Thread: Carbitool TCT brad point bits - anyone tried them?

Their TCT drills for CNC machines are excellent if that's any reassurance, but at that price you may as well just buy one and see for yourself. A Sutton brad point drill costs twice as much and they're only HSS.

Being tct what is the reason you cant use these one metal? Other then geometry?

I can only assume the brad point would dull quickly

Originally Posted by elanjacobs

Their TCT drills for CNC machines are excellent if that's any reassurance, but at that price you may as well just buy one and see for yourself. A Sutton brad point drill costs twice as much and they're only HSS.

Thanks for that. I've spent hours and hours researching brad points but still had not twigged that Sutton made a set. Based on the pricing, I'm guessing Sutton are produced locally and the Carbitool's are imported.

Originally Posted by havabeer69

Being tct what is the reason you cant use these one metal? Other then geometry?

I can only assume the brad point would dull quickly

You could probably get away with them in ally and maybe brass if you're careful, but steel would rip the centre point and spurs off in short order.

If you're going to go the HSS route and want to learn a new skill, I would highly recommend making your own from normal twist drills. You'll save a fortune and you'll need to know how to sharpen them anyway, plus there's the added bonus of being able to have any size you like, not just what they make. I have a tutorial here: How to grind brad point bits by hand

Neil T,

Carbitool is owned by Sutton (2018).

Brian

Colt (German made) argue that their HSS 5 Star brad point drills are sharper and cut cleaner than TCT bits:
Colt Five Star brad point wood drill bits - Made in Germany - YouTube

I use Fisch bits and find them very good:

FISCH 25 Piece HSS Brad Point Drill Set | Axminster Tools International

Famag also have a good reputation although I haven’t used them myself:
FAMAG | News from August 17, 2020

Brian

Originally Posted by homey

Neil T,

Carbitool is owned by Sutton (2018).

Brian

True, but they still don't make everything they sell.

I brought a set a few years ago at one of the wood shows and they are very poor quality. The photo on their website looks nothing like the real thing. The photo looks more like a standard brad point bit whereas with their carbide tipped drills you can easily see the carbide attached to the end which is about maybe 8mm long. Some work okay and the others don't seem to have the geometry right so it's like all cheap imported things, a lucky dip.
It's a pity they put these in their range as it degrades their reputation of high quality.

Originally Posted by Treecycle

It's a pity they put these in their range as it degrades their reputation of high quality.

Ditto for their "European made" saw blades

Hmm. Anyone got reviews of their forstner bits?

I have been thinking of buying a set of forstner bits that I want to be able to re-sharpen as needed. I have been making do with a cheap set from Bunnings which are okay. Most reviews I read are not from readily available Australian suppliers.

I did read they were highly regarded and had them in mind.

Originally Posted by Cgcc

Hmm. Anyone got reviews of their forstner bits? ....

I have Famag; they are excellent. Haven't needed to resharpen them yet, but should be easy enough with a diamond file.
FAMAG Bormax Sets | FINE TOOLS
Delivery from Germany usually takes 6-7 days; no VAT, plus freight.

I have a set of 5 FAMAG Bormax forstner bits, brought them years a go and a set of 15 Carbitool bits. If I want a clean hole with the least effort, the Bormax are used, if the size is applicable.

Thanks Graeme for the link.

Plus one for the Famag ones, ours are positively ancient, and are still going strong, well worth it.

Originally Posted by Treecycle

I brought a set a few years ago at one of the wood shows and they are very poor quality. The photo on their website looks nothing like the real thing. The photo looks more like a standard brad point bit whereas with their carbide tipped drills you can easily see the carbide attached to the end which is about maybe 8mm long. Some work okay and the others don't seem to have the geometry right so it's like all cheap imported things, a lucky dip.
It's a pity they put these in their range as it degrades their reputation of high quality.

Thanks Dallas, just the info I was looking for.