Was looking for a set of decent brad point drill bits. I found this
Craftsman set:
http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_00966264000P?prdNo=2&blockNo=2&blockType=G2
I know not everyone speaks highly of Craftsman quality... I'm hoping
that since they are 6 for $40, there are quite good (3/8" shanks). I get
wary when I see bits for between a quarter and $2 each. I guess the
main issue might be "run out".
Where would you be shopping for brad point drill bits (for joinery)?
Thanks,
Bill
"Bill" <[email protected]> wrote
>
> I find your experience compelling! Thank you for sharing it! It appears I
> should probably have two sets, one for hogging-out waste and one "good"
> set.
>
> Bill
No, once you find that the good set hogs out twice as fast, the cheap set
will probably never be used.
One of the data points in the Fine Woodworking test was how fast it could
drill and how fast. Major difference between the cheap and good ones.
"Larry Jaques" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
> On Fri, 03 Dec 2010 19:48:01 -0500, Bill <[email protected]> wrote:
>
>>Larry Jaques wrote:
>>> On Fri, 3 Dec 2010 08:19:34 -0600, "Leon"<[email protected]>
>>> wrote:
>>>> If you are serious about a good set of brad poing pits, "Colt" Twinland
>>>> "5
>>>> STAR" brad point bits. The larger sizes used in a DP do not need a
>>>> backer
>>>> board to prevent tear out on the back side.
>>>> Pricey but these actually come sharp to start with and are made of HSS.
>>>>
>>>> Colt makes a less expensive bit but the "5 Star" bits are the best.
>>>>
>>>> I have several and love them!
>>>>
>>>>
>>>> http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LPGG9wCMLoc
>>>
>>> Those look superb! Price isn't bad, either. http://fwd4.me/r9g
>>> http://fwd4.me/r9h although some places are gouging $70 for 'em.
>>
>>Ahem... You're perfectly aware, I presume, that those are not the Colt
>>Twinland Brad point bits from their "Five Star" collection. This may be
>>akin to comparing wine by Earnest and Julio Gallo with that of Chateau
>>Lafite Rothschild. I think I've seen posts from E and J in this forum!
>
> Well, they are Twinland and I could have sworn they were the 5-star,
> too. I searched for Colt Twinland. Hmm...maybe I didn't search for
> 5-star. They're the $80 set. My bad.
Be careful with Twinland, as I mentioned and quoted, they have to be the "5
Star" bits.
"Larry Jaques" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
> On Fri, 3 Dec 2010 08:19:34 -0600, "Leon" <[email protected]>
> wrote:
>>If you are serious about a good set of brad poing pits, "Colt" Twinland "5
>>STAR" brad point bits. The larger sizes used in a DP do not need a backer
>>board to prevent tear out on the back side.
>>Pricey but these actually come sharp to start with and are made of HSS.
>>
>>Colt makes a less expensive bit but the "5 Star" bits are the best.
>>
>>I have several and love them!
>>
>>
>>http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LPGG9wCMLoc
>
> Those look superb! Price isn't bad, either. http://fwd4.me/r9g
> http://fwd4.me/r9h although some places are gouging $70 for 'em.
I started with a 3/8" bit and true as stated I drilled through several
pieces of wood including plywood. All were elevated above the DP table and
none tore out on the bottom as the bit exited. The hole was clean on both
sides. Several months ago Woodcraft closed out odd sized 5 Star bits and I
scooped a bunch up at about 1/3 retail.
The smaller sizes, some where around 1/8" and smaller did not fair as well
but the big bits yield Forstner bit type results.
On 12/2/2010 7:10 PM, BobS wrote:
> "Bill"<[email protected]> wrote in message
> news:[email protected]...
>> Was looking for a set of decent brad point drill bits. I found this
>> Craftsman set:
>>
>> http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_00966264000P?prdNo=2&blockNo=2&blockType=G2
>>
>>
>> I know not everyone speaks highly of Craftsman quality... I'm hoping
>> that since they are 6 for $40, there are quite good (3/8" shanks). I
>> get wary when I see bits for between a quarter and $2 each. I guess
>> the main issue might be "run out".
>>
>> Where would you be shopping for brad point drill bits (for joinery)?
>>
>> Thanks,
>> Bill
>
> Bill,
>
> Give Lee Valley a look:
>
> http://www.leevalley.com/US/wood/page.aspx?p=42247&cat=1,180,42240,45534,42240
>
> The also have some info about brad point bits.
>
I have the Lee Valley brad point bits. I really like them. They are sharp
enough that they are a little scary to use. I received a top rating in one
of the woodworking magazine tests a couple of years ago.
Dan
<[email protected]> wrote
>>
> Lee valley has ALL their stuff made for them, last I heard. They don't
> have the forges etc required to manufacture the stuff. It will be made
> for them, to their spec - not relabelled from someone else.
Define "made for them". Lee Valley does not manufacture, but they have a
division that does.
From the Lee Valley web site
Veritas® Tools (our research, development and manufacturing division)
continues to be one of the most innovative hand-tool design firms in the
world, producing unique and high-quality products.
Like every manufacturer, some parts are usually made by others. I've never
been to their facilities to see what they have and what they buy, but I'd
guess a mix. Companies that maker heaters or air conditioners buy motors.
GM buys tons of parts, etc. Veritas my be buying forgings.
"Bill" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
> Was looking for a set of decent brad point drill bits. I found this
> Craftsman set:
>
> http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_00966264000P?prdNo=2&blockNo=2&blockType=G2
>
>
> I know not everyone speaks highly of Craftsman quality... I'm hoping that
> since they are 6 for $40, there are quite good (3/8" shanks). I get wary
> when I see bits for between a quarter and $2 each. I guess the main
> issue might be "run out".
>
> Where would you be shopping for brad point drill bits (for joinery)?
>
> Thanks,
> Bill
If you are serious about a good set of brad poing pits, "Colt" Twinland "5
STAR" brad point bits. The larger sizes used in a DP do not need a backer
board to prevent tear out on the back side.
Pricey but these actually come sharp to start with and are made of HSS.
Colt makes a less expensive bit but the "5 Star" bits are the best.
I have several and love them!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LPGG9wCMLoc
On Fri, 3 Dec 2010 22:55:50 -0500, "Ed Pawlowski" <[email protected]>
wrote:
>
><[email protected]> wrote
>>>
>> Lee valley has ALL their stuff made for them, last I heard. They don't
>> have the forges etc required to manufacture the stuff. It will be made
>> for them, to their spec - not relabelled from someone else.
>
>Define "made for them". Lee Valley does not manufacture, but they have a
>division that does.
>From the Lee Valley web site
>Veritas® Tools (our research, development and manufacturing division)
>continues to be one of the most innovative hand-tool design firms in the
>world, producing unique and high-quality products.
>
>Like every manufacturer, some parts are usually made by others. I've never
>been to their facilities to see what they have and what they buy, but I'd
>guess a mix. Companies that maker heaters or air conditioners buy motors.
>GM buys tons of parts, etc. Veritas my be buying forgings.
