In his book, Leonard Lee mentioned two devices for sharpening drill bits. One device swings the drill bit across a grinding wheel, but it’s the *other* one that I really want to try. It pulls the bit in a kind of hopping motion across a sheet of sandpaper.
I’ve started using 3M micro-abrasive film to sharpen chisels, and the stuff works beautifully. It would probably do an equally good job on drill bits–but I can’t find that hopping jig anywhere. I even called Lee Valley but the clerk had never heard of it.
Does anybody know who makes this device and where I can buy one?
Janet
Replies
Go to http://www.woodcentral.com Rob Lee hangs out at the hand tool forum a lot you and could ask him where to get it.
Edited 10/28/2004 9:38 pm ET by rick3ddd
I believe I have one of the devices you are talking about. I believe it is made in England. Mine has a blue plastic body and molded into the body it says "Ecliipse 39". It has eccentric plastic wheels at the rear. There is a vee shaped compoud angled adjustable sled to accept a twist drill bit. I think the idea is supposed to be that as you roll the jig across the sandpaper, the eccentric wheel raises up the bevel providing your relief angle. The vee sled also has a little shim that swings out from behind the back of the drill bit to supposedly put a secondary bevel on the drill bit. I got the thing at a garage sale for a couple of bucks. I believe you used to be able to get the jig through Lee Valley and also possibly Garrett Wade. That was a few years ago. I would like to learn to freehand grind twist drills on a bench grinder. I would think it would take a long time to get a serviceable bevel on a twist drill with just sandpaper. The tool steel is hard and might wear out the sandpaper pretty fast.
I'd love to be able to sharpen bits freehand on a grinder. I have an old friend that can do it but I gave up and bought a Drill Doctor. All my bits are now sharp and even though I now rarely use it, there is no learning curve when I do. If you want sharp drill bits, IMHO, that's the way to go.
Regards,
Mack"WISH IN ONE HAND, #### IN THE OTHER AND SEE WHICH FILLS UP FIRST"
Always thought that I could sharpen drill bits by hand, and did so for 20+ years. Tried my neighbours drill Dr. and what a difference. Did all my bits. Cuts down on drilling time with a sharp bit and saves your drill and batteries. Will never go back to doing them by hand again. Bought my own in quick order. A 750 model if I remember correctly. Sharpens 3/4 bits as well as split points. Video came with it and wasen't the best. But got the idea. Try one if you can before you buy. You will buy one soon.
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