Specific questions on Stub M42 135 sets

B

Bill Kahn

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I continue to chew up my HF cheap bits. Am starting to zero in what I want:
  • Machine screw length
  • M42
  • 135 split point
Have found the following four sets:
  1. https://www.mscdirect.com/product/details/57647992 $1061.62
  2. https://www.mscdirect.com/product/details/07574999 $721.99
  3. https://rocky-mountain-twist.myshopify.com/products/115-pc-cobalt-screw-machine-135 $1000.68
  4. https://www.travers.com/rm115co-115-pc-cob-135-stub-drill-set-rushmore/p/01-078-007/sc/ $689.57
So, what is a beginner to do? The specs all look the same to me. Am I missing some key point? What makes them different?

Sort of I'd like to buy just the 1/2" version from each set and try them out side by side. The minimum order of 6 prevents that.

Maybe buy the fractional sets, try the 1/2" to find the one I like and sell the other three? I wonder what the ebay value would be.

I had to go through 7 bandsaw blade brands before stumbling on one I liked. Would like to not have to do anything like that with drill bits.

Thanks for thoughts.

-Bill
 
Bill, cobalt drills are really nice to have but the truth is that a HSS set will do for the majority of the work you do in a hobby shop. Even Stainless steel drills fine with HSS if you keep the drill cutting continuously. If you wish to buy in sets, I suggest a wire size first because most smaller fasteners require wire size drills for the taps. The I would buy a fractional set and then a letter size set.

I have and use screw machine drills but mine are 118 degree points. Nothing wrong with 135 degree drills, though. Here is an import set from Travers that has all the Imperial drills you would need in a 135/cobalt/screw machine set: https://www.ebay.com/itm/TTC-A3789-...595257?hash=item33b32fef79:g:WEMAAOSwRbhaEzKK.

Or you can buy individual sets in HSS. These are from Dormer:
https://www.ebay.com/itm/PRECISION-...211730?hash=item4b008435d2:g:k1wAAOSwZB9aDhvr

https://www.ebay.com/itm/PRECISION-...968067&hash=item4b1fe9bd24:g:k1wAAOSwZB9aDhvr

Top brands will be Chicago-Latrobe, Precision Twist Drill, Dormer, Triumph, Cleveland, Morse.

One brand that is highly reviewed by users is Drill Hog and they have a nice set: https://www.ebay.com/itm/115-Pcs-Le...243343?hash=item2a90b27e8f:g:OWEAAOSwEEBZ~82O. For a hobby guy, I think this is a really nice set. 135 degree points, M7 steel, stub length, fair price, maker has good reviews re service after the sale.

Good luck!
 
For one thing, if you're dead set on buying one of these, find someone who bought from Enco and have them buy them for you.. The MSC discount prices for me as a former customer are $690.05 and $410.00 for the two sets , respectively.
The main difference seems to be the manufacturer. Unless the "gold finish" on the Hertel set specifically says TiN coated, I woud assume it's just gold paint.
 
I buy my drills from HF . I know lots of guys say they are junk. Many times I regrind them from new before I use them. I think most drill problems are due to the drill not being ground right. I think you might buy the set from travers that Mikey posted. That way you could try them out and see if you liked them. And you only have $ 109
bucks in them. Then you might take and put some money into a good drill grinding tool set up. I hand grind all my cheap drills by hand ,but that a skill set that takes years to learn. I also grind all my drills with a split point. Even center drills and or as they call them now starter drills . I will take new drills and cut them to shorter length to make stub drills. If I went back to production work I might buy higher priced drills for certain jobs. But not in a hobby shop set up. It’s like Hardinge makes really good collets but you pay a premium for them. In business that’s fine. But hobby shop I use what works for me. Plus I am a cheap SOB.
 
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