Topic: Drill Bits to use ?

[rddcw]

Just purchased a new bench top drill press Wen # 4214. Like to purchase a "good" set of drill bits preferably metric. What would you Tech. guys recommend for a good set ?

[Lammers000]

I've always had good luck with DeWalt bits. I know they don't really sell a complete machinist's set, but their titanium nitride and cobalt bits have worked very well for me. Drilled my rotor last weekend with one of their cobalt bits, did an amazing job. Hope this somewhat helps.

[MoMo]

I've had very good results with Ridgid cobalt bits on disc brakes...Larry

[slikwilli420]

This is all you will ever need for everyday fab stuff:

https://drillsandcutters.com/1-60-a-z-1-16-1-2-hss-jobber-drill-set-115-pieces-1-64-increments/

I agree that a dedicated bit for drilling rotors is a good idea and something other than HSS will be best.

Metric drill bits are not required since the index covers a wide range in such small increments and tap drill charts and the like are readily available online.

[budman]

I've always had good luck with DeWalt bits. I know they don't really sell a complete machinist's set, but their titanium nitride and cobalt bits have worked very well for me. Drilled my rotor last weekend with one of their cobalt bits, did an amazing job. Hope this somewhat helps.

I used a DeWalt cobalt pilot point bit to drill my router also.  Lots of oil.  It was a while back, but I'm pretty sure I only used one bit for over 100 holes.

[calj737]

SlikWilk is on the right track with a 115 plus piece set of Jobber bits. Get them in HSS at a minimum. There are better prices than $170 around, but the set and ranges are perfect.

Unless you are tapping holes, decimal bits work perfectly. Then get metric taps. But even the pilot for a metric hole is ranged in decimals.

I get most of my hardware from www.mscdirect.com

[grcamna2]

bump

[MoMo]

I've always had good luck with DeWalt bits. I know they don't really sell a complete machinist's set, but their titanium nitride and cobalt bits have worked very well for me. Drilled my rotor last weekend with one of their cobalt bits, did an amazing job. Hope this somewhat helps.

I used a DeWalt cobalt pilot point bit to drill my router also.  Lots of oil.  It was a while back, but I'm pretty sure I only used one bit for over 100 holes.

That is what I did with the Ridgid, plus another....

[754]

I got a cheapo 115 pc ? Set.. They were crappy,, , only way I would get hole on size, it had to be within 10thou or less... Use a mic to check size if its critical.
  Say , get the best drill you can afford when you have anything other than aluminum or plastic to drill.. Jbber drills from an industrial supplier or bearing house.
Same with taps.
 And if you drill plastics or brass, expect it to grab or suck-in, if the rake is not adjusted accordingly.

[grcamna2]

Those gold drill bits seem like good quality as long as the coating doesn't wear-off too fast.I have a decent set of USA made HUOT(from 1/16" all the way up to 1/2",about a 40 piece set) bits and they're good standard bits when going through mild steel,etc.
I would like to buy a good set similar but maybe just a bit harder(not sure if i need cobalt)so I wouldn't dull them too easily.I don't want to get lured into purchasing some China-junk that 'looks' like high quality.Do any of you know who has a good,proven set of drill bits on sale ?

[rddcw]

#3 things that come to my attention ? 

1. Jobber Length ?
2. !35 degree tip angle ?
3. Cobalt or HSS ?

I'm just an average builder and probably will probably never drill through anything thicker than 1/4" steel plate.

[calj737]

Jobber length means long enough to be useful 
HSS is plenty strong and durable for everyday use, and most can be sharpened
135* instead of a "pilot" point

90-130 piece sets will last you a lifetime if you take care of them. 2 critical things about drilling steel; 1. Spin the drill bit slowly while drilling. The slower the better they cut and 2. Whenever humanely possible, use cutting fluid. A bottle of real cutting fluid is about $6 and should last 1-2 years. And it will make your bits last 10x that.

I buy simple cutting fluid for drilling at the Home Center. Look in the plumbing piping area, where the "threading tools" are for black pipe. Oatey is a brand that comes to mind. It's "dark" and has a high sulfur content. That's what you want. Literally a drop or two on the steel prior to cutting will make the metal "open up, suck in" more oil. As long as you are turning curly-cues of steel when cutting, then you're perfect. When it begins to throw chips, you're too fast or too dull.

[754]

Nothing wrong with chips, some have chip breaker by design..plus not wanting chips suggests to some to note stop to add lube.
 If the chip is straw color you are fine.. As soon as you see purple you are ether overspeeding the drill or it is getting dull.
 Usualy you would pause the feeding to allow the chip to break.. Safer that way.. If the chipsare a foot long..back off and let them break.
 Stub drills are usually better in many ways...but unless they are competitive price wise (if even available). We need not worry about them. They are usually  split point (not as easy to sharpen)
But work better in thin material especially stainless.     Wont give that three sided hole..