Is your once-reliable drill bit collection struggling to bore through materials? Are you encountering frustrating resistance when drilling wood or soft metals, accompanied by smoke and unpleasant squealing sounds? Before you rush out to purchase a brand-new set of drill bits, consider a cost-effective and time-saving solution: sharpening them yourself.
This guide will walk you through the process of revitalizing your dull, chipped, or even seemingly broken drill bits, transforming them back into high-performing tools ready for any task.
Sharpening drill bits is often perceived as a challenging skill. In fact, many believe achieving a factory-like edge requires expensive machinery. However, a more traditional and arguably more effective method involves manual sharpening using a bench grinder or belt sander. While automated sharpening devices exist, they often fall short of delivering the precise sharpness that can be achieved by hand, especially without a significant investment in industrial-grade equipment. This article will explore the “lost art” of hand-sharpening, demonstrating how to use a bench grinder or belt sander to restore the cutting edge of your drill bits.
Now, let’s be realistic. This tutorial might not instantly transform you into a master sharpener capable of replicating a perfect factory edge on your first attempt. However, it will undoubtedly equip you with the skills to effectively sharpen your drill bits for immediate use, and with practice, you’ll refine your technique to achieve increasingly sharper results. Experienced machinists often even sharpen new, inexpensive High-Speed Steel (HSS) drill bits right out of the box to optimize their performance from the very first use.
So, let’s delve into the essentials. Here’s what you’ll need to get started:
Materials:
- A dull or damaged drill bit requiring sharpening.
- A bench grinder or belt sander.
WARNING! Sharpening involves working in close proximity to a powerful grinding tool, posing a risk of injury to your hands. It is crucial to exercise extreme caution. DO NOT wear gloves as they can be caught in the machinery, potentially pulling your hand into the grinder. Maintain focus and control over your hand movements and positioning relative to the sharpening tool. Always wear safety glasses to protect your eyes from flying debris.
