Replies

1. 
   ToolDoc | Jun 08, 2003 10:01pm | #1

   BG : we have the Drill Doctor at work the one that you can sharpen up to 3/4" bits with,it is soo simple to use a child could do it,while there not cheap if you have lots of dull bits laying around it will pay off in the long run..

                                            ToolDoc

1. 
   BG | Jun 09, 2003 12:27am | #4

   Tooldoc,

   I've read 200 or more sharpenings to a wheel...do you have to replace the wheel at work often? Thanks for the comments.

   Edited 6/8/2003 5:33:48 PM ET by BG

1. 
   ToolDoc | Jun 09, 2003 02:04am | #6

   BG: No so far we have done lots of bits on the same wheel soo it does last,its diamond impregnated & it lasts..

                                                       ToolDoc

2. 
   bill_1010 | Jun 08, 2003 10:01pm | #2

   From the concensus ive noticed woodworkers, auto shops and homebuilders they are worth the money.

   The only people that seem to not like or prefer the drill doctor are the professional hardcore machinists that seem to prefer hand grinding over the drill doctor.

   The $79 dollar and the traveler are disposable as far as i can tell.  Meaning that you cant change the grinding wheel if it wears out.

1. 
   Steinmetz | Jun 09, 2003 12:10am | #3

   WmP, Can all 'Drill Doctors' sharpen brad point drills?  Can it grind the correct angles for wood? copper? brass? stainless steel? 

    How about drills for sheet metal?  Carbide?  How much do the wheels cost? If you drop one and it shatters will they give you a new one?  Can it sharpen stubby drills? Step drills? Can it prepare drills so that they don't get hung up on brass and copper and ruin the work and snap off the bit to boot? 

   Machinists took the time to learn how to do every one of those things and more. Chances are not a one of them know how to file a saw correctly. I can't, can you?  Stein.

2. 
   BG | Jun 09, 2003 12:33am | #5

   WmP,

   I noticed on the web under 'Drill Doctor' that the wheel can be replaced in all except the Traveler (which is not diamond).  Also, for #250, it appears Drill Doctor does not provide the replacment wheel...Diamond Manuf. does?

   Oh well, at least I know they work, the only question is how much to spend..the #250 or #400.  Thanks for the info..

3. 
   robkress | Jun 09, 2003 06:05am | #7

   I worked as a machinist for a long time.  I have a drill doctor.  I used it almost every day.  It will make drills extremely sharp if you learn how to use it properly (meaning, there is a very specific method for making very sharp drills and it's not in the instruction manual).  I am able to make drills sharp enough for drill any kind of metal.  However, the first bits you sharpen (before you figure out how to use it well) will not be that sharp (plenty sharp for doing wood working though).

   Good luck

   Rob Kress

1. 
   alanplanesaw | Jun 09, 2003 07:21am | #8

   Okay -- what is the secret?  Hope you'll share it.

   Thanks,

   Alan - planesaw

2. 
   Mach70 | Jun 09, 2003 07:58pm | #9

   I've got the 750 model and it works great.  The bits I sharpen are sharp-edged but they do tend to wander more than when factory-new--even the split point grind.  I'm hoping your trick is actually addressing how to minimize this.  Please tell us the secret :-)

4. 
   ron61 | Jun 10, 2003 12:57am | #10

   Not sure but are they made for sharpening  twist drill bits?

   Its has took me many years to finally get some real wood working drill  bits and I wished I had tried them sooner - Forstner Bits are the way to go for wood working

   I have used the old paddle bits and twist bits - they follow the grain hard to get a hole where you want it always a hassle. 

   Spend the money on Forstner bits If you are into woodworking.

1. 
   BG | Jun 10, 2003 04:06am | #12

   Beans,

   Love the Forstners but not for making small holes (less than 1/2")....get too much burning. 

   I must have a couple hundred twist bits, only a fraction are sharp enough to do any good.  Last week I was drilling 3/8" holes 2 1/2" deep with a 1/2" Milwaukee drill in Ash....I weigh 300 (at least that is what I will admit too) and I was hanging on the drill.  I can't see how I could possibly loose any weight unless I get sharper drill bits....lol   

5. 
   Len | Jun 10, 2003 02:25am | #11

   I have a Drill Docter and it's great. It sharpens bits quick and easy. First thing I did was sharpen all those bits my brother and dad had. The kind that you stop the drill to see if it's in reverse. He's so happy. He thought I bought him all new drills. It was great way to test the thing.

   I used it weekly at first and now just when I need to. It won't sharpen brad points, you'll have to grind those yourself.

   I wouldn't buy the traveler. It's not worth the money. It uses sanding sleeves while #250 uses a diamond wheel. You'll be swapping out sleeves constantly. The #250 was $75 at the big orange box.

    Hope this helps,

   Len