1. Registration trouble? Please use the "Contact Us" link at the bottom right corner of the page and your issue will be resolved.
    Dismiss Notice

Vevor Drill Bit Sharpener

Discussion in 'The Tool Shed' started by Howard Eisenhauer, Nov 15, 2024.

  1. Nov 15, 2024
    Howard Eisenhauer

    Howard Eisenhauer Administrator Staff Member

    Tantallon, Nova...
    Joined:
    Nov 22, 2003
    Messages:
    8,465
    I've been accumulating old bits for more than a bit:whistle:
    DBS2_sm.jpg

    I've had a Drill Doctor for quite a while but it doesn't seem to work well anymore, no matter what I do the bits always come out with the relief angle ground in the wrong direction :(\

    So I spent a whole lot more than I should have on this thing but my goodness does it it ever work well! :)

    DBS3_sm.jpg



    I won't go into a description of how this thing works as there's already lots of reviews up on the Youtube, Mr. Pete has some good ones. I got the version that does "web thinning" in lieu of split points. Not sure if that's a good thing or not but the pointy parts sure do come out pretty :)

    image0000003.jpg

     
    Last edited: Nov 16, 2024
  2. Nov 16, 2024
    Tralehead

    Tralehead Member 2025 Sponsor

    Silverado, CA
    Joined:
    Nov 7, 2022
    Messages:
    366
    OK, I thought I was bad at saving old bits... How much is that thing? Does it work on cobalts?
     
  3. Nov 16, 2024
    Howard Eisenhauer

    Howard Eisenhauer Administrator Staff Member

    Tantallon, Nova...
    Joined:
    Nov 22, 2003
    Messages:
    8,465
  4. Nov 16, 2024
    homersdog

    homersdog Tulsa, Ok 2025 Sponsor 2024 Sponsor 2023 Sponsor 2022 Sponsor

    Tulsa, OK
    Joined:
    Jan 8, 2012
    Messages:
    2,534
    Good info, thanks for posting this
     
  5. Nov 16, 2024
    givemethewillys

    givemethewillys Been here since sparky ran it. 2025 Sponsor 2022 Sponsor

    New Kent, VA
    Joined:
    Jun 21, 2005
    Messages:
    2,175
    I put one of these on my wish list after watching (if I remember correctly) 'Jeremy makes things' on YT, or maybe it was 'project farm'. Both great channels, and the vevor got really great reviews.

    I'm glad to hear that you like it!
     
    dozerjim likes this.
  6. Nov 24, 2024
    Heath_N

    Heath_N New Member

    NW Iowa
    Joined:
    Oct 27, 2024
    Messages:
    23
    Take a few of those bits and practice on the bench grinder. It's pretty easy once you get the hang of it.
     
    3b a runnin and PeteL like this.
  7. Nov 24, 2024
    duffer

    duffer Rodent Power

    Bozeman, MT
    Joined:
    Sep 17, 2009
    Messages:
    4,830
    I have the same problem with my drill doctor. Junk
     
  8. Nov 24, 2024
    duffer

    duffer Rodent Power

    Bozeman, MT
    Joined:
    Sep 17, 2009
    Messages:
    4,830
    Yes, you can make them cut with a bench grinder job but doing that and actually having an accurate center left is pretty much unobtainable. Like a lot of things, depends on the use.
     
    dozerjim likes this.
  9. Nov 24, 2024
    PeteL

    PeteL If it wasn't for physics, and law enforcement... 2024 Sponsor 2023 Sponsor 2022 Sponsor

    Hills of NH
    Joined:
    Aug 3, 2003
    Messages:
    10,444
    I've always ground my bits by hand, or used the old General type bit-holding jigs against a grinding wheel. Did okay by hand, depending on how the planets were aligned that day.

    The big benefit is that I can find literal boxes full of "worn" bits for almost nothing at yard sales, etc. I have hundreds, when they cost as much as ten bucks apiece at the hardware store.

    Recently picked up an early Drill Doctor for free, and I have to say it is nice to use, especially on smaller diameter bits. I feel it is helpful to get all the bits within spec once in a while, even if I touch them up by hand.

    In all cases, regardless of method, correct set-up and accurate adjustment makes a big difference, followed by careful technique.
     
    Last edited: Nov 24, 2024
    Stakebed and Heath_N like this.
  10. Nov 24, 2024
    Howard Eisenhauer

    Howard Eisenhauer Administrator Staff Member

    Tantallon, Nova...
    Joined:
    Nov 22, 2003
    Messages:
    8,465
    I've actually been doing them by hand in preference to the DD & I can usually get close enough for making generally roundi-sh hole-ish shaped voids in non-critical-ish stuff but when you're trying to get a hole to within a few thou of where it's supposed to be it doesn't take much bi-lateral un-symmetry to mess things up :(

    The Vevor produces a consistent, correct geometry. The web relief/split point effectively eliminate the chisel point & that make a big difference getting into & going through steel even for the non-critical stuff.

    And did I mention it's fast? WOW is it ever fast o_O

    Honestly this thing is on the edge of overkill for an average home shop but I can see a real cost-effectiveness use case for it in a small commercial outfit.
     
    Last edited: Nov 24, 2024
  11. Nov 24, 2024
    Howard Eisenhauer

    Howard Eisenhauer Administrator Staff Member

    Tantallon, Nova...
    Joined:
    Nov 22, 2003
    Messages:
    8,465
    Interesting- I never had a lot of luck with anything smaller than 1/4" & after a while I didn't have any luck with anything over 1/4" either :confused:

    My DD only went up to 1/2", one of the reasons I shelled out for the for the Vevor with the larger collets is that I've got a selection of larger bits that are just fiendishly expensive to replace.
     
