Brad-point bits

2/7/20, 7:49 PM #1

A.J. Hamler
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Brad-point bits

A.J. Hamler

Been years since I did a thorough accounting of my drill bits, and I'm getting rid of ones that are lost causes and sharpening ones that I can. But I still need to buy some replacements. Who's making really good brad-point bits these days?

I bought some "Colt" brad-points several years ago and liked them, but they don't seem to be around any more. The Fisch Forstner bits I got a few months ago are positively awesome, and I see they make brad-points as well, but I'm concerned with some of the reviews I've seen. It seems that if you get the ones made in Austria they're top notch, but the ones they contract from China are problematic. Trouble is, you never know when ordering them where they'll come from.

A.J.

Re: Brad-point bits

2/7/20, 8:00 PM #2

Barry Irby
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Re: Brad-point bits

Barry Irby

No personal experience, but I saw a youtube video on drill bits and the guy was recommending FAMAG bits. German made, looked good, but expensive.

Re: Brad-point bits

2/7/20, 9:01 PM #3

John in NM
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Re: Brad-point bits *LINK*

John in NM

Lee Valley of course

The link is for imperial but they do metric too. I end up needing metric bits as often as imperial.

Brad point bits

Re: Brad-point bits

2/7/20, 9:30 PM #4

Walter Ahlgrim
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Re: Brad-point bits

Walter Ahlgrim

Has anyone tried this set?

https://www.amazon.com/Taytools-468402-Piece-Mixed-Drills/dp/B07FZ99PZZ

A few years ago I got a similar set at Woodcraft they are OK but a little brittle and tend to snap.

Walta

Re: Brad-point bits

2/7/20, 11:05 PM #5

Jim Dillon
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Re: Brad-point bits

Jim Dillon

A.J. another vote for the Lee Valley HSS brad-point bits. I save them for the critical stuff and they have never disappointed. Jim

Re: Brad-point bits

2/8/20, 1:33 AM #6

William Duffield
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Re: Ditto. L-V.

Re: Brad-point bits

2/8/20, 1:50 AM #7

Jack Guzman from Maine
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LV the best

Jack Guzman from Maine

I build windsor chairs. I use the Lee Valley bits to drill most of my mortises. They are the cleanest cutting bits I've ever used. Well made.I bought one to try out and afterward I filled out the set to all the sizes I use. Beware ,LV also sells lesser quality brad point bits. You want the Lipped HSS bits. Pricey but worth it.

- - -

I am a carpenter by trade.Also a handyman/Jack -of-all-trades.I work around my neighborhood mostly helping people keep up their old houses.I have a fairly large woodworking shop in my house where I work with both hand and power tools. At the moment I'm focusing on Windsor chairs building.I will build most anything if needed. I'm always learning,adapting,changing trying to broaden my woodworking skills.I work mostly with hand tools in my shop but will use power if it is a better way to get the desired result. My wife,Donna,and I live in the woods of Maine with our dogs,cats,and birds. We have 5 grown kids and six grandchildren. Woodcentral has been central to my growth as a woodworker. I pass through this place every day.

Re: Brad-point bits

2/8/20, 1:50 AM #8

Bill Tindall, E.TN.
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simple-Lee Valley

Bill Tindall, E.Tn.

I set the bar for frugal. Yet if my LV set went missing I would do without something and buy them back. Exceptionally sharp which leads to minimal to no splintering on exits. Ground from Tool steel drills, probably M2. I saw them being made at the factory.

Buy the set. I thought it extravagant at the time, yet I have used nearly every one of them.

Re: Brad-point bits

2/8/20, 2:35 AM #9

A.J. Hamler
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Sounds like a no-brainer

A.J. Hamler

Lee Valley it is.

Thanks everyone!

Re: Brad-point bits

2/8/20, 12:11 PM #10

John McGaw
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Re: Brad-point bits

John McGaw

Based on experience I can vouch for the Fisch bits as I've been using them for at least 15 years. That would suggest that they are the "real deal" European-made bits. No idea about any Chinese-made bits.

Brad-point bits

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