Looking for some knife making tools...

[wdfwguy]

Specifically, a bench top drill press, a set of needle files, and drill bits

I drill a lot of ~1/4" holes in annealed steel, anywhere from .100 to .200 thick. I have the Craftsman 8" press that I've used in the past, but I'd like an upgrade. I was looking at the 10" and 13" drill presses at HF. And yes, I've been looking for a nice, used press. But nothing shows up in my area at a decent price. I'm still looking, but I still need a drill press in the meantime. Is there anything <$300 (other than the HF) worth considering?

And I'm open to suggestions for the files and bits. I've heard that the shorter bits (mechanics or screw length) are better for drilling steel, but I haven't tried either.

 

[Milton Shaw]

One drill bit set you ought to look at is the Bad Dog drill set that will drill hardened steel, even files that other bits just skate off of. Expensive but lifetime warranty so in the end are almost reasonable.

 

[GSMotorrad]

Specifically, a bench top drill press, a set of needle files, and drill bits

What are you using for a belt-grinder? I just stopped in to give props to my Kalamazoo 1SM 42x1.

I don't make any, but I keep my production and semi-customs very sharp.

 

[wdfwguy]

What are you using for a belt-grinder? I just stopped in to give props to my Kalamazoo 1SM 42x1.

I don't make any, but I keep my production and semi-customs very sharp.

I just finished putting together my first 2x72...

 

[Alaniho]

Also get good quality abrasives. Norton, 3M, VSM all offer the high grade ceramic belts that will cut faster and cooler than cheap belts that often come packed with machines.

 

[tool_scrounge]

Specifically, a bench top drill press, a set of needle files, and drill bits

And yes, I've been looking for a nice, used press. But nothing shows up in my area at a decent price.

Collectively we might be able to point you to a used one, but without you posting your city, state, or country in your profile it limits us a bit....