Point of Diminished Returns?
Just my 2 cents.
Seems to me that there is a point of diminished return when it comes to professional drill bit sharpening.
I know there is when it comes to table saw blades and chain saws. It costs just as much to have them sharpened
as it does to purchase new...which is why I have so many of each.
Same is true (for me) when it comes to drill bits. On the small fractional stuff, I just toss and buy new.
And when I do, I always buy 2 or 3 extra. I inherited a set of drill bit organizer drawers in fractional, letter,
and number drill bits. (I haven't started metric). The number and letter drills are a bit spotty here and there,
but I keep the fractional well stocked; and usually with plain jobber drills. (Don't know that I believe all the
claims on "Titanium" stuff)
I also keep an index holder that I use for the fractional sizes, and it goes up to ½". I use these for general purpose
on the drill press and the lathe. I will only go to the grinder with a bit if I don't have a replacement ready to grab.
But yes, for the big MT drills, I will always send out for sharpening. (Although I can get by in a pinch, my drill bit
sharpening skills leave a lot to be desired!) :-)
I know this is pretty common knowledge, and correct me if I'm wrong, but my Dad taught me that when using a drill bit in
a press, the sharper of the two flutes will always "dominate" the cut, and can lead to a slightly curved hole. However,
when a bit is stationary and the work piece is turning (such as on a lathe), the bit is always being forced to center
of the workpiece regardless of flute sharpness, and therefore, it will not drill a curved hole. (In theory, of course).
So in regards to "precision sharpness", it makes a difference whether a bit is being used in a press or a lathe.
And I ALWAYS start with a hole drilled with a center bit usually followed with a good pilot hole..no ifs, ands, or buts.
But yeah, the big stuff (which I don't use very often) I will send out if need be.
PMc
PS: A GOOD drill bit sharpening device (in an enclosed sharpening station room) makes all the sense in the world.
I've just never seen one in action. What do the "pros" use?
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