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Drill Index - What to buy

T45

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Nov 20, 2014
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3,255
Looking at putting together an index. What are your thoughts on length and material?

People's recommendations often tend to be to buy HSS from a reputable USA manufacturer, typically through an industrial supply shop. So my question may is simply whether or not I should follow that generic advice or look at something more specific.

Like many here, my problems tend to be involving metal (not carpentry or construction). So,the idea of getting shorter length bits, and metal-specific construction is something I'm trying to work through.

Would be grateful if folks could chime in with their views.

Thanks.
 
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Ign

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Butte Peak ND
Yep, US-made HSS. For general use I'd lean toward black oxide, 118*, jobber length. Screw machines are sweet when they fit the bill but are quite often too short for general fabrication.

I'd find the best deal in Hot Deals at use-Enco.com and not look back.
 
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T45

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Black oxide is out because of aluminum. :sad:
 
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T45

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What are people's thoughts on cobalt?:headscrat
 
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Jim C.

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I like USA made Norseman bits in a USA made Huot index.

Jim C.
 

Cope

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Mar 8, 2013
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Houston, TX
I have both Jobber and Mechanic's length sets. The Mechanic's length set is more practical for auto work, but bits are harder to find.
 
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