Drill bits - which are the best for very neat holes

[CAG]

Beautiful work Evanism. I can see why you're after a high quality drill bit set.

[Evanism]

I can see why you're after a high quality drill bit set.

I'm just obsessed about precision, shiny things and spending the last remains of my poverty!

[rsser]

Thanks for that vid link elanjacobs. Worth a go.

Another option for twist bit sharpening, that leaves the geometry in tact, is just to use a needle file in the flute. I use a tapered diamond file. Pretty easy and quick. Tip courtesy of Leonard Lee.

[Evanism]

FenceFurniture sent me some Colt drill bits from France.

Wow, those brad point bits are super SUPER well made. Every one of them is precission made and super sharp. I can't wait to use them.

I couldn't find anything nearly as good here in Aus. The stuff from China is made to a price, but the stuff I get thats made in Europe, US and Canada is unbelievable in its quality.

[rsser]

Yeah, Colt do some very nice Forstners as well. (Thanks to FF for those, too).

They're all a challenge to sharpen though.

[fubar]

I use these from carbatec pricey but good https://www.carbatec.com.au/drilling...SizeProduct=12

[GraemeCook]

Evanism

One thing not yet mentioned for neat drilling is the role of the drill.

* My Ryobi does not drill as neatly as the Makita.
* The Makita does not drill as well as the AEG.
* The AEG does not drill as neatly as the Festool.

And a drill press usually drills far better than I can drill freehand.

Love your little critters! Nicely conceptualised and executed. Well done.


Fair Winds

Graeme

[Evanism]

Very true. I use a drill press for close to everything. The chuck in the Trade Tools press is junk (the machine is OK) and was replaced with a half decent one. Drills quite straight, but nowhere near what I need.

An upgrade to a Jet might be in order.

I love making robots. Love it. They can be made of scrap and you can entirely make them up as you go. Use old springs, nails, interesting little doodads like typewriter mechanisms etc. Im making a few more today!

[FenceFurniture]

One thing not yet mentioned for neat drilling is the role of the drill.

* My Ryobi does not drill as neatly as the Makita.
* The Makita does not drill as well as the AEG.
* The AEG does not drill as neatly as the Festool.

And a drill press usually drills far better than I can drill freehand.

Funny, I read your post about an hour ago Graeme, and then a knock at the door brought about a problem to be solved for the neighbour's parasol (the shaft had snapped).

Result was that I had to drill freehand through a 50mm long block of 15x15mm Ironbark to slip both ends of the parasol tube into. Used a 5/16" Colt brad point with a Protool drill (which is a cracker and exceptionally smooth to use).

So, a definite yes to your observation about the quality of the power drill and the subsequent precision of the hole.

[GraemeCook]

Very true. I use a drill press for close to everything. The chuck in the Trade Tools press is junk (the machine is OK) and was replaced with a half decent one. Drills quite straight, but nowhere near what I need.....

The bearing system is also very important. You need absolutely zero vibration and absolutely zero wobble. This is where quality is worth paying for.

If you have not used a Festool or Protool drill lately, then go along to a Festool centre for a demo. It is enlightening, ..... and addictive!

Cheers

Graeme