Drill Doctor

[eskimo]

OK, my bits are beginning to burn as much as cut and I've been looking at a Drill Doctor. There are 3 models (350, 500 & 750). Can anyone give me any practical information on the differences between the 3, as well as opinions? Also, what has your experience been with bit sizes changing after sharpening (how many times can you sharpen a 3/8 bit before it becomes a 5/16 bit?)

Thanks, Bob

 

[gerryr]

You can't sharpen anything larger than 1/2" with the 350, nor can you create split points. I have the 500 plus the optional 3/4" chuck and I'm satisfied. I think the 750 allows for two different grind angles, but could be wrong. I wouldn't get less than the 500.

Sharpening a bit doesn't make make it a smaller size. It becomes a little shorter each time, but I think it would take a very long time before that would be noticeable. A sharp bit drill a more accurate hole than a dull one. In fact, if some of your bits have overheated, they might never drill the correct size hole again.

 

[wdcav1952]

Get the 750DX. I got mine off of Ebay, and love it!

 

[leehljp]

750 for me, 3 years and running. It is one of my least used tools but it has already saved me more money on bits that I spent on the DD - but then most bits are a little more expensive here.

 

[Rifleman1776]

I love my DD. Do get the 750. I have to take my 1/2" and over bits to a shop for sharpening. As Gerry said, sharpening doesn't change size. With the DD you can make the bits into split points which do a better job of starting where you want it to without wandering. But, not quite as good as a brad point. [] (Note: that's an ongoing 'war' here. brad vs. split. Losta different opinions)

 

[TBone]

I bought the small one. Later on, went back and bought the 750. My only regret was not buying the 750 the first time. Oh well, my son can use the small one until he decides to buy the 750 [8D]

 

[Randy_]

Frank: You can get a 3/4" chuck thay will fit your 500. If you have one of the older 500s, you might want to check with DD to be sure it will fit.

http://www.genext.drilldoctor.com/content/view/14/47/

The DD web site says they are $40; but I'll bet you could find one for less on eBay. That is a little pricey; but if you use a lot of larger bits it will certainly pay for itself and the convenience of having it inhouse to use as needed rather than having to make special trips to the sharpening shop is worth a lot as well.

 

[martyb]

I've got the 750 also. Very good investment.
Just be sure to keep track of the turns as you sharpen. If you don't do it even, you can end up with a bit with the center off-center. I did that to one of my larger bits somehow.

 

[Rifleman1776]

Originally posted by Randy_
<br />Frank: You can get a 3/4" chuck thay will fit your 500. If you have one of the older 500s, you might want to check with DD to be sure it will fit.

http://www.genext.drilldoctor.com/content/view/14/47/

The DD web site says they are $40; but I'll bet you could find one for less on eBay. That is a little pricey; but if you use a lot of larger bits it will certainly pay for itself and the convenience of having it inhouse to use as needed rather than having to make special trips to the sharpening shop is worth a lot as well.

Thanks. They have dropped the price. Last time I checked, they were $65.00. Not worth it at that cost. I'll start shopping.