I can't be the only one in the hobby who has a bunch of dull drill bits that either never get sharpened or don't get done correctly. The Drill Doctor seems to be a possible solution but I'm interested to hear if others have used this device and what their thoughts are. I was given a very expensive knife sharpener many years ago as a gift and it has been a very useful tool to keep all of the household knives razor sharp as well as those of friends and relatives. Would the Drill Doctor be useful in a similar manner or is their machine just a gimmick?
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Re: Value of Drill Doctor sharpening tool
It's one of the handiest tools you will ever own. -
Re: Value of Drill Doctor sharpening tool
While I do agree with MIke that this can be a handy tool to sharpen drills, I know more than one individual who has purchased this tool and given up on it as it does require a little patience and practice to get it right. I personally have a toolroom, machine shop background and believe nothing beats a bench grinder (which you may already own) and a drill gage (very inexpensive compared to the drill doctor) for hand sharpening drill bits (this also requires a little patience and practice). I would suggest if you can find someone who has a "drill doctor" that you check it out before making the purchase as they are really not that cheap, and most of the ones I have seen end up in a cabinet or drawer never to be used out of frustration at getting it right.
Good Luck!!Comment
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Re: Value of Drill Doctor sharpening tool
Amazon has 109 reviews of the Drill Doctor, and it's rated at about 4.5 stars. http://www.amazon.com/Drill-Doctor-D...owViewpoints=1
Skip the HF Chinese version...unlike the drill doctor, it grinds the drill point into more of a chisel point since it doesn't provide a means to rotate the drill bit during grinding; not worth a tinker's dam. The result will cut better than a very dull bit, but certainly doesn't resemble a precision machine tool.Comment
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Re: Value of Drill Doctor sharpening tool
My results with sharpening drill bits is any bits 1/8" and smaller that I use most don't work as well as new ones. 1/4'' and above turn out much better.Lyle
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Re: Value of Drill Doctor sharpening tool
Had for quite a while. Love it.Comment
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Re: Value of Drill Doctor sharpening tool
The tool will save you a lot of money. The only bits I buy now are to replace the small ones that break. The drill bits plenty sharp for mild steel and of course wood. You can even sharpen masonry bits.Comment
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Re: Value of Drill Doctor sharpening tool
I agree with others, this is a VERY handy tool! But...yeah there's alwasy a 'but' eh?
It does take some practice learning how to use the tool. And, it's NOT a panache.
What I mean by the later, is this. If you've 'over-stressed' a given drill bit (telltale = color of metal tip has dramatically darkened), you can sharpen it but it's not going to hold its new edge for long...
Once the underlying metal of the drill bit has lost its original hardening, you might just as well go replace it. Bits that have the tell tale discoloration were probably 'abused' by running them too fast for the job at hand, failing to use some lubrication during the drill job, and/or PUSHING on the drill to force them to 'bite'...
For best drill bit life, you want to learn to let the bit do the work at its 'natural' pace and NOT push the bit beyond that level of work.Comment
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Re: Value of Drill Doctor sharpening tool
Thanks guys for the input. Once again your comments have been very helpful.Comment
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Re: Value of Drill Doctor sharpening tool
Never tried it either, but was taught at an early age to hand sharpen bits in trade school. The thought of using a fixture would have been an "F" back in the day!LOLComment
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Re: Value of Drill Doctor sharpening tool
I agree. If I had gone to trade school like my Dad and learned how to take care of these Corvettes I would have been better off. Instead I got a Ph.D. and never learned the really important skills. I'm playing catch up now in retirement.Comment
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Re: Value of Drill Doctor sharpening tool
I've had one for years, and use it quite frequently. I agree with Lyle on the smaller bits, tho...it just won't index them properly to do a good job. On the lager bits, it's great. It has two different settings for what type of end you want, degree-wise, plus it does a back-cut that really makes it(the bit) work.
If you use your drill bits a lot, like I do, it's definitely worth the $$$, as it's cheaper in the long run than new bits.
Joel Adams
1974 Coupe
1985 Coupe
"I know the voices aren't real...but sometimes they have some really kewl ideas...."
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Re: Value of Drill Doctor sharpening tool
Quote : I would suggest if you can find someone who has a "drill doctor" that you check it out before making the purchase as they are really not that cheap, and most of the ones I have seen end up in a cabinet or drawer never to be used out of frustration at getting it right.
Sounds like this is what e**y and garage sales are for.
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