Large diameter drill bit set

[Highpsi]

Just looking for some good recommendations for a decent set of large diameter drill bits. I'd be looking for something like this set:

http://www.northerntool.com/shop/tools/product_200343067_200343067?cm_mmc=Google-pla-_-Power%20Tools-_-Drill%20Bits-_-3323103&ci_src=17588969&ci_sku=3323103&gclid=CKGrhIvJ0b0CFe5aMgodWzsAoA


Seems strange but I can't exactly find very much locally here and it isn't like there's that much out there on the net either. Just curious what you guys are using!

I have a good milwaukee 1/2" wrist buster drill so I should be good to go even with some stuff with larger shanks if need be.

 

[dyeager535]

Decent? Hmm. I got some from harbor freight that worked for what I needed to do, which was a single use: http://www.harborfreight.com/8-piece-silver-and-deming-drill-bit-set-527.html

I really hate buying chinese stuff, but for the cost difference between even individual bits I couldn't justify buying something else.

I would be pretty careful with a hand drill...I tried with a hand drill and snapped another large bit (not from the HF set) even though it was slow. I ended up taking them to someplace with a large drill press, so I could make sure the bits were going in perfectly straight.

Either the brittle problem is because they are cheap, or because they just don't have a lot of inherent strength. The flutes are pretty massive, in regards to diameter they probably don't have a lot of metal between the flutes.

 

[Highpsi]

Decent? Hmm. I got some from harbor freight that worked for what I needed to do, which was a single use: http://www.harborfreight.com/8-piece-silver-and-deming-drill-bit-set-527.html

I really hate buying chinese stuff, but for the cost difference between even individual bits I couldn't justify buying something else.

I would be pretty careful with a hand drill...I tried with a hand drill and snapped another large bit (not from the HF set) even though it was slow. I ended up taking them to someplace with a large drill press, so I could make sure the bits were going in perfectly straight.

Either the brittle problem is because they are cheap, or because they just don't have a lot of inherent strength. The flutes are pretty massive, in regards to diameter they probably don't have a lot of metal between the flutes.

I agree - boring large holes in our frame rails isn't fun for many reasons! So do most guys just do a small hole and then grind larger with grinding bits on a die grinder or something? Ex. doing shackle flip job etc..

I'm gonna be installing a shock absorber inboarding kit but my drill bit selection is really crappy for big stuff.

 

[dyeager535]

I would think for a FEW large round holes a hole saw might work better?

I drilled all the rivet holes in a frame out (7/16") but that's a bit different compared to doing 1"+ holes.

Sounds like a perfect reason to spend $1200 on a decent plasma cutter. lol

 

[tRustyK5]

If it isn't thicker than a chevy frame rail I'd use a stepped bit with lots of cutting oil, they usually go up to 1". With big twist drills, a hand drill is the worst option. They're meant for a drill press, or a Mag drill.

 

[Highpsi]

Thanks all. Looks like I was looking at the wrong bit for the application in general.

I did actually end up finding the cheap-o set at the local harbor freight, and with my friend who works there and his discount went out the door with the set for just under $20. I figure at least this way I'll have that set for my drill press and use em on super slow speed.

 

[dhcomp]

If it isn't thicker than a chevy frame rail I'd use a stepped bit with lots of cutting oil, they usually go up to 1". With big twist drills, a hand drill is the worst option. They're meant for a drill press, or a Mag drill.

I always used to frown on step drills, but this type of work is exactly what they are designed for (even if frame thickness is on the high end of their ability).

Even the cheap HF step drills do pretty well in this regard. A friend of mine has used and abused a set for a year or 2, and they just keep kicking.

IIRC, Abrasive trader on here sells some nice looking step drill sets for a decent price.

http://www.roarksupply.com/Step-Drills-s/351.htm

 

[Highpsi]

I always used to frown on step drills, but this type of work is exactly what they are designed for (even if frame thickness is on the high end of their ability).

Even the cheap HF step drills do pretty well in this regard. A friend of mine has used and abused a set for a year or 2, and they just keep kicking.

IIRC, Abrasive trader on here sells some nice looking step drill sets for a decent price.

http://www.roarksupply.com/Step-Drills-s/351.htm

Hmm... I'll have to give that a shot! I have a set of those HF step drills even. I'd thought of trying that but guessed that trying them on something like the frame rails would be too tough. I'll report back with findings when my parts come in!

 

[rdn2blazer]

Thats a good set, I'd buy them. There is a company that makes very nice quality Cobalt demming drills that are split point like those only the shanks have 3 precision ground flats so the drill chuck can't spin on the shanks ruining them. I've never used them but they look quality. If I ever have to but those drills I will be getting a set with the flats. Can't beat them for hand drill use.

 

[MTBLAZER89]

If it isn't thicker than a chevy frame rail I'd use a stepped bit with lots of cutting oil, they usually go up to 1". With big twist drills, a hand drill is the worst option. They're meant for a drill press, or a Mag drill.

I always used to frown on step drills, but this type of work is exactly what they are designed for (even if frame thickness is on the high end of their ability).

Even the cheap HF step drills do pretty well in this regard. A friend of mine has used and abused a set for a year or 2, and they just keep kicking.

IIRC, Abrasive trader on here sells some nice looking step drill sets for a decent price.

http://www.roarksupply.com/Step-Drills-s/351.htm

I bought a 3 pack of the harbor freight step bits a couple years ago. I use them for everything up to 1/4" and they work awesome. Just use oil and go slow. They cut very well, but speed is what kills them.

 

[tRustyK5]

Thats a good set, I'd buy them. There is a company that makes very nice quality Cobalt demming drills that are split point like those only the shanks have 3 precision ground flats so the drill chuck can't spin on the shanks ruining them. I've never used them but they look quality. If I ever have to but those drills I will be getting a set with the flats. Can't beat them for hand drill use.

Those ground flats are more meant for a drill press benefit IMO. You can really load up the pressure with a drill press and the flats keep the bit turning and cutting. On a high torque 1/2" hand drill I'd prefer if the bit could slip a little, rather than break my wrist...

 

[diesel4me]

If I need a hole larger than 1/2" in something like a frame,I prefer a hole saw over a drill bit--its faster,less effort,and makes a clean hole.....you can only use them to make a new hole though,if your enlarging an existing one ,the step bits seem to rule--they'll also make egg shaped holes round again without the usual tendency for the drill to snag and rip your wrist off..

 

[gonefishin]

I bought several of the big cobalt bits from my matco tool guy. Anything over 1/2 inch he would warranty for me if they broke.

I was drilling a 5/8 hole in my frame with a strong 1/2 inch drill when it caught, twisted, and then popped me in the mouth... it put my top front teeth through my lip lol.