Official Luthiers Forum!
http://www-.luthiersforum.com/forum/

need drill bit advice
http://www-.luthiersforum.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=10102&t=1936		 Page 1 of 1
Author:  sfbrown [ Tue May 10, 2005 9:16 pm ]
Post subject: 
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
Author:  crazymanmichael [ Tue May 10, 2005 11:25 pm ]
Post subject: 
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.
Author:  EricKeller [ Wed May 11, 2005 1:28 am ]
Post subject: 
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.
Author:  EBarajas [ Wed May 11, 2005 3:22 am ]
Post subject: 
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.
Author:  Brock Poling [ Wed May 11, 2005 3:28 am ]
Post subject: 

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....
Author:  Steve Spodaryk [ Wed May 11, 2005 4:17 am ]
Post subject: 
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...
Author:  sfbrown [ Wed May 11, 2005 4:17 am ]
Post subject: 
Thanks all!

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

Regards, Steve Brown
Author:  crazymanmichael [ Wed May 11, 2005 4:18 am ]
Post subject: 
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
Author:  npalen [ Wed May 11, 2005 5:02 am ]
Post subject: 
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
Author:  sfbrown [ Wed May 11, 2005 6:22 am ]
Post subject: 
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
Author:  Brock Poling [ Wed May 11, 2005 6:26 am ]
Post subject: 
[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.
Author:  EricKeller [ Wed May 11, 2005 7:50 am ]
Post subject: 
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.
Page 1 of 1 All times are UTC - 5 hours
Powered by phpBB® Forum Software © phpBB Group
http://www.phpbb.com/