I sometimes split the points on my 118⁰ drill bits. Why isn't that a thing? They seem to walk less and make a nice hole.
It has always seemed that 118⁰ drills produce rounder holes. Why no 118⁰ split points?
I don't ever remember seeing them but I don't doubt you at all. Weird....118*split point drills are available. Dormer, YG1, and Greenfield offer them individually or by the package.
I split almost all my drills and centerdrills . Even 1/8 thru 2 inch dia.I don't ever remember seeing them but I don't doubt you at all. Weird....
One very valid reason to avoid factory split points and split them yourself is if you're using a drill sharpener. Some sharpeners have a problem with that. (not all, some, including Drill Doctor, which is pretty popular), The most common way of grinding the factory split point leaves a huge gouge in the back side (unused side) of the flutes, right where a lot of sharpeners index to. That could, depending on your sharpening method, be a big deterrent to buying split points new.
I like to start out with a much smaller stubby drill bit to create a divot, but I'll angle the drill to move the divot to the center of the bolt before drilling. I haven't worried much about the cutting edge angle but a 135⁰ split point would cut a bit freer in stainless.A little off subject but I have a question. I am a mechanic by trade and I work on a ton of diesels and therefor see my fair share of broken off stainless bolts in various sizes too. Question is what would be you guys go to drill bit for this kind of work? Material, degree and anything else you could add. Also do muy fair share of exhaust manifold bolts where drilling dead center is an absolute must
That’s one trick I have learned over the years is tilting to bit to center up on the bolt. I personally have found a good cobalt bit to work the best. I just wasn’t sure if there was anything out there better. I have just purchased some new 3 flute drill bits but have not tried thoseI like to start out with a much smaller stubby drill bit to create a divot, but I'll angle the drill to move the divot to the center of the bolt before drilling. I haven't worried much about the cutting edge angle but a 135⁰ split point would cut a bit freer in stainless.
I don't usually use anything special for that sort of work.