Drill Bits

[robstock]

Wondering what are recommendations for quality drill bits.

 

[sussexmuzllodr]

finding the old stuff at flea markets and garage sales are a plus. They can be resharpened nicely

 

[Phil Coffins]

Quality of the drill bits are not as critical as the use of them, speed and feed has a greater effect on the accuracy of the hole being drilled and the life of the bit.

 

[1950DAVE]

If you don't have a shop that sells to machine shops locally give the folks at Precision Machinery Supply in Muscle Shoals, AL a call. They are my go to for quality.1-800-366-2780

 

[IanH]

Cleveland.

 

[Eutycus]

Drill bits are definitely one of those things that "you get what you paid for". You can buy them cheap but that's what you wind up with, cheap bits.

 

[ZUG]

Buy from a quality name brand outfit. Stay away from the Chinese bargain brand sellers. Drill bits are cheap. I buy the smalls ones (under 3/16") by the dozen.

 

[James Kibler]

As mentioned, Cleveland and Chicago Latrobe are pretty decent.

 

[Rebel bull]

I have a problem not having a local supplier after retiring as a machinist/machine mechanic the only bits the local ace carries are hanson they are pretty good but they only carry 1/16"-1/2" so i order by the package every thing .050" to .250" in numbered, inch, and metric and maintain them in stock at all times the big mail order suppliers are great productivity ,or msc are both good

 

[robstock]

Thanks for all the suggestions. I greatly appreciate it. I am getting my work area ready for my first build and just want to have everything I need.

 

[bptactical]

Cheap tools end up being about the most expensive thing you can buy.


McMaster Carr has very good quality drill indexes starting at $35 and up.

 

[Icemanxxxv]

google search Drills and Cutters

 

[ZUG]

I have a few drill indexes (4 different sizes) that have been passed down to me and all I do is replace the drill bits that are beyond sharpening. I have a deluxe Drill Doctor and it does a GREAT job.

 

[Sam squanch]

Second on getting a Drill Doctor! Well worth the money!

 

[Sam squanch]

PS- keep quiet about a drill doctor if you get one. Everyone wants to borrow it. Just offer to sharpen drills and say you did it freehand, you will be a legend!

 

[IanH]

As mentioned, Cleveland and Chicago Latrobe are pretty decent.

Both available through Amazon, just to make it easy, especially if one has a prime account.

@robstock , get a 29-piece index and a full number set. When building longrifles you will use number drills, or wish you had them to use, more than any other sizes. Flash holes, barrel pins, trigger pins, preparing holes for tapping through the stock (tap clearance size), machine screw tap drill sizes, and so on will often need to be something other than what you have in the fractional set.

 

[IanH]

Quality of the drill bits are not as critical as the use of them, speed and feed has a greater effect on the accuracy of the hole being drilled and the life of the bit.

quoted just to reiterate the excellent point. Speed and feeds found on the interwebs or in any edition of The Machinists Handbook.

 

[Rifleman1776]

I was lucky. Inherited hundreds of bits from my father. Must be good quality. I have a Drill Doctor and occasionally have to sharpen. I have bought a few El Cheapos and can confirm they are 'El Junkos'.

 

[Howard Pippin]

Wondering what are recommendations for quality drill bits.

As Phil said, it's how you use them has a lot to do with it, and I would like to add another critical point. If you don't know how to sharpen them for goodness sakes buy a good sharpener. I can't believe how many bits I've seen wreck because they kept trying to drill with a dull bit and burnt it up. I was lucky I learned freehand drill bits sharpening in college 66 years ago and I've never forgotten how. Had a tough instructor. When you get down to the wire size I have quite a bit of problem but I don't use them much.
Squint

 

[robstock]

Both available through Amazon, just to make it easy, especially if one has a prime account.

@robstock , get a 29-piece index and a full number set. When building longrifles you will use number drills, or wish you had them to use, more than any other sizes. Flash holes, barrel pins, trigger pins, preparing holes for tapping through the stock (tap clearance size), machine screw tap drill sizes, and so on will often need to be something other than what you have in the fractional set.

Thanks for the advice. Amazon has a Chicago wire set on sale right now that is 1-60. They are 118 degree conventional point which brings my next question. Does the point make a difference?