>
>
Lea Valley / Veriras DOES do the final machining on all their planes
and many other tools, but also subs considerable product. Anything
with the Veritas name is DESIGNED by Veritas/Lee Valley and a fair
amount of the precision finishing and assembly is also done in house.
It will all be unique to them, not a copy of someone else's stuff
although some is a specific rework of another company's product to
make it their own (apparently their brad point bits which are high
quality product modified to make them better - to Veritas design
standards)
I guess in todays world that IS manufacturing.
My apologies
On Dec 2, 9:03=A0pm, [email protected] wrote:
> =A0At less than a quater each, average, they are likely high quality
> Chinese bits. The TiN coating just makes them LOOK expensive =A0and/or
> good.
I bought some TiN coated bits from Crappy Tire a few years ago. Like
you say, it just makes them look expensive. They were obviously made
from pot metal: did not stay sharp after drilling in wood and bent
easily. The TiN coating also wore off quickly. Beware of crappy
Chinese bits.
(Beware of Chinese anything -- you never know about the quality
control, even in the best brands-- I just had to toss out a Chinese-
made Makita 4-inch angle grinder a couple of weeks ago after very
little use. Somehow, they are not very good at keeping the smoke in
and it escaped from my grinder motor when I was cutting some 1/8"
steel. I went & got me another Makita --5" this time--that said
"Assembled in the USA", but I almost got the German Hilti for only a
couple of hundred bucks more.)
Luigi
On Dec 2, 9:20=A0pm, Bill <[email protected]> wrote:
> Was looking for a set of decent brad point drill bits. =A0I found this
> Craftsman set:
>
> http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_00966264000P?prdNo=3D2&blockNo..=
.
>
> I know not everyone speaks highly of Craftsman quality... I'm hoping
> that since they are 6 for $40, there are quite good (3/8" shanks). I get
> wary when I see bits for between a quarter and $2 each. =A0 I guess the
> main issue might be "run out".
>
> Where would you be shopping for brad point drill bits (for joinery)?
>
> Thanks,
> Bill
Stubby bits whip less, would be preferred for dowel joints. No
experience with this make, just an example:
http://tinyurl.com/2da37jt
On Dec 3, 12:03=A0am, [email protected] wrote:
> On Thu, 2 Dec 2010 23:33:03 -0500, Steve <[email protected]>
> wrote:
>
>
>
>
>
> >On 2010-12-02 21:20:28 -0500, Bill <[email protected]> said:
>
> >> Was looking for a set of decent brad point drill bits. =A0I found this
> >> Craftsman set:
>
> >>http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_00966264000P?prdNo=3D2&blockNo=
...
>
> >I
>
> >> know not everyone speaks highly of Craftsman quality... I'm hoping tha=
t
> >> since they are 6 for $40, there are quite good (3/8" shanks). I get
> >> wary when I see bits for between a quarter and $2 each. =A0 I guess th=
e
> >> main issue might be "run out".
>
> >> Where would you be shopping for brad point drill bits (for joinery)?
>
> >> Thanks,
> >> Bill
>
> >http://www.woodcraft.com/Product/2081568/30005/170-Piece-TiN-Coated-B...
>
> >And
>
> >if that's too many...
>
> =A0At less than a quater each, average, they are likely high quality
> Chinese bits. The TiN coating just makes them LOOK expensive =A0and/or
> good.- Hide quoted text -
>
> - Show quoted text -
Cheap tools are chrome plated for the same reason, to
disguise cheap metal and poor finish.
On 2010-12-02 21:20:28 -0500, Bill <[email protected]> said:
> Was looking for a set of decent brad point drill bits. I found this
> Craftsman set:
>
> http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_00966264000P?prdNo=2&blockNo=2&blockType=G2
I
>
> know not everyone speaks highly of Craftsman quality... I'm hoping that
> since they are 6 for $40, there are quite good (3/8" shanks). I get
> wary when I see bits for between a quarter and $2 each. I guess the
> main issue might be "run out".
>
> Where would you be shopping for brad point drill bits (for joinery)?
>
> Thanks,
> Bill
http://www.woodcraft.com/Product/2081568/30005/170-Piece-TiN-Coated-Brad-Point-Drill-Bit-Set-With-Drill-Bit-Gauge.aspx
And
if that's too many...
"Bill" wrote:
> Was looking for a set of decent brad point drill bits. I found this
> Craftsman set:
-----------------------
Mutually exclusive terms.
When you going to get out of the cheap seats.
You want brad point drills, try McFeelys, WW Grainger (Same company
these days), McMaster-Carr, Rockler, Lee Valley, etc.
Notice Home Depot & Lowes didn't make the list.
Lew
Bill wrote:
> Was looking for a set of decent brad point drill bits. I found this
> Craftsman set:
>
> http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_00966264000P?prdNo=2&blockNo=2&blockType=G2
>
>
> I know not everyone speaks highly of Craftsman quality... I'm hoping
> that since they are 6 for $40, there are quite good (3/8" shanks). I
> get wary when I see bits for between a quarter and $2 each. I guess
> the main issue might be "run out".
>
> Where would you be shopping for brad point drill bits (for joinery)?
Regardless of where you ultimately buy them, once you have them - or maybe
before - you'll start dreaming of a set of stop collars for them.
My advice is, give up the dream. If you get split collars you'll find that
you have to tighten them so much that they can become next to impossible to
get off. If you get collars that fasten with a set screw you'll find that
they don't lie perpendicular to the bit. Either kind can and will mar
whatever you are drilling. Both kinds also get packed up with chips.
--
dadiOH
____________________________
dadiOH's dandies v3.06...
...a help file of info about MP3s, recording from
LP/cassette and tips & tricks on this and that.
Get it at http://mysite.verizon.net/xico
Bill wrote:
> This seems like a good place to ask this newbe question:
>
> It you bore a hole with a 7/32" brad point bit, is it reasonable to
> expect to be able to tap a 1/4" dowel into it? I have to assume this
> is why they make 7/32". Is the dowel generally chosen to be of soft
> wood to accommodate this?
>
> Bill
If your bit and dowel as are they should be, the dowel isn't going to go in
without much force which will likely break the dowel or split what it is
going into . You need a hole the size of the dowel. Unless you make your
own, dowels are normally hard wood. A 7/32 bit is to drill 7/32 holes.
--
dadiOH
____________________________
dadiOH's dandies v3.06...
...a help file of info about MP3s, recording from
LP/cassette and tips & tricks on this and that.
Get it at http://mysite.verizon.net/xico
"Larry Blanchard" wrote:
> The catalogs are just as bad. Some years ago I complained to a
> friend
> about Lands End not carrying the sailing supplies they used to.
---------------------------
The bottom really fell out of Lands End when they were acquired by
Sears & Roebuck.
Sometimes you think you are looking at a K-Mart catalog instead of
Lands End.
These days you still have LL Bean.
