I was looking to get one of these. Looks like they are about $135.
I’ve been doing a little searching and it looks like the reports are highly variable. From “POS” to “They’re great”.
Is there a better way to go for something in the price range? I’ll spend a little more if it makes for sense. I don’t have any idea how to sharpen a bit by hand. For my entire life (I’m 54), I’ve been throwing away drill bits when they get dull.
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Replies
You can buy a lot of drill bits for $135. I have a Plasplug 4in1 sharpener that works okay and it was definitely less than $50, but I dont think it's made anymore.
I bought one years ago but didn't use it much. I finally ended up with 50 dull bits that needed to be tossed or sharpened. I went to work, got over the learning curve and save $250.00 worth of bits with a few hours of work. It stays on my workbench now and I sharpen bits whenever I have a few free minutes. It's a great money-saving tool.
I have a much older drill Dr. version which I've never successfully sharpened a drill bit with. I think the reviews on it went from pos to the bomb also. I keep thinkin' to some day dust it off and try some more, I really think it could work but technique must be everything. I was hoping for a plug and play tool, I hate having to agonize to sharpen drill bits. As for throwing away dull bits that's heresy, they don't take up too much space until you have lots and lots... don't ask how I know this.
Like you I threw away drill bits until about a week ago. Had same issue with drill doctor reviews so I spent 30 minutes on YouTube then hand sharpened a couple on the fine wheel of my grinder and they work pretty darn good.
My main job was erecting large natural gas fueled engines to generators. This included an awful lot of drilling through steel I beams and such. The drill doctor was a handy tool to have. More convenient than a pedestal grinder. I kept it in my tool cart. Good professional drills are expensive. The doctor is easy to set up. Simple directions to follow. But you need to follow them closely. Set your combined angle. Load drill in the collect and set the back clearance and then start it up and take a little off each flute evenly. It's a great invention. Doing small diameter drills ( 1/8" or less) is tricky. I must have a good 20 years on that tool. Now it's retired just like me. BTW, it even sharpens carbide masonry bits.