Screw or Mechanics drill set for my uses?

[Mohawk Dave]

I have jobbers and tapers in all configurations. But I want some shorter drills. (Mainly Fractional and A-Z)

I'm an avid DIYer. No mill or lathe here yet. And I have no problem buying another/different/dedicated set(s) of drill for the mill/lathe when the time comes.

That being said, I use drill press, electric and pneumatic drill motors, mostly drill mild and 4130 steel and all aluminums. Work on race trucks, the tractor, the trailer, tow trucks, build tables and stuff for family, etc. Many times clearance can be an issue.

So, for the uses I have now, should I get screw or mechanics? The mechanics have the flat 3 shank, which I know can affect the "true" alignment inside a chuck. I don't know how much of a concern one vs the other should be. All my drill motors have excellent chucks (and if/when they don't, they get replaced).

I kind of think that maybe I should get mechanics length now, and once I get mill & lathe, then get screw. That way I have both.

I'm sure I'll get either Norseman or PTD 135* split points for these drills,btw. Whatever I find on sale...

What do you guys say?

(EDIT: I want sets, but I still buy the most common buy the dozen as well.)

 

[neonlazer]

Norseman SPM-29 is the mechanic length set I have. It has the full round shack without flats. Can be found at harry Epstein for like $84 I think.

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[zkling]

Ask yourself how much of an issue clearance really is. If it is that much of a concern you will be using stub bits in an angle drill. For general fab short bits can be problematic, ex for say drilling tubing through and through as once you get through the other side you will be sticking the full round of the drill bit in the first hole.

Short bits are really best saved for machine for high rigidity use or extreme clearance issues.