Help finding a specific unique type of drill bit
Hello, I am trying to find a specific type of drill bit that I used to use. The ones I had were 1/4″ in diameter, about 2 inches long. They were made from a single piece of HSS drill rod and had a knife edge around the perimeter of the cutting edge that severed the wood fibers as it was pressed down. Then there was a single chisel tip in the middle that cored out the center of the hole. It produced holes with a flat bottom that were completely free of tearout. It was not a forstner bit or a brad point bit, it worked better than those and did not have a center point. If you are familiar with paper cutting drill bits the cutting action was similar to that but with a a chisel to clear out the center and single flute in it for chip clearance. I have drawn a sketch of how it looked which I will attach here. Problem is I last bought some about 12 years ago and cannot find any info on them now…best I remember I bought at woodcraft, I called them and the guy knew what I was talking about, so at least I know I am not imagining this thing, but did not have any more info. Does anyone here know what I am talking about and have an idea of what this would be called? Thanks
Replies
Intriguing. Never heard of them though.
I googled single flute drill bits for flat bottom holes and found these. Hope one is a match
https://www.homedepot.com/p/DIABLO-1-4-in-Single-Flute-Straight-Bit-DR03140/204073483
https://www.grainger.com/product/54LT94?gucid=N:N:PS:Paid:MS:CSM-2295:TVRYAD:20501231&gclid=c2bc8e49e7d917b67321ea7709ddb0dd&gclsrc=3p.ds&gclid=c2bc8e49e7d917b67321ea7709ddb0dd&gclsrc=3p.ds&msclkid=c2bc8e49e7d917b67321ea7709ddb0dd
https://www.mscdirect.com/browse/tn/Holemaking/Drilling-Drill-Bits/Metalworking-Multipurpose-Drill-Bits/Straight-Flute-Die-Drill-Bits?mscNew=true&navid=2106212
https://www.mscdirect.com/product/details/04535035?mscNew=true&utm_medium=cpc&utm_source=bing&pcrid=-99&product_id=nv&utm_term=letter&utm_campaign=New+-+Marking+%26+Labeling+-+DSA&mkwid=svwTeNRZ7%7Cdc&cid=ppc-google-New+-+MCO+Marking+%26+Labeling+-+DSA&utm_content=Marking+%26+Labeling&gclid=ccb6fb24d60813436b1f9f1a380c957c&gclsrc=3p.ds&rd=k&msclkid=ccb6fb24d60813436b1f9f1a380c957c
Hi, thanks for the reply, none of these are it but sounds like olkenm below may have some, thanks for searching for it
Could the drill bit actually be a 1/4" shank 1/4" router bit designed to cut acrylic/plexiglass?
https://www.interstateplastics.com/Onsrud-Plastic-Router-Bits-Acrylic-plexiglass-Accessories-CMD63~5.php
I have an old set of 3 (1/4, 3/8, 1/2 inch) of these bits that seem to be what you are describing. They are made from HSS by Vermont American. Don't know what they are called or if they are still available. I bought them mail order perhaps from Woodcraft. Hope that helps.
Thank you!!!!! I thought it might have been made by Vermont American those must be it. Any chance you could send me a few photos of them? I have a toolroom grinder I may try and grind one myself. If they are still in the package are there any markings or part numbers? With how difficult they have been to find I doubt they are still in production, but if there is any identifying info on them I will put in a standing ebay keyword search to see if any pop up there.
Home Depot used to carry a lot of Vermont American stuff, so it makes sense. Maybe try dropping them a line?
Unfortunately, there was no packaging and no indication as to the product name. I have included a 4Mb picture of the side of the 1/4 inch bit. Hopefully, the large file will get through the firewall.
Went to the Vermont American (VA) website and see that they are now owned by Bosch. There is nothing at all like this bit currently listed. You could contact their tech support and see if they maintain any history of their old products. I remember that this was sold as a mortising bit.
PS Will not accept files larger than 3 Mb so will downsize to 1 Mb.
That is it! Thank you very much, I will give VA a call and see what they have to say.
Let the group chat know what you find out. Glad I could help.