zepher is one of the mfgs of them and have a large catalog of styles and sizes. They have a pilot to fit the hole you are countersinking and work chatter free if you have the right sizes. These are made for use in portable drills, usually air powered in industrial mfg use. But do work great in cordless drills.
 

Tenex

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May 11, 2015
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If you aren't getting into anything too serious then THIS set of Irwin steel countersinks should be decent.
 

-Brent-

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Dec 23, 2009
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Utah
I have gotten mine from the industrial supply place local to me. They call them chamfer bits, as well. Grainger, Fastenal, McMaster Carr, etc., all have either singles or kits with a range of sizes.
 

yaidunno

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Feb 10, 2011
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WI
The micro stops are awesome tools, great for repeatability. If this tool is just going to be put in a hand drill for various hole sizes, I’d recommend a single flute countersink. 82* for SAE fasteners, and 90* for metric. M.A. Ford, Hertel, and KEO all make nice HSS bits that you’d be after. Go slow on the RPM and use lube, it will last you a long time.
 

A_Pmech

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May 8, 2007
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IL
The micro stops are awesome tools, great for repeatability. If this tool is just going to be put in a hand drill for various hole sizes, I’d recommend a single flute countersink. 82* for SAE fasteners, and 90* for metric. M.A. Ford, Hertel, and KEO all make nice HSS bits that you’d be after. Go slow on the RPM and use lube, it will last you a long time.

Exactly!


Single flute countersinks are far superior for use in hand drills. And, if you're careful, they can be re-sharpened easily!
 
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Ign

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Jul 7, 2006
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Butte Peak ND
Who makes a really good countersink bit? Not something cheap where you have to replace it after using it once or twice. If possible something between 1/4-3/4. I don't think I will use anything bigger but you know how that story goes... A deburr tool might also come in handy but would like your opinion on the countersink tool.

MA Ford (kinda affordable) or KEO (expensive).

But the problem with c-sinks is knowing how to use 'em. Hand drill use is particularly hard on them, and you gotta spin them SLOW in steel. HSS c-sinks burn up easily. OTOH do NOT go carbide for hand drill use, you'll chip it in the first few seconds and be out a lot of money.

Bottom line, I'd buy a comprehensive set of MA Ford and be kind to them (that's what I do and have done for years). I personally like 6 flute in my hand drills, but I use a lot of pressure and minimal speed (even WOT in LOW on a cordless M18 drill is generally too fast).

Otherwise try the HF step bits, they actually work quite well using the next step up to chamfer the hole you just drilled. And they're cheap. And plentiful.
 

red94chev

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Jan 29, 2015
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556
Location
Northeastern MD
I had a job a few months ago at work that consisted of about 80 countersunk holes for quarter inch screws in 1/2-hardened stainless plate. I got a 6 flute carbide bit and ruined it on the first hole. Then i tried a Interstate single flute, and did every single hole with it. 150 rpm on my drill press and its still sharp. I tend to prefer single flutes and run them slow in whatever material I'm working.

https://www.mscdirect.com/product/details/02453405
 

larry_g

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Apr 28, 2007
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Location
oregon
82* for SAE fasteners, and 90* for metric.


Lets reiterate this again. You have to be sure of the angle on the fastener matches the CS you use. The above is correct but there are CS's out there at angles other than 82 or 90.

Are you really countersinking for a fastener or just deburring a drilled hole?

lg
no neat sig line
 

Dave455

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Mar 19, 2013
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Location
Sussex, England
Start by looking at the twist drill manufacturers, most offer counter sinks of comparable quality to their drills - I'm thinking firms such as Ruko, Dormer, Guhring etc!

If you want to go a notch above that, look at tools from a specialist cutting tool manufacturer, or even a specialist countersink manufacturer. My favourite (for most work I've done on pressed components) is Robert Charles - available from MSC!
 
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