Lew
On Thu, 02 Dec 2010 23:29:21 -0500, Bill <[email protected]> wrote:
>Larry Jaques wrote:
>> On Fri, 3 Dec 2010 02:32:40 +0000 (UTC),
>> [email protected] (Larry W) wrote:
>>
>>> In article<[email protected]>, Bill<[email protected]> wrote:
>>>> Was looking for a set of decent brad point drill bits. I found this
>>>> Craftsman set:
>>>>
>>>> http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_00966264000P?prdNo=2&blockNo=2&blockType=G2
>>>>
>>>>
>>>> I know not everyone speaks highly of Craftsman quality...
>>
>> (You owe me a monitor and keyboard, Bill.)
>>
>>
>>> I'm hoping
>>>> that since they are 6 for $40, there are quite good (3/8" shanks).
>>
>> I"d almost bet they were made in China, just like the $1 bits.
>
>I thought so too. But I took another look at the picture of the item.
>Near the top of each bit it say "Germany". A family member wanted to
>buy me something for Christmas, but I can't send them to Lee Valley.
You CERTAINLY don't want to send them to Searz. Ye Gods, man, have a
heart. Sure it wasn't "Made for Germany in China"?
--
"Human nature itself is evermore an advocate for liberty.
There is also in human nature a resentment of injury, and
indignation against wrong. A love of truth and a veneration
of virtue. These amiable passions, are the latent spark. If
the people are capable of understanding, seeing and feeling
the differences between true and false, right and wrong,
virtue and vice, to what better principle can the friends of
mankind apply than to the sense of this difference?"
--John Adams
On Fri, 3 Dec 2010 08:19:34 -0600, "Leon" <[email protected]>
wrote:
>If you are serious about a good set of brad poing pits, "Colt" Twinland "5
>STAR" brad point bits. The larger sizes used in a DP do not need a backer
>board to prevent tear out on the back side.
>Pricey but these actually come sharp to start with and are made of HSS.
>
>Colt makes a less expensive bit but the "5 Star" bits are the best.
>
>I have several and love them!
>
>
>http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LPGG9wCMLoc
Those look superb! Price isn't bad, either. http://fwd4.me/r9g
http://fwd4.me/r9h although some places are gouging $70 for 'em.
--
"Human nature itself is evermore an advocate for liberty.
There is also in human nature a resentment of injury, and
indignation against wrong. A love of truth and a veneration
of virtue. These amiable passions, are the latent spark. If
the people are capable of understanding, seeing and feeling
the differences between true and false, right and wrong,
virtue and vice, to what better principle can the friends of
mankind apply than to the sense of this difference?"
--John Adams
On Wed, 8 Dec 2010 13:58:51 -0800 (PST), Luigi Zanasi
<[email protected]> wrote:
>On Dec 2, 9:03 pm, [email protected] wrote:
>
>> At less than a quater each, average, they are likely high quality
>> Chinese bits. The TiN coating just makes them LOOK expensive and/or
>> good.
>
>I bought some TiN coated bits from Crappy Tire a few years ago. Like
>you say, it just makes them look expensive. They were obviously made
>from pot metal: did not stay sharp after drilling in wood and bent
>easily. The TiN coating also wore off quickly. Beware of crappy
>Chinese bits.
>
>(Beware of Chinese anything -- you never know about the quality
>control, even in the best brands-- I just had to toss out a Chinese-
>made Makita 4-inch angle grinder a couple of weeks ago after very
>little use. Somehow, they are not very good at keeping the smoke in
>and it escaped from my grinder motor when I was cutting some 1/8"
>steel. I went & got me another Makita --5" this time--that said
>"Assembled in the USA", but I almost got the German Hilti for only a
>couple of hundred bucks more.)
Weegee, did you cover up the warning label on top of the gearbox?
Yeah, the one which states, categorically, "DO NOT SIT HERE".
I'm sorry for your loss, nonetheless.
--
Invest in America: Buy a CONgresscritter today!
<[email protected]> wrote.>>
>>Lew
>>
> You guys gotta remember, Craftsman doesn't MAKE the stuff, nor does
> Granger, McMaster-Carr, Lee Valley,
> They all either have them made to their spec or rebrand/package
> product from other manufacturers.
.
Lee Valley is a partial exception to that. At least some of the Vertitas
stuff is made in house.
As for the brad boints, they state:
http://www.leevalley.com/US/wood/page.aspx?p=42247&cat=1,180,42240
Starting with a top-of-the-line American-made twist drill, we reshape and
sharpen the tips on a state-of-the-art Swiss CNC grinder. Made from
high-speed steel, the bits are not subject to burning, and stay sharp about
10 times as long as carbon steel bits.
In article <[email protected]>, [email protected] says...
>
> Was looking for a set of decent brad point drill bits. I found this
> Craftsman set:
>
> http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_00966264000P?prdNo=2&blockNo=2&blockType=G2
>
>
> I know not everyone speaks highly of Craftsman quality... I'm hoping
> that since they are 6 for $40, there are quite good (3/8" shanks). I get
> wary when I see bits for between a quarter and $2 each. I guess the
> main issue might be "run out".
>
> Where would you be shopping for brad point drill bits (for joinery)?
Lee Valley has a set of 7 from 1/8 to 1/2 for 54--those are IIRC the top
rated bit in Fine Woodworking's shootout.
In article <[email protected]>,
[email protected] says...
>
> On Thu, 2 Dec 2010 23:33:03 -0500, Steve <[email protected]>
> wrote:
>
> >On 2010-12-02 21:20:28 -0500, Bill <[email protected]> said:
> >
> >> Was looking for a set of decent brad point drill bits. I found this
> >> Craftsman set:
> >>
> >> http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_00966264000P?prdNo=2&blockNo=2&blockType=G2
> >
> >
> >I
> >>
> >> know not everyone speaks highly of Craftsman quality... I'm hoping that
> >> since they are 6 for $40, there are quite good (3/8" shanks). I get
> >> wary when I see bits for between a quarter and $2 each. I guess the
> >> main issue might be "run out".
> >>
> >> Where would you be shopping for brad point drill bits (for joinery)?
> >>
> >> Thanks,
> >> Bill
> >
> >http://www.woodcraft.com/Product/2081568/30005/170-Piece-TiN-Coated-Brad-Point-Drill-Bit-Set-With-Drill-Bit-Gauge.aspx
> >
> >And
> >
> >if that's too many...
> At less than a quater each, average, they are likely high quality
> Chinese bits. The TiN coating just makes them LOOK expensive and/or
> good.
The actually work fine, the ones that aren't bent. At that price you
can afford to throw a few away.
In article <[email protected]>, [email protected]
says...
>
> This seems like a good place to ask this newbe question:
>
> It you bore a hole with a 7/32" brad point bit, is it reasonable to
> expect to be able to tap a 1/4" dowel into it? I have to assume this is
> why they make 7/32". Is the dowel generally chosen to be of soft wood
> to accommodate this?
Generally speaking you want to use a 1/4 inch bit for a 1/4 inch dowel
unless you are using some kind of proprietary system with special bits
and dowels.
7/32 would be the pilot drill for a #18 straight shank wood screw in
hardwood or the clearance drill for a McFeelys #12, among other uses.
