I just bought a drill doctor model 300 at Home Depot
on sale for 49.95. At that price, I couldn't pass it up.
I must have 200 or so bits that I kept tossing in a can
over the years as they became dull. Some of the larger
ones were $10-$15 each, not to mention the masonry
bits, so I figured it might be worth trying.
Anyway, the Drill Doctor works great. It has easily
paid for itself already - and then some - and I
haven't even put a large dent in my old bits.
What I like is that it takes about 1 minute to sharpen a bit - longer
as the size increases. The angle is perfect (as far as I can tell) and
the very dull bits come out razor sharp - even broken bits!
I highly recommend this "device".
Lou
In article <[email protected]>, Andy Dingley
<[email protected]> wrote:
> On Wed, 04 Aug 2004 00:53:06 -0400, John Freeman
> <jcfree@nospamcenturytelDOTnet> wrote:
>
> >Any one have experience with various drill bit
> >sharpeners on the market.
>
> Picador (swinging guide mounted next to an existing grinder) is good
> and quite cheap, but won't work on less than 1/4" and is increasingly
> hard to use with smaller drills (problems with the alignment tooth)
>
> Drill Doctor ought to work, but some of them just don't (problems with
> the chuck). If you have a good one, I can believe it works quickly and
> effectively. Maybe in the USA you can get some product support, but
> I'd not recommend them to anyone in the UK who didn't want an
> expensive shelf ornament.
>
>
> On the whole though, drill bits are cheaper than an investment in good
> sharpeners.
"John Freeman" <jcfree@nospamcenturytelDOTnet> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
> I was taught how to sharpen drill bits on a bench grinder, but it is a
> "pita" and slow. Any one have experience with various drill bit
> sharpeners on the market. There is one model called "drill doctor" at
> the Lowes, and Harbor Freight tools has a cheep unit I assume made on
> china.
> thanks in advance
Probably the best is Drill Doctor. Problem is the cost. It does not to brad
points and forstners though. I've yet to spend enough money on bits to
justify a sharpener myself.
On Wed, 04 Aug 2004 05:36:10 GMT, "Markm" <[email protected]> wrote:
>But why? Get a good set to start, treat them right then replace them if
>they actuall do get dull. I bought a set for like $150 and the have lasted
>me for 7 years on metal and wood. Sometimes you break one but you can buy
>them as singles too.
I dill a couple bits every month or less since they are 5/16" and 3/8" that
would get spendy.
--
Knight-Toolworks & Custom Planes
Custom made wooden planes at reasonable prices
See http://www.knight-toolworks.com For prices and ordering instructions.
On Thu, 05 Aug 2004 17:53:21 -0500, Robert Galloway
<[email protected]> wrote:
>I can't believe you guys don't seem to touch up drill bits any more
>often than you indicate.
I buy the best quality drill bits I can. I usually lose or break them
before I blunt them.
John Freeman wrote:
> I was taught how to sharpen drill bits on a bench grinder, but it is a
> "pita" and slow. Any one have experience with various drill bit
> sharpeners on the market. There is one model called "drill doctor" at
> the Lowes, and Harbor Freight tools has a cheep unit I assume made on
> china.
Funny you should mention that: my neighbor loaned me his model 300 Drill Doctor
today and I sharpened all my bits tonight. I was impressed with it once I got
started cranking out the bits. The actual machine seems to be cheaply made and
yet it works perfectly. I used an old POS bit to learn on... once I had the
alignment figured out it was all downhill from there. The smaller the bit, the
faster the sharpening. With a really small bit you can overheat it if you fool
with it too long. That didn't seem to be a problem with any reasonable sized
bit.
I gotta get one of these.... I think the model 300 is about $100; Woodcraft
sells the model 500 for $150.
--
Mortimer Schnerd, RN
[email protected]
http://www.mortimerschnerd.com
loutent wrote:
> I just bought a drill doctor model 300 at Home Depot
> on sale for 49.95. At that price, I couldn't pass it up.
Hey, thanks! I just visited their (HD's) website and it's still on sale. I had
thought about getting the model 500 but for this kind of price I wouldn't be
able to justify it. Plus now I know the model 300 can do what I need it to do
since I spent yesterday evening sharpening bits on my neighbor's.
