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Thread: Suggestions for drill bits for drilling metals

  1. #1
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    Suggestions for drill bits for drilling metals

    I have an old set of Allied (Los Angelos) drill bits marked as HSS, Black Oxide finish. I'm not sure if they are worth sharpening (would require purchasing a sharpener).

    I'm guessing I spent $20-$30 30 years ago for the bits. A few of the bits are very dull, and some of the smaller sizes have been randomly replaced with 'whatever'.

    What's a good value 'by 64ths' set to occasionally drill metal (like a few holes each month), sometimes in a drill press, that will last me the next 20-30 years .
    Mark McFarlane

  2. #2
    Norseman are the best I have used and not overly expensive when I got them. I use them for wood and metal both in a press and a hand held drill. I prefer bright, but they come in other finishes also.

  3. #3
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    Mark, if you want a set of drill bit that will last 20-30 years and also use them for metal I would buy a set of cobalt drills. They are more expensive than high speed steel drills but are worth it in the long run. And you're covered if you ever need to drill stainless. Other than price the only other downside is they are more brittle, so you have to be a little more careful when hand drilling with the smaller bits.

    USA made is best, but a good import set can be found at reasonable prices. I would (and did many years ago) buy a set from a reputable machinery supply center like KBC Tools or Wholesale Tools. And if you happen to break one, like I have, you can purchase individual replacements.

  4. #4
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    Second what John says. We use cobalt drills all the time in the engineering shop. They are well worth it. Get a set and then use your old ones to learn free hand sharpening on a bench grinder. Start learning on a big one till you get it right and then work on small ones. It's a hand skill worth acquiring and well within the capabilities of everyone. Cheers

  5. #5
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    Thanks Andrew, John, and Wayne.

    Do these Irwin bits looks good, M42 (8% Cobalt)
    Mark McFarlane

  6. #6
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    Mark, your link is to a set of high speed steel bits. If you mean this one (https://www.amazon.com/Hanson-301800.../dp/B01D4I399I) then yes, it's a very good set - 8% cobalt. Cobalt drills range from 5-8% cobalt. The higher the number they harder (brittle) and more expensive. If you don't think you're going to drill metal that often Irwin also makes a 5% cobalt set for 50% less cost (https://www.amazon.com/Irwin-Tools-3...+Tools+3018002). Irwin is one of a handful of companies that have their drill bits manufactured in the USA.

  7. #7
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    Quote Originally Posted by John Ziebron View Post
    Mark, your link is to a set of high speed steel bits. If you mean this one (https://www.amazon.com/Hanson-301800.../dp/B01D4I399I) then yes, it's a very good set - 8% cobalt. Cobalt drills range from 5-8% cobalt. The higher the number they harder (brittle) and more expensive. If you don't think you're going to drill metal that often Irwin also makes a 5% cobalt set for 50% less cost (https://www.amazon.com/Irwin-Tools-3...+Tools+3018002). Irwin is one of a handful of companies that have their drill bits manufactured in the USA.
    Thanks John. FWIW, Irwin's own customer support said the bit set I linked to are M42 steel (8% Cobalt). It's the third answer to the questions from users.

    Thank you for choosing Irwin Tools. Our goal is to provide our customers with the highest quality and service.The IRWIN Tools 29 Piece Industrial Drill Bit Set Case with TurboMax Bits (3018006B) is the M42 Grade bit set. The 3018002 with out the B is the M35 set.

    Perhaps their descriptions on Amazon are wrong, the model numbers appear inconsistent with Irwin's own web site.
    Mark McFarlane

  8. #8
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    Thanks again Andrew, John and Wayne. I've ordered Irwin's 5% cobalt set.
    Mark McFarlane

  9. #9
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    Mark, if you have some old drills you could practice grinding them by hand on a pedestal grinder. It's much easier than you think, plus you could grind tips differently according the the type of material you would be drilling.
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  10. #10
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    Quote Originally Posted by Al Launier View Post
    Mark, if you have some old drills you could practice grinding them by hand on a pedestal grinder. It's much easier than you think, plus you could grind tips differently according the the type of material you would be drilling.
    Thanks Al. A grinder or two is on my wish list for later this year.
    Mark McFarlane

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