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Posted by: jeffdon May 3 2017, 09:28 PM

I have kinda had it with the locally available bits and abrasives. Doing a lot of drilling in hot rolled steel, and am slated to have to do tons more. There has got to be something better than the Irwin brand cobalt bits for this.

Found this site: http://www.wintersdrillbitcity.com/

It does not have a much info in the way of prices, etc. Rather old school.

Anyone have any experience with these guys? Or any suggestions? I am so done buying drill sets, and would just like to buy the bits I tend to use by the dozen or more.

Also, been doing some finishing on steel flat bar that needs to be glass smooth. Been having good results with a belt sander running the black gator brand belts, but like the drill bits, wonder if there might be something better.

Fabricators, chime in!

Posted by: cary May 3 2017, 10:28 PM

My choice in drill bits is Norsemen/Viking.

http://www.albanycountyfasteners.com/Norseman-Drill-Bits-Fractional-Sizes-p/1052-334.htm?1=1&CartID=0

I've never used these guys. I usually buy from EMI but they seem to be having website issues.

Posted by: jd74914 May 3 2017, 10:38 PM

Best abrasives are from Lehigh Valley Abrasives.

Posted by: PlantMan May 3 2017, 10:41 PM

Stick with USA or European bits from a quality high grade tool steel.
Try to find a metal supply shop or tool supplier that sells machinist tools. I have purchased from these shops before with great results.
I am sure there are many businesses in your area that can help you out.

Good luck.

Posted by: jeffdon May 3 2017, 11:17 PM

All awesome info. Thanks, All!

Posted by: saigon71 May 4 2017, 05:43 AM

During my restoration, I had excellent results with this type of drill bits from Lowes. They last a very long time:

https://www.lowes.com/pd/DEWALT-14-Pack-Gold-Ferrous-Twist-Drill-Bit-Set/50035424

For sanding & grinding, I buy in bulk from Keen Abrasives:

http://www.keenabrasives.com/

Posted by: The Cabinetmaker May 4 2017, 05:59 AM

Mirka gold. Best abrasives available in my opinion.

Posted by: McMark May 4 2017, 06:08 AM

Get yourself a Drill Doctor too. You can resharpen cobalt bits. But, HSS and Titanium bits are coated, so resharpening doesn't work since the metal inside isn't hardened.

I've gotten in the habit of sharpening a but every time the cutting starts to slow. You can sharped them in under 1min and they work like new.

Posted by: no1uno May 4 2017, 06:51 AM

+1 to Norseman. Use their T190-AG bits. 135* split point. Easy to find at any Fastenal location. Fastenal has many locations all over the country

Posted by: 6freak May 4 2017, 06:56 AM

you on a press or just a drill motor,speed kills most bits! try slowing down the speed of the drill ..good luck

Posted by: 76-914 May 4 2017, 08:08 AM

Low speed, lubrication and knowing when the bit is cutting. Once it begins to cut the proper feed pressure will keep it cutting. If you stand on the bit and it isn't cutting i.e. just spinning, then you harden the metal your trying to drill. Takes practice!
I've always enjoyed the American made cobalt bits supplied by Avery Tools.

Posted by: mbseto May 4 2017, 02:30 PM

QUOTE(76-914 @ May 4 2017, 10:08 AM)

Posted by: Mueller May 4 2017, 03:29 PM

If cutting metal I'd ditch the abrasive saw....I just picked one of these saws last weekend (wife bought it for me, no idea on cost, but it is nice)



https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5hUJclLEwZc

Posted by: Elliot Cannon May 4 2017, 10:53 PM

Get rid of the abrasive blade. Go to dry cut blade. The difference is amazing. Everything is easier with a drill press. I will use a drill bit in my drill press that works so much better than with my hand held drill motor.