Fisch 7mm Drill Bits

[XanderPen]

I have been through nightmares most of you would never believe/understand. I have imported 7mm drill bits from Japan, china, Australia, North America. If you are making pens with 7mm tubes these Fisch bits are the only bits worth owning.

I would love to find an alternative because these bits cost me a fortune to import. ($120USD)

 

[RKB]

Sorry you are having an issue. I use Colt Pen Blank Bits like the one at the following link with no problems.
Hope you find something that fits your needs without breaking the bank.

https://www.woodturningz.com/7mm_Colt_Professional_Pen_Blank_Bits

 

[XanderPen]

I am familar with the colt; I found them to get too hot when drilling stabilized hardwoods.

 

[d_bondi]

Respectfully... all drill bits, even the highest quality, will get hot when drilling harder materials. It isn't a matter of the quality of the materials or process making them, it is the simple physics of friction. Of course, sharper bits will cut better with less friction and therefore generate less heat. When drilling harder materials, or those that are very sensitive to heat (some synthetics), we need to remember to go slow and in small increments and to allow the bit and material to cool in between.

Edit: Drilling speed is also a factor, so don't forget that one too. Drilling at too high a speed will contribute to excess heat.

 

[Woodchipper]

d_bondi is correct. Got the bit at Woodcraft. Works fine. Learned early on that a bit will fuse to a synthetic blank if it gets hot without withdrawing it to cool.

 

[d_bondi]

I didn't want to leave you wondering if you had wasted your money on Fisch. They make excellent products, at least the ones actually made in Austria. Be aware that they also have a "Quality Line" that are QA'd in Austria but not actually made there. They are less expensive but still pretty good bits.

I have a complete set of the Fisch Wave Cutter Forstner bits (made in Austria) and they are truly excellent. I have a few of their single packaged pen making bits (also made in Austria) that are great. The 3mm-10mm set of the "Quality Line" that are what I will call Good Enough.

 

[SteveG]

Another significant factor for heat buildup is the rate of feed of the bit into the material. Going too slow with the feed rate will often cause the bit to heat excessively. My experience with the more expensive bits is that they will move through the material relatively rapidly, never giving the work a chance to heat up excessively. One of several factors at play.

 

[Tim R]

I have several Fisch bits that I purchased on Amazon. I've been very satisfied with them.

 

[wolf creek knives]

I only use ICS drill bits. USA made and they resharpen easily and hold a good edge. I just did 51 one pens for an order and never had a problem.

 

[rherrell]

When drilling wood use compressed air to cool the bit, when drilling plastic use compressed air and some kind of lubricant.

 

[wouldentu2?]

I have been through nightmares most of you would never believe/understand. I have imported 7mm drill bits from Japan, china, Australia, North America. If you are making pens with 7mm tubes these Fisch bits are the only bits worth owning.

I would love to find an alternative because these bits cost me a fortune to import. ($120USD)

I highly recommend these bits I start the hole with a center bit and then drill dead center through 1\2" x 4 1\4" blanks.

 

[XanderPen]

I highly recommend these bits I start the hole with a center bit and then drill dead center through 1\2" x 4 1\4" blanks.

I start all the holes with a 60° center bit. I acquired a few of them from a local metal shop.

 

[XanderPen]

I

d_bondi is correct. Got the bit at Woodcraft. Works fine. Learned early on that a bit will fuse to a synthetic blank if it gets hot without withdrawing it to cool.

I found most other drill bits have flutes which are not efficient at moving the material back and ejecting it out the hole.

I must use my lathe to center drill blanks as I do not have a drill press. My minimum speed is 980rpm. I peck drill all blanks and try not to overheat the bit/workpiece.

 

[jttheclockman]

Norseman drill bits are also a good bit. As mentioned there are other factors that come into play when drilling any type of materials.