Changing Drill Bits

[Walling's Maple Syrup]

Wondering how many holes people are drilling with one bit. Before this year, I was drilling as many as 1500 with one bit. This year, I have been switching bits after 1000 holes. It seems to make a difference for me. It seems like after 1000 or so, the bit leaves some chips in the hole and also a little hair where bit breaks through bark and into white wood. Just wondering what everyone else did.
Neil

[Maplewalnut]

Neil-

I drilled close to a 1000 today. Cordless drill battery died with about ten trees left so my son went back to house for new battery but also came back with new bit. Not sure if it was new battery, new bit or both but those last 10 trees drilled like butter. I was going the full season with a bit, but may reconsider now. Especially since we tap close to 50/50 red/sugars. The smooth barked red need a sharp bit so the drill bit doesn't skate on you.

Mike

[sjdoyon]

We usually get 1,000 to 1,200 taps per bit.


Wondering how many holes people are drilling with one bit. Before this year, I was drilling as many as 1500 with one bit. This year, I have been switching bits after 1000 holes. It seems to make a difference for me. It seems like after 1000 or so, the bit leaves some chips in the hole and also a little hair where bit breaks through bark and into white wood. Just wondering what everyone else did.
Neil

[kiteflyingeek]

Can the bits be sharpened? Or is that just as bad as using a bit from the hardware store?

--andrew

[Walling's Maple Syrup]

Can the bits be sharpened? Or is that just as bad as using a bit from the hardware store?

--andrewI don't know much about sharpening bits as I have never tried it. For the 20 dollars or so that they cost, It is well worth just buying a new one in my mind.
Neil

[Michael Greer]

It sure seems to me that a cleanly cut hole would function better...cleaner, better seal on the tap, stronger hold, less dust in the hole, fewer microbes. Yep, maybe we'll put a couple extra bits in the coat pocket...

[Thad Blaisdell]

I am also in the 1000 or so taps and that bit gets retired. I have done it that way for a while. Its a noticeable difference in the ease of operation.

[maple flats]

Maybe I retire mine too soon. I get about 7-800 holes and retire the bit. I do have a drill Dr. that sharpens the bits, but only new ones are used to tap trees. The old ones are used for any other uses calling for a 5/16" hole. Never the twain shall meet.

[ennismaple]

Bruce from Leader recommended that you use them for no more than 3000 taps.