Thread: Robin

Originally Posted by miniature_maker

What is the best way to sharpen tungsten tip drill bits ?

Hi Robin. Welcome to the forum.
To sharpen a tungsten tipped bit you would need a green grit wheel specially made for this material, or a diamond wheel. This information came from "Tool and Cutter Sharpening by Harold Hall".
I believe a Drill Doctor can touch them a bit, but not certain about that.
Regards
Kryn

Hi Robin and welcome to the mob.

A Silicon carbide is what is usually used.It is usually a greenish wheel. Is the drill bit in question a masonry bit?
Masonry bits have an entirely different geometry to the normal HSS drill bit. Unless you have a large amount to do I believe you would be better served by by just buying new ones as they will be far cheaper than a drill doctor.

The grinding of a tungsten carbide masonary drill bit is far easier than a HSS drill bit.If you are good with your hands you may be able to do it. Just follow the original angles.

I would recommend a bench grinder with a decent sized tool plate- in the order of 40 x 40mm or better to allow a rest for your hand.
cheers
Grahame

I bought one of these a few years ago, it does both HSS drill bits and masonry drill bits and works well.


http://www.google.com.au/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=multi+sharp+drill+bit+sharpener&source=web&cd=1&cad=rja&ved=0CDsQFjAA&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.multi-sharp.com%2Findex.php%3FcPath%3D8%26option%3Dcom_oscommerce%26osMod%3Dindex&ei=zKjmUOSMFo-6iAeFm4CwDA&usg=AFQjCNEBeB2o-IDr4gLGERbjki760VzNrg&bvm=bv.1355534169,d.aGc

I have had good results with a diamond file and a hone, unless it is really chewed up the clearance is already there so I just file until both edges are straight and continuous, haven't had any problems with oval or over sized holes from doing this either(bits that are already facet ground are even easier).

Hi from the other side of the planet btw.

Originally Posted by MasterMaker

I have had good results with a diamond file and a hone, unless it is really chewed up the clearance is already there so I just file until both edges are straight and continuous, haven't had any problems with oval or over sized holes from doing this either(bits that are already facet ground are even easier).

Hi from the other side of the planet btw.

Welcome to the Forum. Hope to hear a lot more from and about you and your metalworking.

Dean