--
Mortimer Schnerd, RN
[email protected]
http://www.mortimerschnerd.com
patrick conroy wrote:
> "Markm" <[email protected]> wrote in message
> For twists, I sully down to Wal-Mart once a year and buy a set of Black n'
> Decker for $9. At that rate, I can buy almost 5-10 years worth before it
> would have made more sense to invest in a DD.
When I screw up a bit, it's almost always at a time when the store is either
closed or inconvenient to go visit. If for no other reason, I'd just as soon
resharpen mine if I could. I don't have any trouble justifying (in my own mind)
spending $50 to be able to do this.
--
Mortimer Schnerd, RN
[email protected]
http://www.mortimerschnerd.com
M Wingett wrote:
> Sounds like a lot of support for the doctor. Can anyone explain to me how
> it can grind the relief, I've always been curious about that. I've never
> seen one in action, and can't comprehend from the pictures how they would
> work. Seems to me it uses a pencil sharpener approach, and there is no
> relief. I'd be mucho grateful to anyone who can set me straight.
The bit sits in a carrier that has a cam on its base. As you rotate the bit
against the spinning diamond wheel, the cam causes the bit to rise and fall.
It's not a pencil sharpener at all.
--
Mortimer Schnerd, RN
[email protected]
http://www.mortimerschnerd.com
M Wingett wrote:
> Thanks for the reply! That helps some, but still having trouble visualizing
> grinding the relief. IME sharpening drill bits, the grinding angle changes
> in addition to following the relief. But if you guys say it gets it, I'll
> accept that and move on with my life.
Go to this site and watch the first and possibly second video. You'll see what
I mean:
http://www.drilldoctor.com/index.php?option=com_wrapper&wrap=300video
--
Mortimer Schnerd, RN
[email protected]
http://www.mortimerschnerd.com
I have one of those B&D drill sharpeners for 20 years and I have actually
sharpened a drill with it a few times but it usually just screws them up. To be
honest I haven't really used it enough to use it well. I assume if you sat
there and played with getting the setup right it would work OK ... for that
drill. Get another size and start over.
I second the positive review. I did a write up on mine;
http://www.huntfamily.com/drill_doctor_review.htm
Bernie
"Eddie Munster" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:VS6Qc.96$%[email protected]...
> I have a drill doctor. My parents got it for me for a birthday present.
>
> Now I would not be without it. No it doesn't do brad or forstner bits,
> that's okay. It keeps my carbon steel bits incredibly sharp. Better than
> new in fact! I sharpened everything. Wow!
>
> John
>
> John Freeman wrote:
> > I was taught how to sharpen drill bits on a bench grinder, but it is a
> > "pita" and slow. Any one have experience with various drill bit
> > sharpeners on the market. There is one model called "drill doctor" at
> > the Lowes, and Harbor Freight tools has a cheep unit I assume made on
> > china.
> > thanks in advance
>
"John Freeman" writes:
> I was taught how to sharpen drill bits on a bench grinder, but it is a
> "pita" and slow.
Like you I was taught to sharpen drills free hand using a bench grinder, but
alas it is a "use it or loose it" skill that I don't do well these days;
however, it definitely is not slow IMHO.
>Any one have experience with various drill bit
> sharpeners on the market. There is one model called "drill doctor" at
> the Lowes, and Harbor Freight tools has a cheep unit I assume made on
> china.
The Drill Doctor is very much overpriced and under peckered IMHO.
Standard jobber drill bits can be replaced in sets at relative low cost for
1/16"-1/4" sizes.
Can buy a lot of replacement drill sets for less money than the cost of a
Drill Doctor.
Brad points are another matter.
SFWIW, I never developed the skill to sharpen them free hand using a bench
grinder.
HTH
--
Lew
S/A: Challenge, The Bullet Proof Boat, (Under Construction in the Southland)
Visit: <http://home.earthlink.net/~lewhodgett> for Pictures
"Larry Jaques" <novalidaddress@di\/ersify.com> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
<clever attempt to rearrange LJ's actual post>
> (Nomex-ON)
> So how does it do with WOODWORKING bits? Spade? Forstner?