"Bill" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
> Was looking for a set of decent brad point drill bits. I found this
> Craftsman set:
>
> http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_00966264000P?prdNo=2&blockNo=2&blockType=G2
>
>
> I know not everyone speaks highly of Craftsman quality... I'm hoping that
> since they are 6 for $40, there are quite good (3/8" shanks). I get wary
> when I see bits for between a quarter and $2 each. I guess the main
> issue might be "run out".
>
> Where would you be shopping for brad point drill bits (for joinery)?
>
> Thanks,
> Bill
Don't know if they are good or not as I've never tried them . Lee Valley
has some very good ones (made in USA last I looked) that were highly rated
in Fine Woodworking a few years back. I've been using them quite a while
and like them a lot.
"Lew Hodgett" <[email protected]> wrote in news:4cf873b1$0$2180
[email protected]:
> "Bill" wrote:
>
>> Was looking for a set of decent brad point drill bits. I found this
>> Craftsman set:
> -----------------------
> Mutually exclusive terms.
>
> When you going to get out of the cheap seats.
>
> You want brad point drills, try McFeelys, WW Grainger (Same company
> these days), McMaster-Carr, Rockler, Lee Valley, etc.
>
> Notice Home Depot & Lowes didn't make the list.
I bought a set from Rockler several years ago with 1/4" hex shanks. Most
of them are fine, but I tied the 3/16" for the first time a few months
ago, and it has the shank on crooked. They no longer sell that set, so I
can't get a replacement. I used to think much better of Rockler. I am
not amused....
Doug White
"Bill" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
> This seems like a good place to ask this newbe question:
>
> It you bore a hole with a 7/32" brad point bit, is it reasonable to expect
> to be able to tap a 1/4" dowel into it? I have to assume this is why they
> make 7/32". Is the dowel generally chosen to be of soft wood to
> accommodate this?
>
> Bill
It is reasonable to think this however in reality.....NO. To those that
have done this before it is reasonable to assume that a 1/4" "store bought"
dowel will either slide through or have to be pounded through a 1/4" hole.
My experience has shown that dowels are not precicely made and their
diameters differ slightly. Further, dowels are available in a wide variety
of woods, birch, maple, walnut, and oak be the most common, some are hard
some are softer.
On Wed, 08 Dec 2010 18:59:46 -0500, [email protected] wrote:
>On Wed, 8 Dec 2010 13:58:51 -0800 (PST), Luigi Zanasi
><[email protected]> wrote:
>
>>On Dec 2, 9:03 pm, [email protected] wrote:
>>
>>> At less than a quater each, average, they are likely high quality
>>> Chinese bits. The TiN coating just makes them LOOK expensive and/or
>>> good.
>>
>>I bought some TiN coated bits from Crappy Tire a few years ago. Like
>>you say, it just makes them look expensive. They were obviously made
>>from pot metal: did not stay sharp after drilling in wood and bent
>>easily. The TiN coating also wore off quickly. Beware of crappy
>>Chinese bits.
>>
>>(Beware of Chinese anything -- you never know about the quality
>>control, even in the best brands-- I just had to toss out a Chinese-
>>made Makita 4-inch angle grinder a couple of weeks ago after very
>>little use. Somehow, they are not very good at keeping the smoke in
>>and it escaped from my grinder motor when I was cutting some 1/8"
>>steel. I went & got me another Makita --5" this time--that said
>>"Assembled in the USA", but I almost got the German Hilti for only a
>>couple of hundred bucks more.)
>>
>>Luigi
>Boss I worked for in a service station as a kid bought a set of
>whiz-bang drill bits from a 'wagon jobber" Pretty expensive bits -
>were supposed to be the best thing since sliced bread.
>
>When the guy came by a month or so later to see if he could sell us
>some more the boss told him they were GREAT - if all you needed them
>for was "drilling arse-holes in balsa-wood teddy bears."
HAR! So, did the boss get his money back?
or
Did he forcefully return them to the vendor without receipt while
physically showing the vendor what he meant about the balsa teddy?
(ouch)
--
Invest in America: Buy a CONgresscritter today!
On Thu, 2 Dec 2010 20:36:06 -0800, "Lew Hodgett"
<[email protected]> wrote:
>"Bill" wrote:
>
>> Was looking for a set of decent brad point drill bits. I found this
>> Craftsman set:
>-----------------------
>Mutually exclusive terms.
>
>When you going to get out of the cheap seats.
>
>You want brad point drills, try McFeelys, WW Grainger (Same company
>these days), McMaster-Carr, Rockler, Lee Valley, etc.
>
>Notice Home Depot & Lowes didn't make the list.
>
>Lew
>
You guys gotta remember, Craftsman doesn't MAKE the stuff, nor does
Granger, McMaster-Carr, Lee Valley,
They all either have them made to their spec or rebrand/package
product from other manufacturers.
The fact they are German and not Chinese means there is a high
likelihood they are reasonable quality - and quite possibly either
identical to, are at least equal to, the product you would buy from
one or more of the referenced suppliers.
Most likely either Miebach, Colt, Famag, or Diemar.
They don't come much better than either of those.
On Thu, 2 Dec 2010 23:33:03 -0500, Steve <[email protected]>
wrote:
>On 2010-12-02 21:20:28 -0500, Bill <[email protected]> said:
>
>> Was looking for a set of decent brad point drill bits. I found this
>> Craftsman set:
>>
>> http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_00966264000P?prdNo=2&blockNo=2&blockType=G2
>
>
>I
>>
>> know not everyone speaks highly of Craftsman quality... I'm hoping that
>> since they are 6 for $40, there are quite good (3/8" shanks). I get
>> wary when I see bits for between a quarter and $2 each. I guess the
>> main issue might be "run out".
>>
>> Where would you be shopping for brad point drill bits (for joinery)?
>>
>> Thanks,
>> Bill
>
>http://www.woodcraft.com/Product/2081568/30005/170-Piece-TiN-Coated-Brad-Point-Drill-Bit-Set-With-Drill-Bit-Gauge.aspx
>
>And
>
>if that's too many...
At less than a quater each, average, they are likely high quality
Chinese bits. The TiN coating just makes them LOOK expensive and/or
good.
On Fri, 3 Dec 2010 02:32:40 +0000 (UTC),
[email protected] (Larry W) wrote:
>In article <[email protected]>, Bill <[email protected]> wrote:
>>Was looking for a set of decent brad point drill bits. I found this
>>Craftsman set:
>>
>>http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_00966264000P?prdNo=2&blockNo=2&blockType=G2
>>
>>
>>I know not everyone speaks highly of Craftsman quality...
(You owe me a monitor and keyboard, Bill.)
>I'm hoping
>>that since they are 6 for $40, there are quite good (3/8" shanks).
I"d almost bet they were made in China, just like the $1 bits.
>I get
>>wary when I see bits for between a quarter and $2 each. I guess the
>>main issue might be "run out".
No, steel quality and initial sharpness. I was happily surprised.
>>Where would you be shopping for brad point drill bits (for joinery)?
>>
>>Thanks,
>>Bill
>
>http://www.harborfreight.com/7-piece-brad-point-wood-bit-set-1637.html
I have some of these, and they're SteelX brand. Surprisingly good, but
I'm not using them on hardwoods. YMMV
>or
>
>http://www.harborfreight.com/29-piece-brad-point-wood-drill-bit-set-35837.html
>
>
>Really, try them out. What do you have to lose?
