Which drill bits do I want?

[L.Cheapo]

I'll start off by saying I've searched. In that search, it seems Norseman is the GJ-approved USA made quality drill bit manufacturer. Perfect.

But they make many different kinds of bits, and I don't know which is right for me.

I'd like a decent sized set, maybe 1/16-1/2", if the bigger sizes neck down, since I only own 3/8" drills at this point.

Just a hobbyist, 90% of my drilling is mild steel, the other 10% is a mix of aluminum, wood, etc.

It appears there is "jobber length" and "Mechanic's length." The Jobbers appear to be slightly longer. I cant remember needing a shorter drill bit.

So I think I want a Norseman set, jobber length. But do I want "Magnum Super Premium"? "Type 190?" "Type 170" "Type 128" Titanium nitride? Something else? Is there a big difference?

Your thoughts/suggestions are welcome. Thanks!

 

[neonlazer]

I'll start off by saying I've searched. In that search, it seems Norseman is the GJ-approved USA made quality drill bit manufacturer. Perfect.

But they make many different kinds of bits, and I don't know which is right for me.

I'd like a decent sized set, maybe 1/16-1/2", if the bigger sizes neck down, since I only own 3/8" drills at this point.

Just a hobbyist, 90% of my drilling is mild steel, the other 10% is a mix of aluminum, wood, etc.

It appears there is "jobber length" and "Mechanic's length." The Jobbers appear to be slightly longer. I cant remember needing a shorter drill bit.

So I think I want a Norseman set, jobber length. But do I want "Magnum Super Premium"? "Type 190?" "Type 170" "Type 128" Titanium nitride? Something else? Is there a big difference?

Your thoughts/suggestions are welcome. Thanks!

Magnum Super Premium is a level below Cobalt, the only difference really being the hardness of the bit, which if your not drilling through spring/hardened steel, it would make you proud.

For 90% metal, and a hand drill, some prefer mechanic length due to the fact they are shorter and less likely to bend and snap due to movement and irregular pressure.

For me, I have mechanic length magnum for metal and jobber for pvc, wood, etc.

Here are the 3/8 reduced sets in magnum super premium, both jobber and mechanic length.

RSP-29, Jobber Length, 3/8 Reduced Shank, 1/16-1/2 by 64ths
RSPM-29 Mechanic Length version of above.

If you plan to drill mostly metal, it may also be good to plan to upgrade to 1/2" chuck since reduced chucks could possibly snap.

SP-29 - Jobber Length
SPM-29 Mechanic Length