A good brad point drill?

[ivan]

You'd think that almost 40 years after metrication you could get a set of good/hss drills purpose made for wood. Lee Valley do a very nice imperial set, but I'd like (say) 3mm to 13mm in 0.5mm steps. All that seems available is a) carbon steel and b) has no cutting spurs. Anyone know different - Please? (I have used router drills, but often are too short)

Incidentally, the carbon steel/no spur drill is much improved by grinding them into the Festool brad point pattern, which is very quick and Very easy. Festool use an old engineering trick for getting a smooth hole - a small chamfer on each shoulder so the drill gradually opens up to full diameter. This is probably a second best to a good scribing spur, but does prevent 99% of the tearout typically seen when drilling ply.

A picture could be arranged if anyone wants one, and can explain how this forum newbie can post it !(no webspace)

 

[Alf]

Like this, Ivan? Works for me anyway; wouldn't be without them.

Cheers, Alf

 

[jasonB]

Tilgear do a nice set by Kaliber 3-10mm in 0.5mm steps £9.50 +VAt

Jason

 

[Lord Nibbo]

Like this, Ivan? Works for me anyway; wouldn't be without them.

Cheers, Alf

I also have that set, excellent bits in that tin :lol: :lol:

 

[ivan]

I thought the Axminster ones were carbon steel? Doesn't say HSS on either drill shaft viewed in shop, or in catalogue, so haven't tried them. I have the Tilgear Chinese hss lip/spur drills but they don't go over 10mm. My bigger sizes are Joran brad points in CV steel.

A friend has a full set obtained from the folk on the south coast who ceased trading (they used to handle CMT before Axminster). These are hss and ground just like the Tilgear ones, but 3 to 13mm by 0.5. I think they cost him about 15 quid. These are quite good but not in the LV league (or cost, to be fair)

So they were once available somewhere, presumably mainly in China....

 

[Alf]

I thought the Axminster ones were carbon steel?

Well all I can say is mine are lasting just fine, so I doubt it.

Cheers, Alf

 

[jasonB]

Tilgear do individuals in larger metric sizes (HSS) or you could push the boat out and get TCT tipped ones from Wealden Tool

JAson

 

[Noel]

I've the Axminster lip and spur set and there're complete rubbish as most are bananna shaped. I know, could've had them replaced but needed them (or was too lazy). Expect I just got a bad set. The few that are quite straight are OK. A plumb hammer helped a few of them. Didn't like the gold finish either.
I've a set of Brimarc's German things (Der something or other) and they cut really well but very limited sizes (10mm biggest and no half sizes).

 

[Nick W]

There are these from BriMarc, though I haven't used them myself. Has enyone else?

Edit: Oops, should have read the previous post fully

 

[ivan]

Thanks to all for replies! Will check Tilgear for 10mm+ hss lip/spur bits.