Not much!
--
"Human nature itself is evermore an advocate for liberty.
There is also in human nature a resentment of injury, and
indignation against wrong. A love of truth and a veneration
of virtue. These amiable passions, are the latent spark. If
the people are capable of understanding, seeing and feeling
the differences between true and false, right and wrong,
virtue and vice, to what better principle can the friends of
mankind apply than to the sense of this difference?"
--John Adams
On Fri, 3 Dec 2010 06:06:10 -0500, "Ed Pawlowski" <[email protected]>
wrote:
>
><[email protected]> wrote.>>
>>>Lew
>>>
>> You guys gotta remember, Craftsman doesn't MAKE the stuff, nor does
>> Granger, McMaster-Carr, Lee Valley,
>> They all either have them made to their spec or rebrand/package
>> product from other manufacturers.
>.
>Lee Valley is a partial exception to that. At least some of the Vertitas
>stuff is made in house.
>
>As for the brad boints, they state:
>http://www.leevalley.com/US/wood/page.aspx?p=42247&cat=1,180,42240
>Starting with a top-of-the-line American-made twist drill, we reshape and
>sharpen the tips on a state-of-the-art Swiss CNC grinder. Made from
>high-speed steel, the bits are not subject to burning, and stay sharp about
>10 times as long as carbon steel bits.
>
>
Lee valley has ALL their stuff made for them, last I heard. They don't
have the forges etc required to manufacture the stuff. It will be made
for them, to their spec - not relabelled from someone else.
On Wed, 8 Dec 2010 13:58:51 -0800 (PST), Luigi Zanasi
<[email protected]> wrote:
>On Dec 2, 9:03Â pm, [email protected] wrote:
>
>> Â At less than a quater each, average, they are likely high quality
>> Chinese bits. The TiN coating just makes them LOOK expensive  and/or
>> good.
>
>I bought some TiN coated bits from Crappy Tire a few years ago. Like
>you say, it just makes them look expensive. They were obviously made
>from pot metal: did not stay sharp after drilling in wood and bent
>easily. The TiN coating also wore off quickly. Beware of crappy
>Chinese bits.
>
>(Beware of Chinese anything -- you never know about the quality
>control, even in the best brands-- I just had to toss out a Chinese-
>made Makita 4-inch angle grinder a couple of weeks ago after very
>little use. Somehow, they are not very good at keeping the smoke in
>and it escaped from my grinder motor when I was cutting some 1/8"
>steel. I went & got me another Makita --5" this time--that said
>"Assembled in the USA", but I almost got the German Hilti for only a
>couple of hundred bucks more.)
>
>Luigi
Boss I worked for in a service station as a kid bought a set of
whiz-bang drill bits from a 'wagon jobber" Pretty expensive bits -
were supposed to be the best thing since sliced bread.
When the guy came by a month or so later to see if he could sell us
some more the boss told him they were GREAT - if all you needed them
for was "drilling arse-holes in balsa-wood teddy bears."
In article <[email protected]>, Bill <[email protected]> wrote:
>Was looking for a set of decent brad point drill bits. I found this
>Craftsman set:
>
>http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_00966264000P?prdNo=2&blockNo=2&blockType=G2
>
>
>I know not everyone speaks highly of Craftsman quality... I'm hoping
>that since they are 6 for $40, there are quite good (3/8" shanks). I get
>wary when I see bits for between a quarter and $2 each. I guess the
>main issue might be "run out".
>
>Where would you be shopping for brad point drill bits (for joinery)?
>
>Thanks,
>Bill
http://www.harborfreight.com/7-piece-brad-point-wood-bit-set-1637.html
or
http://www.harborfreight.com/29-piece-brad-point-wood-drill-bit-set-35837.html
Really, try them out. What do you have to lose?
--
Make it as simple as possible, but not simpler. (Albert Einstein)
Larry Wasserman - Baltimore Maryland - lwasserm(a)sdf. lonestar. org
Larry W wrote:
> In article<[email protected]>, Bill<[email protected]> wrote:
>> Was looking for a set of decent brad point drill bits. I found this
>> Craftsman set:
>>
>> http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_00966264000P?prdNo=2&blockNo=2&blockType=G2
>>
>>
>> I know not everyone speaks highly of Craftsman quality... I'm hoping
>> that since they are 6 for $40, there are quite good (3/8" shanks). I get
>> wary when I see bits for between a quarter and $2 each. I guess the
>> main issue might be "run out".
>>
>> Where would you be shopping for brad point drill bits (for joinery)?
>>
>> Thanks,
>> Bill
>
> http://www.harborfreight.com/7-piece-brad-point-wood-bit-set-1637.html
>
> Really, try them out. What do you have to lose?
>
Compare the pictures near the drill tips.
"Bill" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
> Was looking for a set of decent brad point drill bits. I found this
> Craftsman set:
>
> http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_00966264000P?prdNo=2&blockNo=2&blockType=G2
>
>
> I know not everyone speaks highly of Craftsman quality... I'm hoping
> that since they are 6 for $40, there are quite good (3/8" shanks). I
> get wary when I see bits for between a quarter and $2 each. I guess
> the main issue might be "run out".
>
> Where would you be shopping for brad point drill bits (for joinery)?
>
> Thanks,
> Bill
Bill,
Give Lee Valley a look:
http://www.leevalley.com/US/wood/page.aspx?p=42247&cat=1,180,42240,45534,42240
The also have some info about brad point bits.
Bob S.
Larry Jaques wrote:
> On Fri, 3 Dec 2010 02:32:40 +0000 (UTC),
> [email protected] (Larry W) wrote:
>
>> In article<[email protected]>, Bill<[email protected]> wrote:
>>> Was looking for a set of decent brad point drill bits. I found this
>>> Craftsman set:
>>>
>>> http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_00966264000P?prdNo=2&blockNo=2&blockType=G2
>>>
>>>
>>> I know not everyone speaks highly of Craftsman quality...
>
> (You owe me a monitor and keyboard, Bill.)
>
>
>> I'm hoping
>>> that since they are 6 for $40, there are quite good (3/8" shanks).
>
> I"d almost bet they were made in China, just like the $1 bits.
I thought so too. But I took another look at the picture of the item.
Near the top of each bit it say "Germany". A family member wanted to
buy me something for Christmas, but I can't send them to Lee Valley.
Bill
Bill wrote:
> Larry Jaques wrote:
>> On Fri, 3 Dec 2010 02:32:40 +0000 (UTC),
>> [email protected] (Larry W) wrote:
>>
>>> In article<[email protected]>, Bill<[email protected]> wrote:
>>>> Was looking for a set of decent brad point drill bits. I found this
>>>> Craftsman set:
>>>>
>>>> http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_00966264000P?prdNo=2&blockNo=2&blockType=G2
>>>>
>>>>
>>>>
>>>> I know not everyone speaks highly of Craftsman quality...
>>
>> (You owe me a monitor and keyboard, Bill.)
