Most twist drill bits are made to a 118-degree angle, also known as a “standard point. ” This angle is the most common found in hardware stores, as it is ideal for cutting metal and most other materials.
Other specialized bits can be found with other angles, such as 90 degrees for arranging bolts or countersinking holes, 135-degree for drilling dense metal materials, and a range of others for different materials and applications.
The angle of a drill bit impacts the rate of material removal and the type of material which can be successfully drilled.
Which drill point angle should I be using?
The drill point angle that you should be using depends on the material and the quality of the hole that you are trying to achieve. For harder materials, such as hardened steel, a higher drill point angle of 140°-145° is usually recommended.
For softer materials like aluminum, a lower angle of 118° is usually sufficient. In general, a higher drill point angle will provide a more accurate hole in hard materials, while a lower drill point angle will give better penetration in softer materials.
Additionally, the type of drilling being done can also influence which drill point angle is ideal. For example, a drill bit with a higher angle may be better for precision drilling, while a lower angle may be preferable for spot drilling or plunging.
What is the standard cutting angle of a HSS drill bit?
The standard cutting angle of a High Speed Steel (HSS) drill bit is 118 degrees. This angle is often referred to as the “included angle” and is the angle between the two cutting edges at the point of the drill bit.
HSS drill bits are at their most effective when used at this standard cutting angle and should be sharpened according to this angle to obtain the best cutting results. If a cutting angle greater than 118 degrees is used, it may cause the bit to bind and increase friction, leading to a loss in cutting efficiency.
If a smaller angle is used, the cutting speed will decrease which can lead to greater heat generation and wear on the drill bit.
What is better 118 degree or 135 degree drill bits?
Ultimately, the better drill bit between 118 degree and 135 degree drill bits depends on the purpose of the drilling. 118 degree drill bits are typically used for softer materials such as wood, plastic, and aluminum and have a more shallow point angle and less aggressive cutting edge.
This makes them ideal for drilling in softer materials, as they are less likely to cause chips in the material. 135 degree drill bits are generally used for harder materials such as steel, cast iron, and stainless steel, and have a deep point angle and more aggressive cutting edge.
This makes them preferable for applications requiring more precision in harder materials as they are less likely to slip and cause errors. It’s important to note that regardless of the drill bit being used, it is absolutely essential to use cutting fluid when drilling in a harder material for optimal results.
What is the angle of HSS twist drill?
The angle of a High-speed Steel (HSS) twist drill varies depending on the application and material being drilled.
Generally speaking, the most common twist drill used for drilling metal has a 118-degree point angle. This is known as the conventional point angle and is suitable for most standard applications including drilling steel, aluminum, brass, and plastic.
This is usually the preferred angle for use in standard twist drills because of its versatility and ability to withstand the wear and tear from drilling metal.
For harder materials and thicker metals, it is often recommended that you use a 135-degree point angle. This angle is slightly sharper than the 118-degree angle, which provides more aggressive cutting action for drilling into tougher materials.
It also reduces walking and helps keep the drill bit centered in the hole.
For softer materials such as plywood, wallboard, and soft plastics, a 135-degree point angle may create too much cutting action and cause the bit to walk. In this case, it is best to use a longer and more acute 90-degree point angle.
This is the least aggressive angle and results in a clean and accurate hole.
To sum it up, HSS twist drills come in different angles to suit different drilling applications. The most common angle is 118-degrees, which is suitable for drilling into most standard materials, while 135-degree is best for harder materials, and 90-degree is best for softer materials.
What angle should drill bits be sharpened?
The angle to which drill bits should be sharpened depends on the type of bit being sharpened and the type of material the bit will be used on. Generally speaking, the sharper the bit, the better. For regular high-speed steel twist drill bits, the typical angle of sharpening is 118 degrees.
This angle is suitable for a wide variety of materials, from soft metals to hardwoods. When sharpening bits for harder materials, such as stainless steel or concrete, the angle of sharpening should be reduced to around 90 degrees.
For carbide-tipped bits, the angle of sharpening can be as low as 60 degrees. In general, the more precise the angle of sharpening, the better the results. It is important to note that the hard tip of a carbide-tipped bit cannot be sharpened with a file, as it will not produce the necessary angle.
Instead, these bits must be sharpened with a professional sharpening wheel.
How do you sharpen a 135 degree drill bit?
Sharpening a 135 degree drill bit correctly is an important skill to have when it comes to woodworking and other tasks requiring the use of a drill. To sharpen a 135 degree drill bit, you will need a drill grinding jig, a sharpening stone or grinding wheel, a set of drill bits, and a few simple tools.