  12. Nov 24, 2024
    Dave Deyton

    Dave Deyton Active Member

    Fuquay-Varina, NC
    Joined:
    Oct 12, 2003
    Messages:
    1,139
    That was my results with the Drill Doctor. Worked well with larger dia. bits, not sure why didn't seem too good for the smaller ones.
    Got a couple of Craftsman drill sharpeners I still need to mount at the bench grinder. Look like these:
    https://www.amazon.com/General-Tool...331a1e09af2e4556c7966c&qid=1732486409&sr=8-16

    Got to get around to mounting one of them one day.

    Dave
     
  13. Nov 24, 2024
    Howard Eisenhauer

    Howard Eisenhauer Administrator Staff Member

    Tantallon, Nova...
    Joined:
    Nov 22, 2003
    Messages:
    8,465
    These might be of interest. I know some people have the knack for Zen & Art of Bit Sharpening, I think this guy puts a good perspective on it-




    And I know some people have good luck with Drill Doctors...

    But-

     
    Heath_N likes this.
  14. Nov 24, 2024
    PeteL

    PeteL If it wasn't for physics, and law enforcement... 2024 Sponsor 2023 Sponsor 2022 Sponsor

    Hills of NH
    Joined:
    Aug 3, 2003
    Messages:
    10,444
    It is difficult, and by hand, too. Under 1/8" I just buy bulk packages of bits.
     
    3b a runnin and wheelie like this.
  15. Nov 24, 2024
    Howard Eisenhauer

    Howard Eisenhauer Administrator Staff Member

    Tantallon, Nova...
    Joined:
    Nov 22, 2003
    Messages:
    8,465
    If there's anyone on here who can elaborate on the whole 118 vs. 135 vs. split point rationals & why "web" thickness (apparently it's not what I think it is) can mess sharpeners up *PLEASE* post your explanation :)
     
  16. Nov 24, 2024
    Fireball

    Fireball Well-Known Member 2025 Sponsor 2024 Sponsor 2023 Sponsor 2022 Sponsor

    Pullman, WA
    Joined:
    Feb 9, 2018
    Messages:
    6,439
    I've been using my Drilll Doctor for 20 years now with good success. I use it every couple of years to sharpen the 20+ bits I've dulled during that time. One thing I do that may help, is if the bit is particularly bad and I'm removing a lot of material, I'll re-align it in the chuck multiple times to make sure the grinding alignment stays good.

    That said, if it starts failing me, I'd happily switch to the Vevor. I hate throwing away drill bits that can be saved.
     
    Dave B likes this.
  17. Nov 24, 2024
    Howard Eisenhauer

    Howard Eisenhauer Administrator Staff Member

    Tantallon, Nova...
    Joined:
    Nov 22, 2003
    Messages:
    8,465
    Which model is it? There's a reply in one of those videos that I find quite interesting-

    @adf360
    3 months ago
    My Drill Doctor was a gift from my in-laws in 2003/4, it's the green 1-trick pony that only does 'normal/plain drill bits'. I still use it, I love it, I'm sad the plastic is starting to fail from age. What I've since learned over the years is that mine is an anomaly. After a heated discussion on the topic at work, myself and several others had a 'bring your Drill Doctor to work day'. Of the several identical looking drill doctors, mine was the oldest by a margin of 10 years and subsequently the only one the worked correctly. That gray one you are testing, I have never seen one that delivered a properly sharpened drill bit. In fact, I'm shocked they can still sell them. Our shop had the same negative rake issue you showed but weren't in position to rip it apart (tax payer money) so we just got a refund. Excellent video Wes.


    @jamesgulrich7416
    3 months ago I would have to agree. I have the original 750 model. I will use a split point on sizes 1/4 and smaller but I won't waste my time on larger split points. One of my high school buddies worked in Ashland for the Drill Doctor company when they first got started and everything was in house. He was with them until the newer model came out...the crappy grey one that never seemed to work right for larger bits. It was still assembled in Oregon but the parts were crap and very difficult to get it to work properly. Mine still works excellent to this day. I keep it in the hard case and get it down off the shelf about once a year and clean up all the bits that I broke or damaged. Sharper than new I seem to remember was the logo and he convinced me to buy one. I also remember buying a replacement diamond drum for it but I don't ever remember changing it.

     
  18. Nov 24, 2024
    Dave B

    Dave B Frankenjeep '67

    Northern Minnesota
    Joined:
    Nov 10, 2009
    Messages:
    671
    I'm okay with the Drill Doctor 500 Tradesman [pictured below]. Received as a gift a number of years ago--the price was right!

    I use the 118 degree option 99% of the time. Going to the 135 degree option and using the split-point function is another level of learning know-how with the Drill Doctor's "peck & see what result" system. Even the simple 118 degree point sharpening with my Doctor Drill takes careful monitoring & tweaking for good results. The User's Guide has many troubleshooting tips. Why is that? Because they're needed.

    This link looks at 118 vs 135 degree point.
    https://www.finepowertools.com/drills/118-vs-135-drill-bit/

    This is my era of Drill Doctor [500 Tradesman]
    [​IMG][​IMG]

    One of the many troubleshooting tips is that it is sometimes necessary to turn Alignment Handle past "factory" setting to get a relief angle [see picture].
     
    homersdog and Howard Eisenhauer like this.
New Posts