>>
>>
>>> I'm hoping
>>>> that since they are 6 for $40, there are quite good (3/8" shanks).
>>
>> I"d almost bet they were made in China, just like the $1 bits.
>
> I thought so too. But I took another look at the picture of the item.
> Near the top of each bit it say "Germany". A family member wanted to buy
> me something for Christmas, but I can't send them to Lee Valley.
>
> Bill
Actually, after reading J. Clarke's post, maybe I can work something out
(7 pc set for $54). Maybe I just need a gift card from Lee Valley to
help! :)
Bill
Steve wrote:
> On 2010-12-02 21:20:28 -0500, Bill <[email protected]> said:
>
>> Was looking for a set of decent brad point drill bits. I found this
>> Craftsman set:
>>
>> http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_00966264000P?prdNo=2&blockNo=2&blockType=G2
>>
>
>
> I
>>
>> know not everyone speaks highly of Craftsman quality... I'm hoping
>> that since they are 6 for $40, there are quite good (3/8" shanks). I
>> get wary when I see bits for between a quarter and $2 each. I guess
>> the main issue might be "run out".
>>
>> Where would you be shopping for brad point drill bits (for joinery)?
>>
>> Thanks,
>> Bill
>
> http://www.woodcraft.com/Product/2081568/30005/170-Piece-TiN-Coated-Brad-Point-Drill-Bit-Set-With-Drill-Bit-Gauge.aspx
>
>
> And
> if that's too many...
>
Yeah Steve, less than a quarter a piece--probably really sharp! :)
Bill
Lew Hodgett wrote:
> "Bill" wrote:
>
>> Was looking for a set of decent brad point drill bits. I found this
>> Craftsman set:
> -----------------------
> Mutually exclusive terms.
>
> When you going to get out of the cheap seats.
>
> You want brad point drills, try McFeelys, WW Grainger (Same company
> these days), McMaster-Carr, Rockler, Lee Valley, etc.
>
> Notice Home Depot& Lowes didn't make the list.
>
> Lew
>
Thank you. I copied the list. There are a couple there with which I'm
not acquainted. BTW, I noticed tonight that Home Depot had a 6 piece
Brad point drill set for 14.99. I didn't bite.
Bill
On 12/2/2010 9:20 PM, Bill wrote:
> Was looking for a set of decent brad point drill bits. I found this
> Craftsman set:
>
> http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_00966264000P?prdNo=2&blockNo=2&blockType=G2
> I know not everyone speaks highly of Craftsman quality... I'm hoping
> that since they are 6 for $40, there are quite good (3/8" shanks). I get
> wary when I see bits for between a quarter and $2 each. I guess the main
> issue might be "run out".
>
> Where would you be shopping for brad point drill bits (for joinery)?
I have a ton of twist drills ranging from super high quality to junk.
The difference is awe inspiring. I have one set of brad point bits that
I bought for those times when I wanted super clean holes with pin point
accuracy. I bought a set and rarely use them because I don't need them
most of the time and I bought a cheap set of Sears, that look just like
the one you list up there, but I'm certain I didn't pay $40 for them.
(it was a while ago)
Whats wrong with them is 50% of the reason I bought them was super clean
holes... not so much. I recommend you get the Lee Valley bits for just
$3 more. I don't own them, but they advertise they are sharp, (they
resharpen them themselves) and stay sharp, and people that own them have
said they like them. I own the Sears, and would recommend Lee Valley.
I sharpen my own twist drills, not a clue how to sharpen brad points, so
get ones that are sharp and stay sharp, and only use them when needed.
--
Jack
You Can't Fix Stupid, but You Can Vote it Out!
http://jbstein.com
On 12/3/2010 8:21 AM, Jack Stein wrote:
> I have a ton of twist drills ranging from super high quality to junk.
> The difference is awe inspiring. I have one set of brad point bits that
> I bought for those times when I wanted super clean holes with pin point
> accuracy. I bought a set and rarely use them because I don't need them
> most of the time and I bought a cheap set of Sears, that look just like
> the one you list up there, but I'm certain I didn't pay $40 for them.
> (it was a while ago)
>
> Whats wrong with them is 50% of the reason I bought them was super clean
> holes... not so much. I recommend you get the Lee Valley bits for just
> $3 more. I don't own them, but they advertise they are sharp, (they
> resharpen them themselves) and stay sharp, and people that own them have
> said they like them. I own the Sears, and would recommend Lee Valley.
>
I find your experience compelling! Thank you for sharing it! It appears
I should probably have two sets, one for hogging-out waste and one
"good" set.
Bill
On 12/3/2010 9:19 AM, Leon wrote:
> If you are serious about a good set of brad poing pits, "Colt" Twinland "5
> STAR" brad point bits. The larger sizes used in a DP do not need a backer
> board to prevent tear out on the back side.
> Pricey but these actually come sharp to start with and are made of HSS.
>
> Colt makes a less expensive bit but the "5 Star" bits are the best.
>
> I have several and love them!
>
>
> http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LPGG9wCMLoc
That was quite informative about the topic. Thank you for posting.
Bill
On Thu, 02 Dec 2010 21:20:28 -0500, Bill wrote:
> Where would you be shopping for brad point drill bits (for joinery)?
Don't know if there's a Woodcraft near you but they usually have bits in
various quality ranges. I have a set of very good HSS bits that I use
for critical stuff. For run of the mill drilling I use cheap bits and
toss them when they get dull.
Woodcraft has some cheap bits in a set. Ten each of the smaller sizes
and 5 each of the larger sizes. About 25 cents a bit. They also carry
the Colt on the high end of the quality range. Pretty good combination.
--
Intelligence is an experiment that failed - G. B. Shaw
On 12/3/2010 1:07 PM, Larry Blanchard wrote:
> On Thu, 02 Dec 2010 21:20:28 -0500, Bill wrote:
>
>> Where would you be shopping for brad point drill bits (for joinery)?
>
> Don't know if there's a Woodcraft near you but they usually have bits in
> various quality ranges. I have a set of very good HSS bits that I use
> for critical stuff. For run of the mill drilling I use cheap bits and
> toss them when they get dull.
>
> Woodcraft has some cheap bits in a set. Ten each of the smaller sizes
> and 5 each of the larger sizes. About 25 cents a bit. They also carry
> the Colt on the high end of the quality range. Pretty good combination.
>
Yep, I do have Woodcraft (as well as a Rockler) within 35 miles. I'll
take a look.
One thing I have learned from this thread is the need for 2 sets of
drill bits (cheap and good), and maybe even more if you want both long
and short shanked ones! I'll let me needs steer my drill bit collection.
If you want to talk about collections, I'll have to tell you about my
grandfather's nail collection some time. We surmised that he must have
bought a new bag of nails, half-full lunch sacks, for almost every task
that came up. it was sort of amusing as we'd encounter new
stashes.."Hey, you'll never guess what I found!".
Bill
J. Clarke wrote:
> In article<[email protected]>, [email protected]
> says...
