• The forum upgrades have been completed. These were moderate security fixes from our software vendor and it looks like everything is working well. If you see any problems please post in the Forum Technical Support forum or email us at forum_moderator (at) aawforum.org. Thank you
  • Congratulations to Bernie Hyrtzak, People's Choice in the January 2026 Turning Challenge (click here for details)
  • Congratulations to David Croxton for "Geri's Basket Illusion" being selected as Turning of the Week for February 2, 2026 (click here for details)
  • AAW Symposium demonstrators announced - If the 2026 AAW International Woodturning Symposium is not on your calendar, now is the time to register. And there are discounts available if you sign up early, by Feb. 28. Early Bird pricing gives you the best rate for our 40th Anniversary Symposium in Raleigh, North Carolina, June 4–7, 2026. (There are discounts for AAW chapter members too) For more information vist the discussion thread here or the AAW registration page
  • Welcome new registering member. Your username must be your real First and Last name (for example: John Doe). "Screen names" and "handles" are not allowed and your registration will be deleted if you don't use your real name. Also, do not use all caps nor all lower case.

Any good deals for wood drill bits?

Joined
Nov 24, 2008
Messages
95
Likes
0
Location
San Francisco,CA
Guys,

considering that it is a "sale" season is there any good deals on good quality brad point drill bits? I am looking for larger diameter bits(1/4" and up)

Colt five start bits looks very good, but $20 for 1/2" bit... ouch!
 
Good bits, which I guess makes them a good deal at any price, even the current. http://www.leevalley.com/wood/page.aspx?c=2&p=42247&cat=1,180,42240 the design doesn't raise torn grain around the entry. Or CHIPS in oak :mad:. Getting a good set is more expensive than the price of the tools, in my experience. I also buy an ordinary set like the B&D bullet tips so I don't have to ruin the good ones where neat doesn't count.
 
Depending on the material you're drilling into drives the need. Good bits aren't cheap, but using them correctly will extend their life significantly. It's critical to change the speed to meet the need and don't spin them too fast - it burns the material and more importantly shortens the bit life.

My 2 favorite bits are the Colts for wood, they rock and Norsemans for metal http://www.fairburyfastener.com/norseman.htm

michael
 
Back
Top