First, make sure the drill grinding jig is set up properly. Once the jig is securely attached to the drill press or power grinder, secure the bit in the drill bit holder. Carefully adjust the angle of the jig until the drill bit is held firmly in place at a 135 degree angle.
Once secure, you can begin sharpening the bit.
If using a sharpening stone, begin by chalking the stone to create a smooth surface. Then, begin drawing the drill bit against the divided sections of the stone at the 135 degree angle, alternating between the two sides and the lip of the bit.
Work the bit back and forth until it is ground down to a sharp edge. Finally, inspect the bit for a proper angle and reshape if necessary.
If using a grinding wheel, be sure to use caution as the wheel will be turning at a high speed. Place the drill bit into the wheel at a 135 degree angle and carefully draw it across the wheel until you have achieved the desired shape.
Inspect the bit and reshape if needed.
Once you have completed sharpening the drill bit, you should store it in a secure case and be sure to label it so you can easily identify it the next time you need it. With just a few simple steps and tools, you can sharpen a 135 degree drill bit with ease.
What is the most common drill bit angle?
The most common drill bit angle is 118 degrees, also known as a standard point. This angle is used on a wide variety of materials, from softwood to hard metals. The 118 degree angle is the most common because the included angle provides a balance between good performance and easy sharpening.
This angle is also popular because it produces an accurate hole diameter. Additionally, the wide flutes on this style of bit make for quick chip clearance which helps prevent bit clogging when drilling in harder materials.
How do you determine the angle of a drill bit?
Depending on the type of drill bit you are using. For most traditional drill bits, the angle of the point can be determined by measuring the included angle, which is the angle between the two cutting edges of the bit.
Other drill bits, such as brad point or spur point drill bits, usually have a defined angle that is usually visible on the drill bit either in small writing or as a stamped or etched line. For brad point or spur point drill bits, place the tip of the bit on a flat surface to determine the angle of the bit.
If you still can’t tell the angle of the drill bit, you can measure the angles with a protractor or angle finder.
What is the normal lip clearance angle for standard drill?
The normal lip clearance angle for standard drill typically ranges from 8 to 15 degrees. It is important to ensure the correct lip clearance angle when drilling because a higher angle can provide better chip formation, drilling accuracy, and a smoother drilling surface.
A lower angle, on the other hand, can cause higher cutting forces, poorer chip formation and reduced chip breaking. The lip clearance angle, often referred to as the relief angle of the drill point, typically depends on the material being drilled, the feed rate and the cutting speed.
If a specific lip clearance angle is not provided for your drill, it is best to consult a qualified machinist who can recommend the best lip clearance angle for the specific drill and application.
What should be optimal cutting angle?
The optimal cutting angle for any given material depends on the type of material and how it will be used. Generally speaking, the higher the cutting angle, the sharper the tool edge. This is beneficial for cutting hard materials, but can have disadvantages when cutting soft materials, such as wood.
The optimal cutting angle for wood is usually considered to be between 10 and 15 degrees. This provides a good balance of edge sharpness and cutting efficiency. For metal, on the other hand, the optimal cutting angle is typically higher, between 20 and 25 degrees.
This helps to increase the strength of the cutting edge and allows the tool to cut through the harder material more easily.
In addition to the material type, the type of tool being used and the specific cutting application should also be taken into account when considering the optimal cutting angle. For instance, the cutting angle may need to be adjusted for certain materials such as certain plastics or special alloys.
Also, depending on the application, the optimal cutting angle may need to be adjusted for different depths and speeds of cut, as well as for different material types and thicknesses.
How do you drill a metal angle?
Drilling into metal angles can be a daunting task for even experienced professionals. Depending on the complexity of the work, the appropriate tools and safety measures must be taken. To properly drill a metal angle, here are the steps you should take:
1. Select the right bit for the job: Select a high-speed steel (HSS) bit or a cobalt steel bit depending on the radius of the angle, the type of metal, and the size of the hole that needs to be drilled.
2. Mark the spot: Measure and accurately mark the spot that needs to be drilled with a permanent marker.
3. Secure the metal angle: Secure the metal angle in a vise or use a drilling angle or jig to ensure that the angle stays in place during drilling.
4. Wet the metal angle: In order to avoid burning the metal angle and create fewer sparks, wet the area with a light oil such as WD-40 or mineral oil. This will also leave a cleaner hole.
5. Drill the hole: Begin drilling at a low rpm and gradually increase the speed. If the metal angle is thick, use a gradual increase in pressure to ensure the bit does not overheat.
6. Remove the drill: Once the hole is drilled, slowly remove the drill at a low rpm and use a brush to clear away metal shavings.
7. Clean up: Clean the metal angle and the area with a rag to ensure that all metal shavings are removed prior to use.
By following these steps, you can ensure that you properly and safely drill a metal angle.