>>
>> This seems like a good place to ask this newbe question:
>>
>> It you bore a hole with a 7/32" brad point bit, is it reasonable to
>> expect to be able to tap a 1/4" dowel into it? I have to assume this is
>> why they make 7/32". Is the dowel generally chosen to be of soft wood
>> to accommodate this?
>
> Generally speaking you want to use a 1/4 inch bit for a 1/4 inch dowel
> unless you are using some kind of proprietary system with special bits
> and dowels.
>
> 7/32 would be the pilot drill for a #18 straight shank wood screw in
> hardwood or the clearance drill for a McFeelys #12, among other uses.
Thanks for the explanation. I know better than to try to put a square
block in a round hole, but I was trying make sense of all of the "off
size" drill bits I was seeing (like 7/32"). I know they sometimes cut
off-size dado's to accommodate plywood that is thinner than it is
supposed to be and I thought perhaps the situation was something like
that. But your explanation (for screws) makes the most sense.
Bill
Larry Jaques wrote:
> On Fri, 3 Dec 2010 08:19:34 -0600, "Leon"<[email protected]>
> wrote:
>> If you are serious about a good set of brad poing pits, "Colt" Twinland "5
>> STAR" brad point bits. The larger sizes used in a DP do not need a backer
>> board to prevent tear out on the back side.
>> Pricey but these actually come sharp to start with and are made of HSS.
>>
>> Colt makes a less expensive bit but the "5 Star" bits are the best.
>>
>> I have several and love them!
>>
>>
>> http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LPGG9wCMLoc
>
> Those look superb! Price isn't bad, either. http://fwd4.me/r9g
> http://fwd4.me/r9h although some places are gouging $70 for 'em.
Ahem... You're perfectly aware, I presume, that those are not the Colt
Twinland Brad point bits from their "Five Star" collection. This may be
akin to comparing wine by Earnest and Julio Gallo with that of Chateau
Lafite Rothschild. I think I've seen posts from E and J in this forum!
Bill
Bill
You guys, go ahead and use your shiny high dollar bits. I am sure they
are of much higher quality than my cheapo HF set. OTOH, I've used the
cheap set to drill hundreds of holes for dowels, overlapping holes to
be cleaned up with a chisel for mortises, and many other purposes and
never had a problem. We're talking about drilling holes in WOOD after all.
--
When the game is over, the pawn and the king are returned to the same box.
Larry Wasserman - Baltimore Maryland - lwasserm(a)sdf. lonestar.org
In article <[email protected]>,
Ed Pawlowski <[email protected]> wrote:
>
>"Larry W" <[email protected]> wrote in message
>news:[email protected]...
>> You guys, go ahead and use your shiny high dollar bits. I am sure they
>> are of much higher quality than my cheapo HF set. OTOH, I've used the
>> cheap set to drill hundreds of holes for dowels, overlapping holes to
>> be cleaned up with a chisel for mortises, and many other purposes and
>> never had a problem. We're talking about drilling holes in WOOD after all.
>
>That is like saying you've been enjoying sex all alone, so no need to invite
>a woman.
>
>I'm sure the cheap sets make holes, but the higher priced ones make them
>faster, cleaner, better chip clearing. But if you're happy, that's all that
>counts.
>
>
>
Your last point is by far the most important. After all, with the money I
saved by buying cheapo brad point bits, I'm sure I was able to purchase
SOMETHING that you don't have! :)
--
When the game is over, the pawn and the king are returned to the same box.
Larry Wasserman - Baltimore Maryland - lwasserm(a)sdf. lonestar.org
On 12/3/10 11:23 PM, Larry W wrote:
> We're talking about drilling holes in WOOD after all.
>
Which is exactly why I'm considering those Colt German bits.
Did you see the entry and exit holes made by those things?
Perfectly clean without any backer boards.
I have cheap AND expensive bits that tear-out on entry and blowout on
exit.
--
-MIKE-
"Playing is not something I do at night, it's my function in life"
--Elvin Jones (1927-2004)
--
http://mikedrums.com
[email protected]
---remove "DOT" ^^^^ to reply
> I"d almost bet they were made in China, just like the $1 bits.
I thought so too. But I took another look at the picture of the item.
Near the top of each bit it say "Germany". A family member wanted to
buy me something for Christmas, but I can't send them to Lee Valley.
Bill
------
Have you been in a Lee Valley store lately? They are going downhill fast.
They are starting to sell some more junk now. Coffee cup lid rollers? Key
chains? Balsam wood airplanes? Chinese made electronic weather stations
that are sold at Zellers or Walmart? They've really expanded their stores
now and unfortunately to pay the bills they have to sell cheaper Chinese
stuff.
Still we got all our new cabinet knobs there a couple of months ago but the
level of junk they carry is increasing.
Staff behind the counter are still as wonderful as you remember them though.
That hasn't changed, at least yet.
On 2010-12-05 14:49:43 -0500, Larry Blanchard <[email protected]> said:
> The catalogs are just as bad. Some years ago I complained to a friend
> about Lands End not carrying the sailing supplies they used to. He
> replied that all stores eventually morph into clothing stores. Since
> then I've concluded he was right. Lee Valley is just in the early
> stages of that transition :-).
Land's End was sold to Sears. That tell you anything? Maybe not, since
Sears now sells Land End clothing in the stores. That's a fairly
significant upgrade.
FInancial goals change for retailers. Part of it is debt service;
"improving shareholder value" is a larger part. In times of financial
change (read: stress), stores will change their product mix, number of
products, stock levels, and probably will consolidate vendors. (DAGS
"category manager")
Several years ago, I ended a four year stint in retail Hell for a
big-box. In returning to the store (as a customer) over the intervening
years, I've noticed those changes in action: the gondolas are no longer
topped with risers holding additional stock, there are few products in
each department, there are cheaper products (and, to differentiate,
less expensive products as well) being stocked.
I can only guess at the net change in store dolllar volume, but my
guess would be it would be trending down once you adjust for the effect
of additional big-box stores arriving in the area.
Back to your original comment about Sears and to the Hentchman's rant
about Lee Valley... They are adjusting to a changed market. And it youu
went by the catalog, you'd also thing that Rockler was supporting
itself on the sale of coffee mugs and Bench Cookies. (I can personally
assure you that's not been their total income, though.)
On Sat, 04 Dec 2010 23:12:47 -0500, The Henchman wrote:
> Have you been in a Lee Valley store lately? They are going downhill
> fast. They are starting to sell some more junk now. Coffee cup lid
> rollers? Key chains? Balsam wood airplanes? Chinese made electronic
> weather stations that are sold at Zellers or Walmart? They've really
> expanded their stores now and unfortunately to pay the bills they have
> to sell cheaper Chinese stuff.
The catalogs are just as bad. Some years ago I complained to a friend
about Lands End not carrying the sailing supplies they used to. He
replied that all stores eventually morph into clothing stores. Since
then I've concluded he was right. Lee Valley is just in the early stages
of that transition :-).
--
Intelligence is an experiment that failed - G. B. Shaw
"The Henchman" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
>> I"d almost bet they were made in China, just like the $1 bits.
>
> I thought so too. But I took another look at the picture of the item.
