Pilot Point drill bits are a type of a specialized drill bit designed to be extremely precise and perform better than traditional twist drill bits. They are designed with a special point geometry that helps not only to reduce walking and prevent drill bit “bounce” while drilling, but also to reduce the amount of material being removed when drilling.
This in turn helps reduce the potential to over-drill, reducing the risk of breakage and ultimately increasing the drill bit’s life. In addition to providing increased accuracy and improved safety when drilling through materials, Pilot Point drill bits are designed to reduce material deformation, which helps to create exceptionally clean, smooth holes in any material.
They are ideal for drilling through a variety of materials, including plastic, wood, aluminum, and thin metal items, making them an ideal choice for a wide range of applications from light-duty home improvement projects, to more demanding professional-grade jobs.
Can you sharpen split point drill bits?
Yes, you can sharpen split point drill bits. Doing this requires a bench grinder, a drill grinding jig, and a good understanding of the proper angle for your split point. Additionally, you should have some basic knowledge of how to operate the grinder and the drill grinding jig in order to ensure you get the most accurate tip for your split point drill bit.
Start by clamping the drill bit into the drill grinding jig at the desired angle, and turn on the bench grinder. To sharpen the drill bit, start at the shank end, and while the grinder is on and the drill bit is spinning, move the tip of the drill bit up and down the grinding wheel.
Be sure to keep the angle of your drill bit consistent throughout the process.
When you’re done grinding the split point, inspect the end of the drill bit with a magnifying glass for accuracy. If necessary, use a fine grit stone and some oil to clean up the edges of the drill bit.
When sharpening your split point drill bits, always use caution and wear appropriate safety gear. The sparks generated by the grinder could cause burns, and the drill bit can be extremely sharp.
Can Brad point drill bits be sharpened?
Yes, Brad point drill bits can be sharpened. The sharpening process involves using a bench grinder with a special grinding wheel. You will first want to carefully remove the cutting edge from the bit and then reset the correct angle on the grinding wheel.
You will then sharpen or re-grind the cutting edge to a sharp point. Once the angle is correct, place the drill bit into the sharpening jig and rotate the drill bit to meet the grinding wheel. Then use the bench grinder to apply gentle pressure and slowly sharpen the drill bit until the edge is evenly sharpened.
Make sure to take your time to ensure that the angle of the edge is consistently ground to the same point. Lastly, wipe the bit with a damp cloth and check the sharpness with a magnifying glass. If done correctly, the drill bit should be sharper than it was before.
How do you make a drill bit sharper?
Making a drill bit sharper is an important part of maintaining it for effectiveness and longevity. To sharpen a drill bit, you’ll need a grinding wheel, an electric drill, and a medium grit grinding wheel.
Start by running the drill in reverse, then begin feeding the blunt bit into the grinding wheel. Move the bit steadily against the grinding wheel in a circular motion while gradually beginning to increase the angle and pressure against the wheel.
While doing this, move the drill bit along its full length. Make sure to use a slow, steady motion and keep the angle constant to ensure that the drill bit is evenly sharpened. As the grinding continues, use a brush to remove any built up particles on the bit.
Once the entire bit has been sharpened, switch the drill to its forward motion, and let the bit run against the grinding wheel one more time. Finish by wiping the bit down with an anti-rust cloth to prevent oxidization.
What degree should I sharpen a drill bit?
When sharpening a drill bit, it is important to be careful and maintain the right angle and angle of relief. A common angle to sharpen drill bits is 118°. When sharpening your drill bit, ensure that you have a good-quality grinding wheel and secure the drill bit in a drill bit sharpening jig to maintain the angles.
Try to sharpen the side cutting edges of the drill bit first, then the front lip. Occasionally check your progress with a test cut and it should be sharp enough when the drill bit easily cuts through the material.
Be sure to keep a steady pressure and keep the drill bit level when grinding. After sharpening the sides, sharpening the cutting lip of the drill bit at an angle of approximately 30° can be helpful for gaining an improved cutting performance.
Pay careful attention to the geometry before you finish sharpening and make sure you get the angles just right.
Do drill bits get dull?
Yes, drill bits do get dull over time. This is due to the friction created when you are drilling materials, particularly harder ones such as metal. When this happens, the cutting edges of the drill bit wear down, resulting in less efficient drilling.
One way of slowing the process is to regularly lubricate the drill bits with a light oil or cutting compound. This will help protect the edges and allow them to continue cutting efficiently for longer.
Additionally, as a general rule, only use drill bits specifically designed for the job. Quality bits are better equipped to withstand the rigours of drilling and will last longer than cheaper alternatives.
Regularly inspecting your drill bits for signs of wear and replacing them as needed is another way of ensuring your drill bits stay sharp for longer.
Is there a drill bit sharpener that works?
Yes, there are several types of drill bit sharpener available on the market that work
effectively. The type of drill bit sharpener you choose will depend on your needs and
budget. For example, some electric and manual drill bit sharpeners are available for
quick and easy sharpening, while higher-end diamond or carbide models provide a more
precise, longer lasting sharpening. While some drill bit sharpeners are designed for
specific bit sizes, others are designed for a variety of sizes so you can easily sharpen
all the bits in your collection. With some models, you can also adjust the angle,
ensuring that the edge of the bit is perfectly sharpened for its intended use. Ultimately,
a drill bit sharpener can help you extend the life of your drill bits and ensure precision
cutting and drilling.
Do masonry drill bits wear out?
Yes, masonry drill bits wear out over time in the same way that any drill bit would. The cutting edges of the drill bit become dull and the grooves in the bit become filled with debris. As these issues worsen, the cutting efficiency of the drill bit decreases and ultimately the bit will need to be replaced.
In order to prolong the life of a masonry drill bit, it should be cleaned after each use. Additionally, these drill bits should never be used to drill metals, as the metal can damage the bit beyond simple wear and tear.