> Auger? Brad-points?
Spade?
You put "spade" bits in that category? :)
[ Zippppppppppppppp! Nomex on! ]
"John Freeman" <jcfree@nospamcenturytelDOTnet> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
> I was taught how to sharpen drill bits on a bench grinder, but it is a
> "pita" and slow. Any one have experience with various drill bit
> sharpeners on the market.
I have this one from Lee Valley Tools. It's fast, easy to use and works
well.
http://www.leevalley.com/wood/page.asp?page=32966&category=1,43072,43086&abspage=1&ccurrency=1&SID=
It that one is too much for you then they have another one you might be
interested in.
http://www.leevalley.com/wood/page.asp?page=32965&category=1,43072,43086&abspage=1&ccurrency=1&SID=
You need more pratice. I can do them faster by hand that machine.
"John Freeman" <jcfree@nospamcenturytelDOTnet> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
> I was taught how to sharpen drill bits on a bench grinder, but it is a
> "pita" and slow. Any one have experience with various drill bit
> sharpeners on the market. There is one model called "drill doctor" at
> the Lowes, and Harbor Freight tools has a cheep unit I assume made on
> china.
> thanks in advance
"John Freeman" <jcfree@nospamcenturytelDOTnet> wrote
> I was taught how to sharpen drill bits on a bench grinder, but it is a
> "pita" and slow. Any one have experience with various drill bit
> sharpeners on the market. There is one model called "drill doctor" at
> the Lowes, and Harbor Freight tools has a cheep unit I assume made on
> china.
> thanks in advance
Sounds like a lot of support for the doctor. Can anyone explain to me how
it can grind the relief, I've always been curious about that. I've never
seen one in action, and can't comprehend from the pictures how they would
work. Seems to me it uses a pencil sharpener approach, and there is no
relief. I'd be mucho grateful to anyone who can set me straight.
Thanks
I can't believe you guys don't seem to touch up drill bits any more
often than you indicate. I use a bench grinder to get the basic angle
and relief. I thin the web a little when needed and fine tune the edge
with a 1 1/2 inch aluminum oxide disk in the moto tool. I run a finger
over the edge about every time I use the bit. If it feels or looks like
it's in need, the moto tool, connected through a sewing machine foot
control, is right at arm's reach on the bench. I can't imagine doing
without that little tool.
rhg
[email protected] wrote:
> On Wed, 4 Aug 2004 20:19:04 -0400, "Mortimer Schnerd, RN"
> <[email protected]> wrote:
>
>
>>patrick conroy wrote:
>>
>>>"Markm" <[email protected]> wrote in message
>>>For twists, I sully down to Wal-Mart once a year and buy a set of Black n'
>>>Decker for $9. At that rate, I can buy almost 5-10 years worth before it
>>>would have made more sense to invest in a DD.
>>
>>
>>When I screw up a bit, it's almost always at a time when the store is either
>>closed or inconvenient to go visit. If for no other reason, I'd just as soon
>>resharpen mine if I could. I don't have any trouble justifying (in my own mind)
>>spending $50 to be able to do this.
>
>
>
> I inherited from my grandfather a box of maybe 50 lbs of drill bits,
> many in the 1-2" diameter range. it would cost real money to buy all
> of those new, but a couple of hours with the grinder and a jig and
> they're all ready to go...
I have a drill doctor. My parents got it for me for a birthday present.
Now I would not be without it. No it doesn't do brad or forstner bits,
that's okay. It keeps my carbon steel bits incredibly sharp. Better than
new in fact! I sharpened everything. Wow!
John
John Freeman wrote:
> I was taught how to sharpen drill bits on a bench grinder, but it is a
> "pita" and slow. Any one have experience with various drill bit
> sharpeners on the market. There is one model called "drill doctor" at
> the Lowes, and Harbor Freight tools has a cheep unit I assume made on
> china.
> thanks in advance
Where do you find carbon steel drill bits? I didn't know they made them
anymore.
"Eddie Munster" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:VS6Qc.96$%[email protected]...
