Official Luthiers Forum!

Well, I did it!

I ordered the tuning machine drilling block from LMI. What I forgot to do (and they didn't let me know that it didn't come with it) was to order the silly drill bit.

Since I am faced with ordering one, I have a couple of questions. Although the bushings are 13/32", I have never seen a 25/64" brad point drill bit. I assume I am to use 10mm. This may seem like an easy question but the LMI site is very confusing on this point since they say to use a bit that doesn't exist on the site.

That being said, I have another question. I see basically 2 prices as I check around. $5/bit and $15/bit depending on the site I check. The $15 bits are HSS? High speed steel? Is this that much better? What exactly is HSS compared to the material used in the cheaper bits?

Thanks, Steve Brown

as long as you don't carelessly overheat it the hss bit will be drilling clean holes long after a plain carbon steel bit has been resharpened to a nub, been recycled and come out in its next reincarnation.

that being said, $15 seems a stiff price. should be able to do better.

sorry, but haven't used the lmi drilling jig.

Just don't buy crummy drill bits. I'm building a frame for my cyclone out of angle iron, and I had bought some Skil drill bits. I was having trouble with those. I dug out my Porter Cable drill bits, and it went 10 times as fast. I'd be done by now if I started with the PC bits. Even in wood, a good drill bit will cut a better hole.

Mcmaster wants almost $18 for your 25/64 brad point drill bit, and more for a 10mm, so $15 is definitely in the ballpark. It probably would be worth sucking it up and going for the HSS.

I agree with Eric, Don't skimp on good quality tools. If you buy a cheap bit you'll just have to replace it sooner and spend more money in the long run.

Yeah, I concur. I bought a cheap-o set of bits from Grizzly (the 115 piece set for like $60 or something like that) and they suck. There is run out on a bunch of them and they are just not very good.

I wish I could find a full set of nice quality bits....

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Brock Poling
Columbus, Ohio
http://www.polingguitars.com

There is value in having a range of bits around. I have a box of cheapo brad points from 1/8" to 1/2" - picked up at a woodworkers show for maybe $20.

Recently, I have been using a set of carbide tipped brad point bits. I was skeptical, but they do a very nice job and should cut well for some time. These are available in 1/16" and 1/32" increments. The sets are $30-40. Grizzly and Eagle-America carry them.

If you need a few single bits for especially fussy work, I would recommend the Lee Valley HSS bits. Worth every penny. I feel they're superior to Fuller, etc. $8.50 for your 25/64" and $10 for the 10mm. Wish I could spring for entire set of these...

Thanks all!

I knew there had to be a difference but I'm no metallurgist.

Regards, Steve Brown

if by a full set you are referring to one which includes fractional, lettered and guaged bits, good hss sets are available for about $200 + or -. you can go significantly higher for ti-n coatings or for cobalt steel. see any of the industrial supply houses, i.e. graingers, mcmaster-carr, etc. crazymanmichael38483.5563310185

Steve--A 13/32" (.406") dia. drill bit would normally be used with a 13/32" drill bushing. Is that too loose for your tuners? I ream to .406" dia. for Schaller and Gotoh 510's and it seems about right.
Nelson

I looked on LMI's website again and they recommend a 10mm bit. I don't know the fractional equivalent off the top of my head. I am going to try that with my Schaller tuners. If I need to ream them, I will and then I will order the 13/32" bit through Graingers to use in the future.

Thanks, Steve Brown

[QUOTE=crazymanmichael] if by a full set you are referring to one which includes fractional, lettered and guaged bits, good hss sets are available for about $200 + or -. you can go significantly higher for ti-n coatings or for cobalt steel. see any of the industrial supply houses, i.e. graingers, mcmaster-carr, etc. [/QUOTE]

Yeah, that is what I mean, a nice high quality set of all of these sizes.

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Brock Poling
Columbus, Ohio
http://www.polingguitars.com

Someone on a forum I read had one of the cheap brad point drill bits with an off-center point. Now that would be a pain in the butt.