Best Wheel for First Time

[bigfoot]

I have been sharpening a bunch of bits for myself and friends. It is a time-consuming process. It makes such a nice bit but would like it to take less time. I will say that resharpening a bit should be a much faster process then sharpening a bit and forming the new profile the first time.

What wheel is best for the first sharpen of drill bits? This would be fast material removal. I have a 360 and 600 grit diamond wheel and even the 360 grit can take a lot of time for worn bits. Is there a better option? I think the 600 grit for resharpening is going to work great but I'm not there yet. Even a wheel only for secondary facets might be an option.

Thank you.

[John Hancock Sr]

I would imagine that an 80G CBN or diamond would be the trick

[RickKrung]

I would imagine that an 80G CBN or diamond would be the trick

Definitely...  I struggled with the very same issue and went through several alternatives (traditional bench grinder wheels fitted to a T8 running in water, belt grinder, slow speed bench grinder) and settled on CBN wheels.  I currently run a 10", 180 grit CBN wheel on my T8 and have an 8", 80 grit CBN on the slow speed grinder.  I use the 80 grit wheel for roughing but have found that the dry grit thrown off (not running in water) collects on the drill bit jig sliding surfaces and causes wear, so I've stopped using the DBS-22 on the slow speed grinder (or on the belt grinder).  That leads me to think I should fit the 80 grit CBN wheel on the T8, mainly for roughing drill bits, as the OP is asking about. 

I use the Woodturners Wonder CBN wheels, that are not meant for running in water - UNLESS - they are dried thoroughly after use.  I do that, and run them in the Tormek ACC water and have not had any issues with corrosion in the 6 or so years that I've run the 180 grit CBN wheel in water on the T8. 

I'd have to machine a bushing to mate the 5/8" bore to the 12mm Tormek shaft, but I have the means for that.  A better solution would be to get the 80 grit, 10" diameter CBN wheel that comes with a 12mm bore. 

Rick

[John Hancock Sr]

A better solution would be to get the 80 grit, 10" diameter CBN wheel that comes with a 12mm bore. 

Yes agree. I have one of them and I have not yet used it in anger. I agree that first time, or chipped sharpening, on larger drills is frustratingly slow which is one of the reasons for buying the 80G. Not used it as yet so cannot testify as to it, but experience leads me to believe that it will re-shape the drill in no time.