Thread: Vix bits

Probably the VB-5 (#5+#6) and the VB9 (#8+#9+#10)

I bought one years ago for a house I was doing, it had about 5000 brass slottted screws to fit to the various hinges, cabin hooks, handles, barrel bolts etc etc. You can't afford to get these off line at all as you'll just snap the screw. Because the drill is shrouded by the mechanism it didn't clear very well and it would require constant manual cleaning to stop it jamming up and overheating. I think I replaced the drill bit about half a dozen times on that job. I was drilling into spotted gum and Jarrah, so it wasn't easy going. I've never used it since and wouldn't do so unless I had lots of brass screws to install.

Mick

They use them at work to centre screws in holes in the construction of drawers(Blumotion).

I bought a set of three from Rockler about 3 1/2 years ago. Pretty cheap from them. I use them quiet often. Got the set landed here for less than the cost of two of them from Carbatec. Carbatec want $18.00 each + freight for them. Mik also stock them pretty exy there also.

http://www.rockler.com/product.cfm?page=10610

I have both the Vix and Rockler. In terms of quality, the Rockler are much better. A trick with both bits it to take canning wax (parafin) or candle wax and force it into the bit flutes through the chip clearing slots. Hold the guide and spin the bit with your drill for 15-20 seconds to distribute the wax. This makes the bits clear the chips much better and the bits work very well. Remember to spin these bits at high speed when drilling. This helps to clear the chips also.

I dont think they make them for 70~100mm style door hinges, only for small cabinet/box hinges.
If you know of some large sized ones... tell me where please!

Bought some cheapies at the TWW show in October. Seem to work well for a couple of uses so far but found the same trouble with chip clearance.

Thanks for the tips, Rich, will give them a try next time.


Cheers...............Sean

Love mine they make putting hinges on great as for swarf clearance i silicon spray mine then wipe it down ,that works fine.

He said the "S" word.

I'm gonna report this to a sheriff.

Originally Posted by Harry72

I dont think they make them for 70~100mm style door hinges, only for small cabinet/box hinges.
If you know of some large sized ones... tell me where please!

The Rockler ones go up to a #10 gauge screw and the Vix bits at Carbatec go up to a #16 gauge screw.

A #16 gauge screw is nearly like a bolt and you wouldn't be using that even on a 100mm hinge.

Guess whats on my next carbatec shopping list!

Heres a 3 bit set for about $26 or including postage.

http://cgi.ebay.com.au/ws/eBayISAPI....1193&rd=1&rd=1

Thanks, Bob that sounds like a good deal and is far cheaper than Carbatec.