Rodman Carbide Drill Bits?

"Might just be worthwhile to bring along an old file of your own"

I actually thought about this. I do have an old file that is well worn so no loss if it would get a hole or two. My plan? There is an aviation show next week. Lot of home built aircraft type vendors there. Will be curious to see if there is a guy selling the magic Rodman drill bits. I'll bring that old file and if he can drill it so easily on mine then I'll buy a set and report back here.

Many years back, I bought a set of magic drill bits at a show. I don't remember the brand, but I do remember that I was able to drill through a pretty heavy combination wrench with it.

Quite e few years ago I was trying to drill bed frame rails. An old friend of mine chucked a 1/4" masonry bit in my hand drill and grabbed one of my good files and drilled right through it. So it can me done. And yes I still have the file and it cuts fine.

Went to the aviation show. Lots of kit built planes and vendors that sell hardware and aviation type tools to the home builders. There were two magic drill bit vendors there. One was selling the Rodman brand, the other was selling Bad Dog drills. Speaking to both of them and listening to their sales pitch was entertaining. I spoke to the Bad Dog drill vendor first. See here: http://www.baddogtools.com/
He said you need to spin these at least 2,000 RPM. Yes they drilled holes. The holes left a coarser finish than I liked. The vendor told me that the owner of the Rodman Drill bit company passed away and was no longer in business. I have no idea if it is true.
I spoke with the Rodman drill bit vendor and let him know I was a machinist after listening to his sales pitch. His manner definitely changed. I wouldn't say unfriendly but he sure didn't seem interested in talking anymore. I did not ask him if Rodman was still in business. Same results during his demonstration. Yes, they cut thru a variety of hard material but the holes were again coarser than I would have liked. I examined the box they came in. The box had a statement that the drills should be used at a minimum of 2,000 RPM.
My Solberga gear head 20inch DP only goes up to 1250 RPM, so did not buy a set. If you have a need to drill thru harder material and can spin them fast enough these might work for you.

Funny how the words "I'm a machinists" changes the tone of a salesman selling "fly by the night" stuff.