Anybody know a source for drill bits?

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Timbo

Member
Joined
Jan 4, 2008
Messages
1,188
Location
Kill Devil Hills, NC USA.
I want to buy a comprehensive set of drill bit for drilling blanks. I started out with slims and cigars, but new I'm starting to try other kits. I like to get a set of bits that would cover just about any kit, and be done with it. I noticed there was a group buy a couple of months back, but unfrotunately, I was not a AIP member then.
Know any sources for decent bit sets for drilling blanks, at a reasonable price?
 
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I have one of those a couple of miles from my house. My dad's wife used to work there. Used to get 10% off everything.
 
Originally posted by rherrell

Can't beat this for 75 bucks. Everything you'll need and more. Drill bits are not something I would go real cheap on. 75 bucks is not real cheap but it is NOT expensive. Check out some of their other sets if you want EXPENSIVE.
http://www1.mscdirect.com/CGI/NNSRIT?PMPXNO=1714052&PMT4NO=38009962

Harbor Freight has similar sets. They range in price from $40 to $100. Very hard to compare quality of drill bits and know which is the best choice. The $100 set at HF is cobalt steel which should be the best of these; but for just drilling wood blanks you probably don't need that kind of quality.
 
Hmm, tools - thanks for the link - I do like the Norseman - and you know - you don't have to get the full set.

I got the core set for Norseman - and added the HF cheap set as backup.

Now if I start using the odd sizes more, I now have a link for the metric and other size drill bits.

Thanks

Bradbn4- Having Fun In Colorado
 
Timbo,
Do you have a Tractor Supply Co. (TSC) store close by? Each year they stock lots of tool stuff for Christmas gifts and then put the leftovers on clearance after the holidays. Our local store has several sets of the 115 (or more) bits in a metal case for under $50: fraction sizes up to 1/2 inch, wire guage sizes, and letter sizes. I purchased a set two years ago and I'm still using them. They perform as well as any bit I've purchased from our suppliers. I have no issues with the bits. They have the gold colored titanium coating. Then all you have to buy is the larger bits for the larger pens. I also purchased a set of metric bits, 1mm to 15 mm in 1/2 mm steps for about $40 from a local industrial supply. You don't have to go broke purchasing expensive drill bits. Although, others may disagree.
Do a good turn daily!
Don
Originally posted by Timbo

Yeah...$200+ is more than I want to spend for drill bits. So far the MSC set that Rick suggested tops my list for now. Still lookin though.
 
I already had a numbered bit set and several fractional bit sets (brad point, bullet point, etc.) before I started pen turning. Since then, I have been accumulating good quality Metric and Lettered bits as I needed them (Arizona Silhoette is a good source). I bought an empty index case for metric bits and another index for Lettered bits from Enco and I will fill out the collection as needed.
Since I only use Metric or Lettered bits for pens and then only a few different sizes, this seemed to be the most economical approach.
Besides, I have visions of dumping one of those humongus "every-bit-known-to-man" sets on the floor and spending the next six weeks with a mgnifying glass trying to sort all those bits. :D
 
I have a different perspective.

I have a 115 piece set that I've had for years and I've added metrics and other odd sizes as I needed them. Then one day a "bird" whispered in my ear something about a drill doctor and it's ability to sharpen drills. Some even can make split points and make two different point angles. At first I was resistant to give up my expensive bullet points, vortex, and what have you because they cost more so they have to be MUCH better! That's what the companies tell us so it must be true?

Since buying the drill doctor, all of my worn bits have been converted to split points and sharpened with the drill doctor. I'm not looking back.


My new philosophy is to get a regular old bit and use the drill doctor to make it into a "drill". It's almost paid for itself already.
 
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