Shortie drill bits

[sasquatch12]

Wonder how many here use the "Screw Machine" or "Stub" drill bits most of the time?
These are the bits that are only half as long as the jobber drill sets, and much sturdier.
Use mine a lot, seldom do i have to drill through anything of any depth, 1 inch steel is the thickest usually.

 

[devoncoolman]

I bought a set from the mac guy that was missing a few for super cheap. I use them alot. But use my standard length bits just as much

 

[elevator joe]

There nice to have with a 90 degree angle drill when your in a tight spot!!

 

[larry_g]

Screw machine bits are the first choice. I only use the long spaghetti ones if I have to.

lg
no neat sig line

 

[yaidunno]

First choice here as well.

 

[zkling]

It's a toss up for me. Some of my jobber lengths have been sharpened so many times they are now screw machine length or I've chopped then to suite. If it is anything remotely serious I always center drill. Which if you are having wandering problems I would highly recommend.

 

[thebeekeeper1]

I save broken bits if they have a little flute area left--then grind a half way point and finish on a Drill Doctor. I usually grab them first if the piece is thinner than the remaining flute. I thought everyone did that.

 

[sasquatch12]

ZKLING, wondering what do you use to cut drill bits down to shorter length?

 

[zkling]

Depending on their size, either a dremel with a thin cut off wheel. Or I have a thin abrasive wheel that goes on a 6" grinder and a small sliding table attachment. Just go slow and dip in water frequently to prevent from tempering the drill. The cut doesn't need to be super precise because you will still have to sharpen it to a point. Same when sharpening, go slow and frequent dips. If it changes color you have gone too far. Most of my work is with 1/2" and under drills.

 

[sasquatch12]

Ok, great thanks for the reply, i have piles of bits from sales that i considered doing this to make up another set or so.

 

[larry_g]

Ok, great thanks for the reply, i have piles of bits from sales that i considered doing this to make up another set or so.

Not quite so simple as cutting it shorter. Many bits have a tapered web, so as it gets ground shorter the web gets corresponding thicker and may need thinning.

http://its.fvtc.edu/MachShop1/Bench/Webthinning.htm

lg
no neat sig line

 

[sasquatch12]

Thanks larry i am aware of thinning the web. Have to do that is the drill wears back anyway.

 

[MattPersman]

I don't know if it's the proper way to do things but I have cut the back end of the bit to make them shorter in a pinch seemed to work fine the times I have done it. Like mentioned Mac does have a set of shorter bits avail for the masses. Lifetime warranty if you like that sort of thing.