>
> It keeps my carbon steel bits incredibly sharp.
Just for additional info, for brad point and forstner bits, I have
been successful so far using a medium and fine diamond sharpening
cards. They work fast and produce a great edge on carbide router bits
and turning chisles as well.
John Freeman <jcfree@nospamcenturytelDOTnet> wrote in message news:<[email protected]>...
> I was taught how to sharpen drill bits on a bench grinder, but it is a
> "pita" and slow. Any one have experience with various drill bit
> sharpeners on the market. There is one model called "drill doctor" at
> the Lowes, and Harbor Freight tools has a cheep unit I assume made on
> china.
> thanks in advance
Mortimer wrote
> Go to this site and watch the first and possibly second video. You'll see
what
> I mean:
>
> http://www.drilldoctor.com/index.php?option=com_wrapper&wrap=300video
>
I see said the blind man as he picked up his hammer and saw. Very cool, and
copies the motion well. Thanks for the education, I've been puzzled by that
for longer than I care to admit.
A tip of the hat, and on to the next mystery of life.
mw
John Freeman wrote:
> I was taught how to sharpen drill bits on a bench grinder, but it is a
> "pita" and slow. Any one have experience with various drill bit
> sharpeners on the market. There is one model called "drill doctor" at
> the Lowes, and Harbor Freight tools has a cheep unit I assume made on
> china.
> thanks in advance
Drill Doctor works fine. You might want to go to <http://www.drilldr.com>
and read up on the various models. They're for twist drills and
carbide-tipped masonry bits only--won't do brad point or Forstner or spade
or anything else, but the more "deluxe" models can do split points.
--
--John
Reply to jclarke at ae tee tee global dot net
(was jclarke at eye bee em dot net)
In article <[email protected]>,
John Freeman <jcfree@nospamcenturytelDOTnet> wrote:
>... There is one model called "drill doctor" ...
I have one - and it works quite well. The look of the sharpened drill
tip isn't quite the same as from the factory, but it cuts just as well.
But, in retrospect, I haven't generated enough dull or chipped bits to
resharpen to have paid for this gadget yet.
--
--henry schaffer
hes _AT_ ncsu _DOT_ edu
Mortimer wrote
> The bit sits in a carrier that has a cam on its base. As you rotate the
bit
> against the spinning diamond wheel, the cam causes the bit to rise and
fall.
> It's not a pencil sharpener at all.
>
Thanks for the reply! That helps some, but still having trouble visualizing
grinding the relief. IME sharpening drill bits, the grinding angle changes
in addition to following the relief. But if you guys say it gets it, I'll
accept that and move on with my life.
Thanks again,
mw
But why? Get a good set to start, treat them right then replace them if
they actuall do get dull. I bought a set for like $150 and the have lasted
me for 7 years on metal and wood. Sometimes you break one but you can buy
them as singles too.
I'd consider getting some of my carbide mill bits sharpened but would throw
away drill bits.
JMO, mark
"John Freeman" <jcfree@nospamcenturytelDOTnet> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
> I was taught how to sharpen drill bits on a bench grinder, but it is a
> "pita" and slow. Any one have experience with various drill bit
> sharpeners on the market. There is one model called "drill doctor" at
> the Lowes, and Harbor Freight tools has a cheep unit I assume made on
> china.
> thanks in advance
On Wed, 4 Aug 2004 20:19:04 -0400, "Mortimer Schnerd, RN"
<[email protected]> wrote:
>patrick conroy wrote:
>> "Markm" <[email protected]> wrote in message
>> For twists, I sully down to Wal-Mart once a year and buy a set of Black n'
>> Decker for $9. At that rate, I can buy almost 5-10 years worth before it
>> would have made more sense to invest in a DD.
>
>
>When I screw up a bit, it's almost always at a time when the store is either
>closed or inconvenient to go visit. If for no other reason, I'd just as soon
>resharpen mine if I could. I don't have any trouble justifying (in my own mind)
>spending $50 to be able to do this.
I inherited from my grandfather a box of maybe 50 lbs of drill bits,
many in the 1-2" diameter range. it would cost real money to buy all
of those new, but a couple of hours with the grinder and a jig and
they're all ready to go...
