Drill Doctor

[Chris_North]

While we're on the subject, is cutting oil really the best thing for drilling holes? I keep a spray can of CRC thread cutting oil in my toolbox which seems to work really well for taps and dies, but when drilling I just can't seem to keep the oil where the bit is cutting the hole. Not even a few seconds later the oil seems to be completely displaced by shavings and is so thick is doesn't trickle back into the hole. I periodically stop and respray directly into the hole but still a few seconds of progress later as far as I can tell it is completely gone. The bit does seem to run a bit cooler, but I'm not sure. Typically when I take the time to use oil I'm also being patient and drilling slowly; admittedly more often if it's a few small holes I'll drill fast and dry (err...).


But otherwise I couldn't justify spending money on a DD but had wanted one for a long time when my girlfriend got me one for Christmas. It probably would have payed for itself by now, and it's nice to always have sharp bits. I flip dull bits over in my Norseman kit so I can remember which ones need to be sharpened.

 

[Hammermechanic]

FWIW...I use "TapMagic" when tapping threads. I use cutting oil,or any oil,when drilling thick stock or x-large holes w/my drill press,mainly as a cutting tool coolant. The oil seems to stay put fairly well in the hole when drilling on the drillpress' flat table. Oil also seems to help "tame" chatter when running large diameter bits. Other than that,no lube for thin stock/small diameter stuff. If I can make a hole in it in a minute or less,no lube. YMMV/and, my advice is worth exactly what you paid for it!