DBS-22 sharpen masonry bits?

[timurray2000]

I've looked everywhere and don't even see where somebody has asked.  Will it sharpen masonry bits?

[Rob]

I've not heard that done with the Tormek but my guess would be that the relatively new drill sharpening jig might be the place to start. I know it's primary purpose is to create a four facet point for wood drilling. Masonry bits have extremely hard tips don't they (tungsten carbide???). That's gunna be a pig to sharpen on the regular stone. 

Feel free to jump in any time experts.....I'm really clutching at straws here in an attempt to respond to this chap

[Justin]

Yes! It is recommended to use the stone coarse graded or better still use the SB-250 stone

Check:  http://youtu.be/fSUa1iFUzkM?t=13m10s

[Ken S]

The problem with masonry bits is that they often live in the "git er done" environment.  All too often the alternative to touch up sharpening is just leaning more on the drill.

Turners often place their Tormeks next to the lathe for quick touch up sharpening.  The turning chisels are often stored in protective cabinets or special canvas wraps.

Kitchen knives, even dull ones, are usually stored in specially designed protective wooden blocks.

No one likes to bang through dovetails with a dull chisel.

Masonry bits rarely receive such respect.  I used a lot of them over the years.  (I installed telephone lines.)  I carried bits from 3/16" carbide bits for my Yankee push drill up to 24" long 5/8" bits for drop wire.  Careful workers kept their bits "loose" in a tool box.  The chosen bit was generally the one which was not too dull or too chipped.  I have even on occasion drilled anchor holes in softer masonry with a wood bit in a brace.  For most of my working years, we did not have hammer drills.  In the early days, we burned through numerous underpowered, high speed drills.

If anyone is thinking of making money with the Tormek sharpening masonry bits for contractors, beware.  While the Tormek, especially with the SB stone can certainly do touch up sharpening with carbide bits, anything more is probably not cost effective.

Being retired now, I have not had the need to sharpen any of my masonry bits.  I will try to sharpen them "early and often".  Sharpening, as opposed to major shaping, is where the Tormek shines.  I happen to have an SB stone.  I won't hesitate to sharpen my larger bits with it.  The process will not be rushed, and would not be time effective for a business sideline.

Ken

[Herman Trivilino]

I agree with Ken S. Most craftsmen and maintenance workers do not care for their their masonry bits. They take a beating when we use them. They are not considered high-precision tools, nor should they be. If I need the hole to be of a precise size I start with a smaller bit and work my way up to the desired diameter. If you try to drill a half-inch hole with a half-inch bit it'll be closer to 9/16" unless you start with a smaller bit.

Most craftsmen and maintenance workers I've encountered don't sharpen their masonry bits, and are unaware that they can be sharpened. In a pinch I can sharpen one free-hand on a regular high-speed dry grinder.  If I had one that was pretty beat up I'd probably start that way and finish it with either my drill doctor or free hand it on my Tormek. I don't have the DBS-22 jig.

[Rob]

Has anyone any hands on with the DBS-22?  I was flirting with the idea of getting one as I do get frustrated at blunt bits and currently just buy more. Trouble is its very expensive and I'd have to go through a lot of drills before it cost justified itself.

People talk about the drill doctor a lot, any comparison type views?

[Herman Trivilino]

Has anyone any hands on with the DBS-22?

Not me, but if you search this forum you'll lots of discussion of it.

I was flirting with the idea of getting one as I do get frustrated at blunt bits and currently just buy more. Trouble is its very expensive and I'd have to go through a lot of drills before it cost justified itself.

People talk about the drill doctor a lot, any comparison type views?

I was in the same situation as you and opted for the drill doctor. It sharpens my bits but it's nowhere near as precise and productive as the DBS-22.

[Rob]

Thanks Herman, I'll have a scoot around and review the threads

[Ken S]

Yboomholay,

I have used my DBS-22 to sharpen several bits.  That certainly does not qualify me as an expert.  However, as the jig is only recently available, and expensive, I doubt there are too many old hands with it on the forum.

I have found it does a very nice job.  Is it cost efficient?  Probably not.  However, woodworking is a hobby interest for me.  The four facet profile seems very well designed.  The jig is certainly very versatile, capable of handling a large diameter range and different configurations.  I believe purchasing the SB wheel with it makes sense, as most bits are high speed steel.

I have no experience with the Drill doctor, so I can't speak about it.

Ken

[Rob]

Thanks Ken

I'm sure you're right about the "newness". My sense is that it doesn't have much traction in the market yet. Likely combination of the fact it's relatively new plus cost plus narrow area of specialism.

The other generalism seems to be that it is a high quality jig, performs well when then training time is invested (true for all jigs) and produces excellent results.

Thanks for the input

[Ken S]

Rob, I think you are right about the DBS-22 not having much market traction yet.  It may always be a lower seller due to price.  And, I think Herman is right on when he states most people don't place high regard on their masonry (and other drill bits.  Too bad, I think it is one of the best designed, carefully manufactured Tormek jigs.

Ken

[Rhino]

I would agree with the discussion above.  I work around the house and do woodwork but I found I never needed all the sizes of bit a set offers.  I just buy a 1/8, 1/4 and a 3/8 bit and can get all the work around the house done with it.  I really want to try the drill bit sharpener but it is not economical for me.  It looks really nice.  I am saving up to buy the wood turner/carver set though.

[Ken S]

Rhino,
I agree the DBS-22 is probably overkill for the home shop, at least for anyone except a Tormek junkie.

Not to blow your budget, however, I would recommend adding 3/16" and 5/16" masonry bits to your collection.  The middle size plastic anchors are 1/4".  The small anchors are 3/16; the large anchors are 5/16".  You may not run into these sizes often, but it is nice to have the bits on hand when you do, which will occur sooner or later.

Ken

[Mike Fairleigh]

I've had Drill Doctors for a long time.  They work great, but they make such a mess that I tend to avoid getting them out.  Using one always (for me) involves following up with the shop vac to clean up all the resulting dust in, under, and around the machine.  Most folks probably don't care, and it's a very cost effective way to get your bits sharp.  There's a bit of technique involved but I don't think it's anywhere near the learning curve of the DBS-22.

But for the mess reason alone I haven't ruled out the Tormek jig.

[Herman Trivilino]

You must keep a pretty clean shop, Mike. There's a port on it for dust collection, you know.