What drill bit sharpening system gives the most bang for the buck?

woodworkerJB · Dec 14, 2011

Everytime I go over and tinker at my Dad's shop I go crazy because every drill bit over there is so dull it only shines the metal. So for Christmas I want to get him a good bit sharpening system. So I ask all of you in the know, What drill bit sharpening system gives the most bang for the buck?

duckman · Dec 14, 2011

The most expensive one you can afford, because in the end your going to own it. I personally own and use a Darex.

dazz · Dec 15, 2011

Hi

I have the same problem with my drills so I have been looking for a good solution.

If you are a tinkerer, you might want to make one.

Drill Sharpening

Scruffyone · Dec 15, 2011

Hi There....had the same problem and am getting so blind at 67 that anything smallet the 3/8" is a problem so I bought a drill doctor it will sharpen to 5/8" do not know why I did not do this years ago would of saved a lot of agony
Cheers
JM

Weirsdale George · Dec 15, 2011

The best thing you can do is to get someone to teach you how to properly sharpen drills by hand. They may not be at the perfect angle or the point centered to 0.0005, but this basic skill will get you out of a bind if a super fancy sharpener isn't around.

T. Jost · Dec 15, 2011

A used Darex is worth its weight in new Drill Doctors. I bought a Drill doctor some years back and quickly found I could do a better job free hand. The Darex on the other hand puts a point with proper geometry on each bit every time and you don't have to find the drill point gage. I got a screaming deal on mine from a guy whose wife was insisting he thin the herd on his collection of sharpening equipment. A new Darex system might be out of your price range but I've seen them sold used on line reasonably.

If your dad doesn't use drill bits in any professional capacity perhaps a Drill Doctor will serve his/your purpose. As far as Christmas presents go, a Drill doctor would certainly be better than a tie.

Milacron · Dec 15, 2011

If the Drill Doctor is mentioned anymore in this thread, it will be locked.

wb2vsj · Dec 15, 2011

How about a nice new Drill Index full of new bits?

Number, letter & Fractional.

david n · Dec 15, 2011

Milacron said:
If the Drill Doctor is mentioned anymore in this thread, it will be locked.

Ah.....C'mon Don. I bet you're a closet Drill Dr owner.

JRIowa · Dec 15, 2011

Since you don't have a budget, I'd get a Winslow HC.

JR

G-Auto · Dec 15, 2011

I have an Optima but its a bit of a pain to use. How small can a Winslow sharper? We are usually under 1/4"

JRIowa · Dec 15, 2011

The HC is 1/16 - 1 1/2"
JR

jCandlish · Dec 15, 2011

woodworkerJB said:
What drill bit sharpening system gives the most bang for the buck?

The one with all the collets.

Trip59 · Dec 15, 2011

Scruffyone said:
Hi There....had the same problem and am getting so blind at 67 that anything smallet the 3/8" is a problem so I bought a drill doctor it will sharpen to 5/8" do not know why I did not do this years ago would of saved a lot of agony
Cheers
JM

Pieces of crap and a good way to get a thread locked...

I'm trying to find a used 'professional grade' machine now. That thing that shall not be named did ok for bits used on wood, but I have a box that is waiting for a real sharpening system now as they're useless on a machine working with metal. I've gotten better results by hand, but with the winter months, my annual guest, Mr Arthur Itus means hand sharpening is a painful and often futile endeavor on anything smaller than 1/2"

Are there any sources other than eBay for used, good machines?

PixMan · Dec 15, 2011

I snagged a Black Diamond #2B off Craigslist this past summer for $375. It works for most stuff, just not easy to do split point geometry. Regular 118º point jobber and screw machine length drills are no problem.

The machines are out there, deals can be had.

And yes, I have ALL the bushings, from #80 to 1/2" and the master 9/16".

Abom79 · Dec 15, 2011

I own a Lisle drill sharpener. it works great and sharpens from 1/8-1 1/4" drills, 2, 3, and 4 flutes. I would recomend it to anyone.

TDegenhart · Dec 15, 2011

Abom79 said:
I own a Lisle drill sharpener. it works great and sharpens from 1/8-1 1/4" drills, 2, 3, and 4 flutes. I would recomend it to anyone.

I also have Lisle, but I have had problems burning the bit because the machine too flexible, particularly on the larger bits.

Tom

doug931 · Dec 15, 2011

drill bit shapener

times two on the lighlle.

Abom79 · Dec 15, 2011

TDegenhart said:
I also have Lisle, but I have had problems burning the bit because the machine too flexible, particularly on the larger bits.

Tom

The only time I have "burning" problems is when the wheel is loaded up. I frequently use the supplied dressing tool and dress the wheel to make some nice clean grinds. I also havnt noticed any problems with flex. Mine makes factory perfect grinds every time.

BuffDan · Dec 15, 2011

I have a Kaindl BSM20 (German made)

Its a nice grinder, has versatility, does a nice job, and doesnt use collets. (.05 - .875")
Sharpens standard, brad point, carbide, 2 flute end mills, counter sinks, etc
Its pricey new.. I purchased one off eBay for good price.

Kaindl Drill Bit Sharpener BSM 20

Dan

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