tapping bits

[Ryan August]

Here's another question. What's the difference between a 'tapping bit' and the drill bit I buy from dewalt?

[Tom_saw]

Tapping bits have a faster twist to pull the chips out of the hole better.

[BreezyHill]

cdl's newest bit has a special flute that is designed to better move wood debris and clean the hole better. Some have a slightly different cutting angle also.

[Ryan August]

The 'maple tapping bits'? Do they make a difference? Worth my few extra dollars?

[cpmaple]

That's one thing I don't go without a tapping bit I always have 3-4 of them in the sugarhouse on hand. Once you use one for the first time you will never use anything else cleaner hole and faster drilling. And yes the tip angle is different them any bits you buy at tsc, lowes or your hardware store.

[maple flats]

A few years ago I had a man tapping for me while I was gone. I furnished him with a tapping bit. During the course of the day, he slipped on a tap hole and broke the bit. He went and bought 2 new regular bits, not knowing there was a difference. When I returned he told me and wanted to know where I got the bit he broke, because he found there to be a huge difference in the tap holes.
A tapping bit not only clears shavings better, but it cuts the hole cleaner, a clean cut hole flows better and longer than the normal hole.

[lpakiz]

Draw the side flutes of a regular drill across your thumb nail, then a tapping bit. Do this with a portion of the drill midway between tip and shank. You will notice the flutes are razor sharp on the tapping drill. Probably why they cut so clean.

[WESTVIRGINIAMAPLER]

The $20 Canadian tapping bit Bascom sells is by far the best I have ever seen. I have been using then since they came out and have never broken one of them. Even after a couple thousand holes then seem to tap as good as a new bit. Best $20 in Syruping I have spent. Take a less than 2 seconds to drill a tap he with them. I have found once you stop drilling in if you will let them keep spinning in the tap hole for about an extra half second you will almost always get a clean taphole.

[steve J]

About 5 years ago I bought a Canadian bit and was shocked how much better it was than last year with 3 trees to go I broke it and had to finish with regular drill bit and that was a pain. But Leader has come out with a new bit for $16.00 they do not show in their catalog I just bought 2 so will know shortly rather they are as good as Leader says.

[tuckermtn]

these are the bits we use. I think I saw them on the shelf at Bascoms in the same packaging.

http://www.mscdirect.com/product/81140204

Chicago-Latrobe 46020

[Ryan August]

Ok, I stopped being so cheap and got some bits, tapping went well ,big wood chunks, drill still died after forty taps or so.

[BAP]

Maple Guys have them for $12

[maple flats]

Ok, I stopped being so cheap and got some bits, tapping went well ,big wood chunks, drill still died after forty taps or so.
What is your drill? Was the battery fully charged to start? I have some old drills that run low in about 200 holes but I never kill a battery on my 18V DeWalts in under maybe 500 holes. If you were using an 18V drill the battery is bad if it was freshly charged. Most likely even 12V and 14.4V drills would have done more than that.

[NH Maplemaker]

Thanks Eric for the link! Ordered bits yesterday and got them today! Look just like my others that I got from maple dealer. Price was under $6.00 bucks each!

[adk1]

Clean the bit in soapy water first. Rinse. Then boil it for a minute or so and get ready to tap

[cbhansen]

I use the high speed stainless drill bits from Lee Valley. Little expensive but they stay razor sharp. Never had a issue with the bits breaking.

[Homestead Maple]

these are the bits we use. I think I saw them on the shelf at Bascoms in the same packaging.

http://www.mscdirect.com/product/81140204

Chicago-Latrobe 46020

Here's a posting on Ebay for 19/64ths. bits of the same manufacturer. I have been using these for 4 years now and they have the hi rate spiral which make for a lot faster chip removal and cleaner tap hole.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/2-NEW-19-64-2969-DRILL-BIT-CHICAGO-LATROBE-JOBBER-118-BRIGHT-FINISH-44219-/330801833653?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item4d055366b5