On Wed, 4 Aug 2004 03:13:00 -0400, "Mortimer Schnerd, RN"
<[email protected]> calmly ranted:
>John Freeman wrote:
>> I was taught how to sharpen drill bits on a bench grinder, but it is a
>> "pita" and slow. Any one have experience with various drill bit
>> sharpeners on the market. There is one model called "drill doctor" at
>> the Lowes, and Harbor Freight tools has a cheep unit I assume made on
>> china.
>
>
>Funny you should mention that: my neighbor loaned me his model 300 Drill Doctor
>today and I sharpened all my bits tonight. I was impressed with it once I got
So how does it do with WOODWORKING bits? Spade? Forstner?
Auger? Brad-points?
Why are all of you fawning over a sharpener for -metal-
drilling bits? Jus cuz it's Handyman of America Approved?
(Nomex-ON)
LJ: Who sharpens his occasional metal drill bits to usability
by hand on the 1" belt sandah; hand-files auger, forstner
and brad point bits to perfection with a Nicholson auger file
bit ($8.50 from Lee Valley) and/or a 4" triangular file; and
doesn't understand ANY of the hoopla over Drill Doctors (which
are made 43 miles down the street from me).
-
- Let Exxon send their own troops -
-------------------------------------------------------
http://diversify.com Comprehensive Website Programming
"Markm" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:eB_Pc.224262$JR4.10478@attbi_s54...
>
>
> But why? Get a good set to start, treat them right then replace them if
> they actuall do get dull. I bought a set for like $150 and the have
lasted
I'm sorta at your same conclusion but a different path. I've invested in
good brad-points and forstners. Drill Doctor's (DD) can't sharpen those. I
treat those well.
For twists, I sully down to Wal-Mart once a year and buy a set of Black n'
Decker for $9. At that rate, I can buy almost 5-10 years worth before it
would have made more sense to invest in a DD.
Upscale wrote:
[snip]
> I have this one from Lee Valley Tools. It's fast, easy to use and works
> well.
> http://www.leevalley.com/wood/page.asp?page=32966&category=1,43072,43086&abspage=1&ccurrency=1&SID=
>
> It that one is too much for you then they have another one you might be
> interested in.
> http://www.leevalley.com/wood/page.asp?page=32965&category=1,43072,43086&abspage=1&ccurrency=1&SID=
>
I have owned the second one ("drill grinding guide") for a lot of years.
It does a good job. Kind of a PITA to set up, but in a half hour, you
can get a bunch of twist drills sharpened up nicely. It would be nice
to have an inexpensive machine that would do twists, Forstners, brad
points, spades,... Oh well. If you're going to dream, you might as
well dream big.
mahalo,
jo4hn
On Wed, 04 Aug 2004 00:53:06 -0400, John Freeman
<jcfree@nospamcenturytelDOTnet> wrote:
>Any one have experience with various drill bit
>sharpeners on the market.
Picador (swinging guide mounted next to an existing grinder) is good
and quite cheap, but won't work on less than 1/4" and is increasingly
hard to use with smaller drills (problems with the alignment tooth)
Drill Doctor ought to work, but some of them just don't (problems with
the chuck). If you have a good one, I can believe it works quickly and
effectively. Maybe in the USA you can get some product support, but
I'd not recommend them to anyone in the UK who didn't want an
expensive shelf ornament.
On the whole though, drill bits are cheaper than an investment in good
sharpeners.
--
Smert' spamionam
On Wed, 04 Aug 2004 00:53:06 -0400, John Freeman
<jcfree@nospamcenturytelDOTnet> wrote:
>I was taught how to sharpen drill bits on a bench grinder, but it is a
>"pita" and slow. Any one have experience with various drill bit
>sharpeners on the market. There is one model called "drill doctor" at
>the Lowes, and Harbor Freight tools has a cheep unit I assume made on
>china.
>thanks in advance
I have the general one that positions the bit against the side of the
wheel. it works pretty well for medium sized bits. I really only use
it on bits that need a lot of grinding. touchup I do by eye.