Thread: Drill sharpening

Sharpened drills by hand and over the years tried many different drill sharpeners. Finally bought a Drill Doctor when they first came out and have used it ever since. Once you get the hang of how to use it, it will give you a drill point as good as a new drill. Mine does up to 3/4" drills.

If you don't completely blunt the drill it only takes a few seconds.

The new models are different from mine and I understand that they are redesigned to work even easier.

Thanks! They sound like a good bit of gear - can't figure out if the cheaper 'handyman/hobbyist' unit is so much cheaper because it's terrible or not...

I purchased the 500 model late last year. Great bit of gear, easy and fast to sharpen bits, at consistently the right angle. The 500 does split points as well. Highly recommend one. Cheers

My Machinist's Handbook shows 6 different tip angles for different materials = wood, stainless steel, iron, plexiglas, etc.
Is the Drill Doctor adjustable?

I looked into the Drill Doctor models, the difference is the basic only offers a 118 degree point the others both 118 & 135 degree plus the 750x will do up to 3/4" bits.https://www.drilldoctor.com/compare-...bit-sharpeners (ignore the pricing - I wish prices compared to Oz)

I opted for the Tormek DBS22 as I already have a T7. I was concerned about the pricing of the DBS22 and would have preferred to get a hands on before purchasing. It offers more options and I love the split point bit profile. I have been using Sutton Viper bits and thought they were a pretty good bit design. With my Celtic Knot blanks, since using the Tormek point profile I have noticed they don't wander (as much), less blowout on the rear of the blank, and a very noticeable drop in the effort / force required to feed the drill bit through the blanks.

Thanks. I think those are American prices. The Canadian dollar is in the toilet.
By the time that I open the box, I expect to pay an additional 50%, at least.
As inconvenient as it might be, I can buy a lot of new drill bits for $200.00+.
The sole merit for me would be to have the ability to change tip angles for different stock.

Yeah, if I had a tormek I would definitely be picking up a DBS22, by all accounts it is the bee's knees!

Sadly while the Australian dollar is doing OK right now, whoever imports the drill doctors seems to have set their prices pretty high! I am kind of tempted to buy one from the UK, where it'll be 240V...

So after checking the exchange rate I just ordered a DD 500 unit from amazon.co.uk for about 30% less than it goes for here (including shipping).

Hopefully it does the trick, I'll report back.

Originally Posted by rtyuiop

So after checking the exchange rate I just ordered a DD 500 unit from amazon.co.uk for about 30% less than it goes for here (including shipping).

Hopefully it does the trick, I'll report back.

$$ talk. The pricing of the DD units in Oz is plain gouging imo.

If you look up "Simple Drill bit Sharpener" on You Tube you should find a very effective jig thT Cn be made from wood.

I made one and used it but I think I have accidentally throw it out during one of my clean ups!!


My brother bought aq DD which he uses for most sharpening. He regards it as satisfactory but not brilliant. This from a
dedicated metal worker and perfectionist.

I would love a Tormek but cannot justify the cost!