For those with a Drill Doctor

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So I got the 500x DD and began sharpening. There was a learning curve with about the first 10-12 bits. Now sharpening exactly per instructions. Not impressed. Is this thing supposed to sharpen drills as good as new? because none that I have sharpened are. I've drilled at both angles. Even did split points (which were supposed to prevent walking) with little satisfaction. Drills walk, cut like they're a bit dull and if this is the best it can do, I'd be better off simply buying new bits. A hundred bucks can buy a lot of drill bits. I have followed directions to the letter including "do not press hard. Let the tool do the work" "be sure to always ride cam guide" " "do not position bit too close to +" (which I have attempted every configuration anyway) "be sure to cut angles equally by counting revolutions" and still am not pleased with the result. I expected bits to cut like new. They do not and was wondering if I am expecting too much from this machine.

 

[troutsqueezer]

Not sure what you're doing wrong but I've been using mine for a few years now and it has saved me lots o'money. The bits cut like new after I grind them. Some bits take a little more grinding than others to get it right. There is a size limit to the bits you can use. It's not recommended for really small bits.

 

[arrow]

Not sure what you're doing wrong but I've been using mine for a few years now and it has saved me lots o'money. The bits cut like new after I grind them. Some bits take a little more grinding than others to get it right. There is a size limit to the bits you can use. It's not recommended for really small bits.

Well then if yours are coming out well then I'm doing something wrong. Bits I've tried have ranged from 1/8 to 1/2. The sharpening wheel just fell off. I wonder if that it was loose from the factory?

 

[Buckgnarly]

I have had mixed results, byt for the most part mine (750) works awesome. Problem with me is I cannot do one after not doing any for a long time, takes a little practice to get it back. I usually put dull bits aside until I get enough for an extended sharpening session.
When you get it, the bits will drill like new. I also drill 95% steel and metals with Cobalt bits for what it's worth.

 

[Industrial Toys]

I got one of these as a gift from an Ex GF. Took me three years to take it out of the box. Finally did last fall. I had prettty good results, but I seemed to use an awfull lot of that stone for the few bits I did. I'm kind of impatient and maybe it takes a little more finesse. But I thought I was following the directions. I guess directions are really hard to make for something like this. One thing is for sure, it's deffinitely not something where you can't go wrong. It does take some practice. Having some expert around would certainly help.

 

[bigtiller]

Well then if yours are coming out well then I'm doing something wrong. Bits I've tried have ranged from 1/8 to 1/2. The sharpening wheel just fell off. I wonder if that it was loose from the factory?

That's probably the problem. The wheel nut is left handed threads. My 750 has been great for me, never had a problem.

 

[kenmac]

I have 1 Not sure of the mod. Got it several yrs ago for Christmas. Used it once or twice. It worked great, but I can sharpen by hand on the grinding wheel faster than I can take the drill dr out of the box and set it up so, I usually just sharpen by hand

 

[grsthegreat]

i have the 750, and am totally pleased with it. the bits all work like new. not sure what your issues can be.

one thing you could try, see if there are any youtube videos online..maybe looking at someone else use it will jog something in the memory.

 

[MotorSeven]

I bought one at my local pawn shop. I have sharpened 30-40 bits so far. Pay close attention to the angle, if you choose the wrong one(there's only two) your bit will suck...been there done that. Other than sharpening on the wrong angle, all of mine cut like new bits.

 

[nc redneck]

I had a 500 that worked very well split point no problem. Upgraded to 750 and have had mixed results. On both models I learned to forget about anything smaller than 1/4 inch for drilling steel. In the end I think it was a good investment. It is a homeowner grade product that does a fair job.