DBS-22

[RichColvin]

Mike,

You can probably do it by hand with practice,  but a few thoughts come to my mind :

1. How much practice it will take to get such a perfectly ground, 4-facet grind, &
2. How to ensure you keep that skill unless you practice it often.

Yes, the DBS-22 is a bit of $, but I've found it to be excellent at sharpening my bits, and I use drill bits on all manner of woods, as well as mild steel and other metals. 

I will be looking to learn to use a grinder for a tertiary grind and a secondary point angle (see also Joe Mazoff's article at http://www.newmantools.com/machines/drillpoint.html) for larger bits (especially when I'm drilling on the drill press).

I tried putting an SPA on some carbide bits for my sister :  she's a locksmith and uses them for hardened steel.  No feedback yet on that.

I do have to hand sharpen my Forstner bits, but use the Tormek jig for all the twist drills.

Rich