Date:         Fri, 28 Jun 2013 20:49:55 -0400
Reply-To:     David Beierl <dbeierl@ATTGLOBAL.NET>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         David Beierl <dbeierl@ATTGLOBAL.NET>
Subject:      Re: Friday: drill bit sharpening
Comments: To: Max Wellhouse <dimwittedmoose@CFU.NET>,
          Larry Alofs <lalofs@GMAIL.COM>
In-Reply-To:  <51CE06F8.7060309@cfu.net>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii"; format=flowed

At 05:58 PM 6/28/2013, Max Wellhouse wrote:
>+1 on the Drill Doctor.  Spend the extra money and get the 750 model, as
>it allows you to do bits up to 3/4"( w/ optional chuck at additional
>cost).  And you can change the point angle too.  I've seen them on sale
>for like $100 or gamble with an ebay bid or BIN. YMMV.  25 $4 bits that
>you save will pay for it(not counting electricity.....lol)

Another thumbs up for the Drill Doctor.  I've gotten very good
service from a 750 (came with a 3/32-1/2" and a 1/2-3/4" chuck) I got
ten+ years ago.  I recently spoke to Darex about a broken part on it
and they gave me an offer I didn't refuse on the current model
750X.  All of their Drill Doctor line of machines were completely
redesigned around five years ago; now they are lower and don't look
like tombstones.  The new design has more metal in it, uses a
different cam geometry, has a slower more stable motor, and a
much-improved method for splitting drill points.  The recent versions
of it come with a single chuck that handles 3/32-3/4"
diameters.  Having used both designs, I can say that the new ones are
better overall.

Darex also makes drill sharpening machines that sell for
thousands.  These are not like those machines, but they're based on
similar ideas.  They take a bit of practice but once you're used to
them they perform very well.  They come with a DVD - videos from it
are available at
http://www.drilldoctor.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=section&id=10&Itemid=148


One of their Drill Doctor line has less versatility for twist drills
but will also sharpen spade bits.  They have a good page on their
website
http://www.drilldoctor.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=159&Itemid=15
calling out the differences amongst their machines.

Some years ago they had horrible customer service, at least for the
Drill Doctor line.  They've taken that to heart and fixed it.  I've
been dealing with Harmony Madueno in their C/S dept and cannot speak
highly enough of her.

Yours,
David