How do you sharpen a drill bit?
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Posting Guru
Joined: Sep 1999
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From: Pensacola Florida
How do you sharpen a drill bit?
IF you don't have a Drill Doctor. I need to know the mechanics of bit sharpening. I'm sure some one knows of a link or book that really explains it well. If you can post some pics that explains the angles it would be great. I have done a few with fair suceess not great but better than dull.
New User
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 17
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From: CA
hey, my experience has been, invest the money for some good drill bits, or invest the money in a good drill bit sharpener, my grandpa tried to teach me how to sharpen drill bits and they would come out worse than they started it seemed, now my garage has nothing but the titanium nitrate (I think that's the stuff) coated drill bits that seem to last for ever, but cost a fortune to replace
Posting Legend
Joined: Sep 2001
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"nitride"
To sharpen a bit by hand is something that takes lots of practice. Take a look at a new sharp GOOD drill bit (not one of those Chinese things) for what it is supposed to look like.
Sounds like you need a Drill Doctor anyway... But even then you need to know what a drill bit is supposed to look like.
To sharpen a bit by hand is something that takes lots of practice. Take a look at a new sharp GOOD drill bit (not one of those Chinese things) for what it is supposed to look like.
Sounds like you need a Drill Doctor anyway... But even then you need to know what a drill bit is supposed to look like.
Posting Guru
Joined: Aug 2003
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From: Wichita KS.
I can do it, unfortunatly, if you aren't there with me, I can't explain it. You have to roll the bit along the groove and up at the same time. Over the years I have gotten pretty good at it but it takes lots of practice. Sorry I couldn't be more help.
Posting Legend
Joined: Sep 2001
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In one of the shops I worked at the guys on the radial drills would have me sharpen their bits for them occasionally by hand. They worked better than the bits that came from the tool crib. They liked my split points also 
Post Fiend
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 7,157
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From: Central Kali
To sharpen on the cheap get the one made by General Tool. It mounts on the side of a 6" grinder. You also need a cup type wheel made for using the side instead of the front.
It cost me about $12 years ago and has worked well. You put the drill in a V and sharpen one side at a time as you pivot it back and forth. With a little care to do both sides the same, it gives good results.
It cost me about $12 years ago and has worked well. You put the drill in a V and sharpen one side at a time as you pivot it back and forth. With a little care to do both sides the same, it gives good results.
Senior User
Joined: Oct 2003
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From: in a house
the trick darkman is to keep or even increase the relief angle. if you look at a drill bit from the side you will notice a slight angle from the bottom of the cutting edge down to the back of the flute. this is your relief.
so the best way not to mess this up is to start your ginding at the lowest part on the back of the flute. I find that a good belt sander or the side of the wheel on a bench grinder works best. "Don't ever do heavy grinding on the side of a grinding wheel, things could get ugly". match the point angle of the bit with the grinding surface not touching it yet. tilt the point of the bit up with your right hand and using you left hand to steady the angle. put the bit to the stone or belt, grinding it from the back of the flute pulling the bit down and slightly rotating to the left and up to the cutting edge. do one or two passes stopping when the sparks just come over the cutting edge. extra tips is use light pressure, grind each side evenly and don't burn the bit.
good luck. hope this didn't confuse things.
so the best way not to mess this up is to start your ginding at the lowest part on the back of the flute. I find that a good belt sander or the side of the wheel on a bench grinder works best. "Don't ever do heavy grinding on the side of a grinding wheel, things could get ugly". match the point angle of the bit with the grinding surface not touching it yet. tilt the point of the bit up with your right hand and using you left hand to steady the angle. put the bit to the stone or belt, grinding it from the back of the flute pulling the bit down and slightly rotating to the left and up to the cutting edge. do one or two passes stopping when the sparks just come over the cutting edge. extra tips is use light pressure, grind each side evenly and don't burn the bit.
good luck. hope this didn't confuse things.
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Posting Guru
Joined: Jan 2003
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From: Eastern CT.
I use the similar method that ranchero uses, the side of the grinding wheel, you have to adjust the angle trying to keep the original, using light presser, I apply the bit, twist it slowly and rotate at the same time to get the relife angle. With me ummm my glasses are a must,,LOL, and good lighting to see the bit tip against the wheel. Lately I have sharpened them several times, they seem to cut (drill) well after, so I must be doing something right. I find the side of the grinding wheel easier to sharpen the bits, Practice,,Practice .
Later,,,,,,,,,,,Mark
Later,,,,,,,,,,,Mark
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Posting Guru
Joined: Sep 1999
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From: Pensacola Florida
OK I think that I will probably buy a DD. I think it will be easier. I might try to sharpen a few on my grinder and I think that I understand now. Everyone did a great job especially M350 and Ranchero77.
Titanium Nitride If you resharpen them do you grind away a protective treatment? Are they worth the money if I buy a Drill Doctor?
Titanium Nitride If you resharpen them do you grind away a protective treatment? Are they worth the money if I buy a Drill Doctor?
