Shopsmith Forums

I am working on my second ever project on my SS. I need to drill several holes and my bits are old and dull. I went to Home Depot and Lowes and all they have is pilot point bits and I thought I wanted brad point. We don't have a Woodcraft or similar store in town. What is everybody's opinion on best bits for woodworking. Thanks

Hi Bear,

I bought a set of Dewalt brad point bits from Home depot. The work well.

bear: Not all brad point drills are the same. The cheaper ones have a continuous radius from the point to the spur. The best brad point drills have a cutting lip on the outside edge, and a straight cutting edge to the point. (am I making this as clear as mud?) Shopsmith's brad point drills are of the latter type.

Looking in catalogs you will find a broad price range and types, even some carbide. Keep in mind that if your project calls for the highest quality hole possible, the cutting end of the drill is more important than whether it is carbon steel, HSS, or carbide. That said, I keep some of the cheaper drills for rougher work, often using them in a hand drill. If you pay close attention to drill speed the drills will last longer.

I haven't tried it, but I've read that brad point drills can be sharpened with an auger file.

I have a couple of sets of cheap (imported from someplace other than Germany or Japan) drills which I have receive as gifts over the years. I use them on ruff work, repairs, and when I don't need accuracy. I also don't cry when I break a bit drilling something I shouldn't (concrete, harden steel, or using it as a pry-bar):D Dad used to say "every tool can be a hammer."
In a separate draw I keep the bits than came with the SS and precision brad point bits from Rocklers and Woodcraft...purchased as needed for past projects.
A good bit really does make a difference. They don't drift from center. They stay sharp (maybe because I treat them better) and I have less tear out.
If you have time, you can order online from Woodcraft, Rocklers, McFeelys, or others. Also Ace Hardware, which is franchise, often carries quality bits.
I don't have a graduated set of fine bits, but I do have some for my most frequent holes, down to about 3/8. I also have a set of 6 forester bits, which I often use to drill out for a plug, before I drill my screw or dowel hole.
Again, if your doing finish work, and you plan to use the tool often, and it is in budget, I would get the best I reasonable can. It just makes the job more fun.

kalynzoo wrote: Again, if your doing finish work, and you plan to use the tool often, and it is in budget, I would get the best I reasonable can. It just makes the job more fun.

AMEN! Well Put!;)

A little pricey but top grade are the HSS brad point bits from Lee Valley Tools. http://www.leevalley.com/wood/page.aspx ... ,180,42240 They are available in 64th inch sizes and the 29 pc set is tops.

The bits from Shopsmith are also good and will last a long time. I have a set from HF and they don't work very well.