> Near the top of each bit it say "Germany". A family member wanted to
> buy me something for Christmas, but I can't send them to Lee Valley.
>
> Bill
>
> ------
>
> Have you been in a Lee Valley store lately? They are going downhill fast.
> They are starting to sell some more junk now. Coffee cup lid rollers?
> Key chains? Balsam wood airplanes? Chinese made electronic weather
> stations that are sold at Zellers or Walmart? They've really expanded
> their stores now and unfortunately to pay the bills they have to sell
> cheaper Chinese stuff.
>
> Still we got all our new cabinet knobs there a couple of months ago but
> the level of junk they carry is increasing.
>
> Staff behind the counter are still as wonderful as you remember them
> though. That hasn't changed, at least yet.
I'd believe that to be true of Garret Wade, but I don't see much difference
in LV. Of course, I've never been in one of the stores. Get the catalog, use
the web site and see a booth at a WW show now and then.
--
If your name is No, I voted for you - more than once ...
Doug White wrote:
> "Lew Hodgett"<[email protected]> wrote in news:4cf873b1$0$2180
> [email protected]:
>
>> "Bill" wrote:
>>
>>> Was looking for a set of decent brad point drill bits. I found this
>>> Craftsman set:
>> -----------------------
>> Mutually exclusive terms.
>>
>> When you going to get out of the cheap seats.
>>
>> You want brad point drills, try McFeelys, WW Grainger (Same company
>> these days), McMaster-Carr, Rockler, Lee Valley, etc.
>>
>> Notice Home Depot& Lowes didn't make the list.
>
> I bought a set from Rockler several years ago with 1/4" hex shanks. Most
> of them are fine, but I tied the 3/16" for the first time a few months
> ago, and it has the shank on crooked. They no longer sell that set, so I
> can't get a replacement. I used to think much better of Rockler. I am
> not amused....
>
> Doug White
You are (at least) the 2nd person I've seen make that comment about the
Rockler bits. I don't want to be not amused either. Thanks.
Bill
"Larry W" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
> You guys, go ahead and use your shiny high dollar bits. I am sure they
> are of much higher quality than my cheapo HF set. OTOH, I've used the
> cheap set to drill hundreds of holes for dowels, overlapping holes to
> be cleaned up with a chisel for mortises, and many other purposes and
> never had a problem. We're talking about drilling holes in WOOD after all.
That is like saying you've been enjoying sex all alone, so no need to invite
a woman.
I'm sure the cheap sets make holes, but the higher priced ones make them
faster, cleaner, better chip clearing. But if you're happy, that's all that
counts.
On Fri, 03 Dec 2010 19:48:01 -0500, Bill <[email protected]> wrote:
>Larry Jaques wrote:
>> On Fri, 3 Dec 2010 08:19:34 -0600, "Leon"<[email protected]>
>> wrote:
>>> If you are serious about a good set of brad poing pits, "Colt" Twinland "5
>>> STAR" brad point bits. The larger sizes used in a DP do not need a backer
>>> board to prevent tear out on the back side.
>>> Pricey but these actually come sharp to start with and are made of HSS.
>>>
>>> Colt makes a less expensive bit but the "5 Star" bits are the best.
>>>
>>> I have several and love them!
>>>
>>>
>>> http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LPGG9wCMLoc
>>
>> Those look superb! Price isn't bad, either. http://fwd4.me/r9g
>> http://fwd4.me/r9h although some places are gouging $70 for 'em.
>
>Ahem... You're perfectly aware, I presume, that those are not the Colt
>Twinland Brad point bits from their "Five Star" collection. This may be
>akin to comparing wine by Earnest and Julio Gallo with that of Chateau
>Lafite Rothschild. I think I've seen posts from E and J in this forum!
Well, they are Twinland and I could have sworn they were the 5-star,
too. I searched for Colt Twinland. Hmm...maybe I didn't search for
5-star. They're the $80 set. My bad.
--
"Human nature itself is evermore an advocate for liberty.
There is also in human nature a resentment of injury, and
indignation against wrong. A love of truth and a veneration
of virtue. These amiable passions, are the latent spark. If
the people are capable of understanding, seeing and feeling
the differences between true and false, right and wrong,
virtue and vice, to what better principle can the friends of
mankind apply than to the sense of this difference?"
--John Adams
Take a look at these. I bought them years ago from Woodcraft and they
are excellent.
http://www.woodcraft.com/Product/2005566/16656/Set-of-7-Fractional-Brad-Point-Bits.aspx
On 12/2/2010 9:20 PM, Bill wrote:
> Was looking for a set of decent brad point drill bits. I found this
> Craftsman set:
>
> http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_00966264000P?prdNo=2&blockNo=2&blockType=G2
>
>
>
> I know not everyone speaks highly of Craftsman quality... I'm hoping
> that since they are 6 for $40, there are quite good (3/8" shanks). I get
> wary when I see bits for between a quarter and $2 each. I guess the main
> issue might be "run out".
>
> Where would you be shopping for brad point drill bits (for joinery)?
>
> Thanks,
> Bill
Oh and these
http://www.woodcraft.com/Product/2005566/16656/Set-of-7-Fractional-Brad-Point-Bits.aspx
are made in Germany too. At $19 and they are really good you can't go wrong.
On 12/2/2010 9:20 PM, Bill wrote:
> Was looking for a set of decent brad point drill bits. I found this
> Craftsman set:
>
> http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_00966264000P?prdNo=2&blockNo=2&blockType=G2
>
>
>
> I know not everyone speaks highly of Craftsman quality... I'm hoping
> that since they are 6 for $40, there are quite good (3/8" shanks). I get
> wary when I see bits for between a quarter and $2 each. I guess the main
> issue might be "run out".
>
> Where would you be shopping for brad point drill bits (for joinery)?
>
> Thanks,
> Bill
On Thu, 02 Dec 2010 23:29:21 -0500, Bill <[email protected]> wrote:
>A family member wanted to
>buy me something for Christmas, but I can't send them to Lee Valley.
>
>Bill
Why not. If you buy junk you'll just throw them away and spend even
more money replacing them. Does that make sense?
"Bill" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
> On 12/3/2010 9:19 AM, Leon wrote:
>
>> If you are serious about a good set of brad poing pits, "Colt" Twinland
>> "5
>> STAR" brad point bits. The larger sizes used in a DP do not need a
>> backer
>> board to prevent tear out on the back side.
>> Pricey but these actually come sharp to start with and are made of HSS.
>>
>> Colt makes a less expensive bit but the "5 Star" bits are the best.
>>
>> I have several and love them!
>>
>>
>> http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LPGG9wCMLoc
>
> That was quite informative about the topic. Thank you for posting.
>
> Bill
Woodcraft sells them and one at a time, buy "one" that you would use the
most, for me it is the 3/8" bit. That bit will not blow your budget and
will prove to you why they are the best. If you think you would like a set
you can go that route afterward.
On Fri, 03 Dec 2010 19:34:53 -0500, Bill <[email protected]> wrote:
>I know better than to try to put a square
>block in a round hole.
Actually that is the exact way you would make your own dowels.