Ideal drill bits for DBS-22

[wallbc]

For general drilling of wood, regular steel and aluminum what type of drill bit would be best for sharpening with the DBS-22?  I am assuming that with any of the cobalt and titanium coated bits the coating would be removed on the initial shaping of the four facets?  I don't really want to spend $1000+ for a set of solid carbide bits and I fear they would be very difficult to sharpen. So is a set of plain HSS twist bits my best option?  Also can you buy bits off the shelf that are already four faceted?

[Ken S]

Welcome to the forum, Wallbc. My standard go to reference for drill bits is Leonard Lee's Sharpening book. Leonard Lee, now deceased, was the founder of Lee Valley tools. I have long recommended his Sharpening book as part of the standard part of every sharpener's home library. His advice is to acquire a set of quality US made standard hss bits. Here is a link:

https://www.leevalley.com/en-us/shop/tools/power-tool-accessories/drill-bits/32241-triumph-hss-twist-drill-sets

I have dealt with Lee Valley for many years and have always found them honest and dependable with excellent service. They also have locations in many countries. The standard set should serve your needs.

Ken

[RickKrung]

For general drilling of wood, regular steel and aluminum what type of drill bit would be best for sharpening with the DBS-22?  I am assuming that with any of the cobalt and titanium coated bits the coating would be removed on the initial shaping of the four facets?  I don't really want to spend $1000+ for a set of solid carbide bits and I fear they would be very difficult to sharpen. So is a set of plain HSS twist bits my best option?  Also can you buy bits off the shelf that are already four faceted?

Yes, I think a set of GOOD QUALITY HSS twist drill would be your best path. My main hobby is metal machining, but I do a lot of woodworking as well, along with all variety of household repairs, helping friends, etc. and I really only have GOOD QUALITY HSS twist drill sets as well as a lot of individual, loose drill bits.  For all but the hardest steels, that is all I use.  I have all kinds of carbide end mills that sometimes get used for drilling, but I would never consider getting a set of carbide drills. 

I've never bought a four-facted drill bit.  The only way I have them is having sharpened them on my T8 using the DBS-22 drill bit jig.  Their number is growing.