twist drills for tapping?

[hillbillybee]

Any one use twist drills?

I've made some custom taps in my shop and want to drill 7/16'' holes , i only have a 1/2 '' forstner. Was going to use a twist drill. Will it work OK?

[Flat47]

Sure will. The only difference between hardware store twist bits and maple catalog twist bits is that maple bits are made to move the shavings out fast and completely.

[hillbillybee]

That's Perfect!

[tuckermtn]

and you can get the same bit they sell at the maple places for 5 or 6 bucks from a place like MSC

[Bucket Head]

What is MSC? Thanks.

Steve

[tuckermtn]

MSC is an industrial supply house like a grangier or mcmaster-carr

part number 81140204

I buy 10-12 at a time. If your a new customer you can get free shipping or 25% off or something like that.

made in the usa to boot

[Amber Gold]

If it matters, I think the maple ones are split point, but I don't know what the angle is. I found these at Grainger...have an account so I don't need to pay shipping. Are they the same?

http://www.grainger.com/Grainger/CLELINE-Mechanics-Drill-4GB83?Pid=search

Here's another....jobber length and looks very similar to the maple ones...don't know if the TiN finish matters, or if bright is fine.

http://www.grainger.com/Grainger/CHICAGOLATROBE-Jobber-Drill-4FWU5?Pid=search

[mapleack]

The high priced "maple" bits are parabolic flute bits, 150 deg point. I'm using 135 deg point parabolic bits this year, work great at a fraction of the "maple" price.

[Amber Gold]

Thanks for the info. Does it matter if they have a black oxide finish or not? Grainger's selling these on clearance for $2.74/ea. I think these meet all of your spec.'s

http://www.grainger.com/Grainger/CLELINE-Jobber-Drill-4F560?Pid=search

[Flat47]

I've settled on using brad-point bits. This is after 25 years of buying various brands and gardes of bits. I've been using an old stock Vermont-American brad-point 5/16" bit for several years now and love it. Makes a real nice clean cut through the bark and cuts pretty quick.

[mapleack]

The black oxide finish bits will rust easier, better to get one that is "bright" finish.


Thanks for the info. Does it matter if they have a black oxide finish or not? Grainger's selling these on clearance for $2.74/ea. I think these meet all of your spec.'s

http://www.grainger.com/Grainger/CLELINE-Jobber-Drill-4F560?Pid=search

[Amber Gold]

My maple tapping bit fell out of my drill somewhere in the woods, so I finished the last few taps on a new bit I got from Grainger...link below. This bit drilled like crap...didn't bite into the wood. Should I have gotten a different bit?

http://www.grainger.com/Grainger/CLELINE-Jobber-Dril-1TPB5