Recommend a good quality large size drill bit set

[BigBlue1]

I looked around for a section in TBN for tools but didn't see anything, so since I'm sure a lot of people who weld also drill metal I'll ask here...

Looking for a good set of large size drill bits for metal. For sizing, I guess mainly up from the 1/2" that most of my normal sets end at to around maybe 1 1/4". I have a set that matches this exactly but I think it was from a discount place like Harbor Freight or Northern Tool and it doesn't seem to be very high quality. Every time I try to drill a large hole I end up screwing up the bit's cutting edges. So I'm looking for a decent quality set that can be used repeatedly for large hole drilling in mild steel, aluminum, etc. Recommendations on brands are appreciated.

Maybe I should also ask about technique, because it's possible I'm not doing things right. I always use a drill press for these types of holes. I try to use pilot holes (say starting with 3/8" before going to the final size like 1") and I use oil or other types of lubricant. I certainly don't crank too much pressure on things. But I seldom have good success. Is it just the crappy bits? Should I skip the pilot hole? Should I work up in increments?

Thanks,
Rob

 

[BigBlue1]

The set I have currently is a lot like this one. Probably about the same initial price and quality. Even looks like the same box.

https://www.northerntool.com/shop/tools/product_200626793_200626793

How hard is it to re-sharpen bits like these?

Rob

 

[3Ts]

I have a set in 1/16" but unfortunately I don't remember where they came from. It may be HF or some other discount place so not much help there.

As for technique, I'm not a machinist but my understanding is that the proper rpm is important (there are tables that show size and material), oil should be a cutting oil (not engine oil) and there should only be 1 pilot hole drilled and not to "step up" because you'll get the hole out-of-round. The pilot hole should be the diameter of the flat tip of the final drill bit.

 

[Tractor Seabee]

For large holes I always set my drill press speed at the lowest setting. If the shaving comes out in a long curl your speed is good. Chattering of the drill means too fast. Steady pressure that maintains the curls is also good. I bought a set in 64ths on Amazon, no name on the nice plastic case. 1/2 to 1"

Ron

 

[Big Barn]

Just for interest this is what came up for me on Google.



Definitely not HF price range.

 

[swines]

Are you trying to find Silver and Deming style bits (reduced shank) where all of the shanks are 1/2-inch? Every set I've ever seen goes from 9/16 to 1-inch. You can get them in a variety of increments - 1/32, 1/16 etc. Of course, the more bits - the higher the cost. I have a 9 bit set from 9/16 to 1-inch. If you want larger than that you have to buy individual drill bits. Then you have to decide what it's worth to you for the set, and what type of material you're going to drill. There seems to be two distinct philosophies on drill bits. Buy cheap ones and replace them as they wear out, or, buy expensive bits and resharpen them.

My personal problem with cheap drills is that I've found they give out about half way through a project and then I'm stopped until the drill bit is replaced. For that reason, I buy rather expensive, cobalt steel drill bits as, for the projects I do, I find they work better than high speed steel or titanium nitride coated bits because I often work with stainless steel. I don't like the titanium coated bits as my experience with them is that once the coating has worn off - you have a cheap piece of steel underneath. If you resharpen the drill, the coating is ground off the cutting edge of the bit, and you have whatever type of steel underneath.

What you may want to consider for larger size holes is switching to carbide tipped hole cutters. They're like annular cutters, but with a shank that will fit in a standard drill chuck instead of the "slugger" style cutter than fits only into a magnetic drill. A problem with carbide tipped hole cutters is you're usually limited to 1-inch thick materials. I have a set of five cutters made by Champion Cutting Tool Corp - model CT-7. The set is available from a number of on-line sources.

What you may want to do is buy a Silver and Deming set for sizes 9/16 to 1-inch and then supplement that with either drill bits in the sizes you need or carbide tipped hole saws if the 1-inch thickness limitation will work for you.

 

[ddbackhoe]

I looked around for a section in TBN for tools but didn't see anything, so since I'm sure a lot of people who weld also drill metal I'll ask here...

Looking for a good set of large size drill bits for metal. For sizing, I guess mainly up from the 1/2" that most of my normal sets end at to around maybe 1 1/4". I have a set that matches this exactly but I think it was from a discount place like Harbor Freight or Northern Tool and it doesn't seem to be very high quality. Every time I try to drill a large hole I end up screwing up the bit's cutting edges. So I'm looking for a decent quality set that can be used repeatedly for large hole drilling in mild steel, aluminum, etc. Recommendations on brands are appreciated.

Maybe I should also ask about technique, because it's possible I'm not doing things right. I always use a drill press for these types of holes. I try to use pilot holes (say starting with 3/8" before going to the final size like 1") and I use oil or other types of lubricant. I certainly don't crank too much pressure on things. But I seldom have good success. Is it just the crappy bits? Should I skip the pilot hole? Should I work up in increments?

Thanks,
Rob

Depends......What do you have to turn them? As was mentioned; drill bits,annular cutters, hole saws, boring bars or circle cutters might be what you would like to have. The best source I use is MSC.
https://www.mscdirect.com/browse/Holemaking?navid=12106067

 

[oosik]

I have many sets of high speed drills. I know none of the sets were over $80. Purchased from local hardware stores. I use Drill Doctor to sharpen them. Took a while to learn but now I can get all but those under, about 3/16", really sharp.

I have larger bits for both wood & steel. Purchased individually - not in any set. Each for a specific need.

 

[yomax4]

I have all the big bits. I just wish my drill press could turn them. I guess Tractor Supply wasn't thinking 1 1/4 bits on their presses. I had to do some horse trading for a Mag Drill for larger holes or suffer through step drill bits on thinner material.

 

[BigBlue1]

Depends......What do you have to turn them? As was mentioned; drill bits,annular cutters, hole saws, boring bars or circle cutters might be what you would like to have. The best source I use is MSC.
https://www.mscdirect.com/browse/Holemaking?navid=12106067

I have several drill presses with 1/2" chucks.

I do use hole saws as well but I find them not as precise as a drill bit.

Rob