[TheForge] Drill Doctor

Sun Nov 16 19:41:00 2003

Roger,

I know you didn't ask, but that never seems to stop me :)... I took a
machine shop class 15+ years ago and the first night there, there were two
fellows trying to sell their drill doctors.  20 minutes later I found out
why as it was one of the first things we learned in the class.  With a
decent grinding wheel or belt sander, it doesn't take much to sharpen one.
Using a drill gauge by General Tool for a few bucks, you can get them just
short of perfect.

The technique, as I was taught was very simple.  It's easier to learn using
a larger bit.  Hold it with both hands, dominant hand in front, near the
wheel, week hand at the heel of the bit.

1-Hold the drill bit at 52*? horizontal at the horizontal tangent of the
wheel, so your grinding on the plumb surface.

2-Make sure the cutting edge is level/horizontal, and the length of the bit
is level, too.  I often rest my ring or middle finger on the rest that runs
in front of the wheel to steady things.

3-With light pressure on the wheel/belt, drop your hand holding the heel of
the bit straight down. DON'T TWIST! just keep the cutting face flat against
the wheel/belt as you drop the heel.  Keep a steady pressure and the
trailing surface will have a bit more relief than the cutting edge.

4-Turn it 180* and repeat.

It's more important that each leg of the bit is even length and angle with
the other than they are the exact 52*.  This can be judged fairly easily by
looking at the point, end-on.  With the drill gauge it's real easy to tell.

Clear as mud? :)

In fact, there are a few other points for sharpening different materials
that make a job easier, ie if it's  cast iron, make the point more flat than
the 52*, if it's brass, lightly touch the sharp edge of the drill to make it
a chisel bit, and it won't bind.

Kevin

>  -----Original Message-----
>  From: [email protected]
>  [mailto:[email protected]]On Behalf Of Roger Olsen
>  Sent: Sunday, 16 November, 2003 10:24 AM
>  To: [email protected]
>  Subject: [TheForge] Drill Doctor
>
>
>
>
>
>
>  I remember somewhere in the past a few comments on the drill doctor.  If
>
>  I remember  correctly Bruce Fink spoke very highly about them, even
>  buying a set for each of his sons.  Am I remembering correctly?
>
>  I am thinking of buying one but am curious to hear some feed back from
>  anyone who owns one.  I have thrown away money in the past on other
>  drill sharpeners but feel this may be an honestly good investment.
>
>  If you own one where did you buy it, how much did it cost,  if your
>  mother owned a metal shop would you recommend the tool to her?
>
>  thank you
>
>  Roger Olsen
>
>  from the East slope of the North Cascades, where we are finally getting
>  some winter snow
>
>
>
>  _______________________________________________
>  http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/theforge
>  theforge mail list group photo site is
>  http://www.photoaccess.com
>  Login:  [email protected]
>  password:  anvil
>  ___________
>
>
>
>