Looking for Used Tapping Bit

[BlueberryHill]

I just put up an ad in classifieds looking for a used 5/16" bit. Not sure how many people are checking classifieds in Sept. though. If anyone has one they could spare, please check out my listing in classifieds. Thanks!

[crzypete]

I'm really into my drill bits, And curious what makes a bit special for tapping trees? Also curious why you would want a used one?

[Haynes Forest Products]

Pete anytime you could potentially pick up a piece of maple equipment for 1/2 price how could you pass that up?

[crzypete]

Haynes, I can't tell if you are tongue in cheek or serious. But really, what makes the bit special? I'm as cheap as the next guy, but tend not to buy used drill bits if they are small diameter- harder to sharpen and cheap to buy. We are talking about 5/16" and 7/16" sizes.

And I take my drill bits very seriously. I have over $1000 of drill bits- not a joke. And have at times changed the tip angle to accomplish different tasks.

Pete

[psparr]

Haynes, I can't tell if you are tongue in cheek or serious. But really, what makes the bit special? I'm as cheap as the next guy, but tend not to buy used drill bits if they are free small diameter- harder to sharpen and cheap to buy. We are talking about 5/16" and 7/16" sizes.

And I take my drill bits very seriously. I have over $1000 of drill bits- not a joke. And have at times changed the tip angle to accomplish different tasks.

Pete

I am about the cheapest guy on he planet, broke down after a few years and bought one. Would never go back.

With a standard drill bit you are pushing the drill. With a tapping bit, you are hoping it doesn’t go through the tree. And you can’t appreciate why I’m saying without trying it yourself.

[Cjadamec]

Haynes, I can't tell if you are tongue in cheek or serious. But really, what makes the bit special? I'm as cheap as the next guy, but tend not to buy used drill bits if they are small diameter- harder to sharpen and cheap to buy. We are talking about 5/16" and 7/16" sizes.

And I take my drill bits very seriously. I have over $1000 of drill bits- not a joke. And have at times changed the tip angle to accomplish different tasks.

Pete

Tapping bits have a point angle suited for wood cutting and the flute edges are sharpened to clean the hole of shavings or loose fibers on the edge of the hole. The bits are made from HSS / machine tool steel so they get sharper and stay sharp even when cutting thru bark and frozen wood.

A tapping bit really is worth the 12-20 bucks they cost. That and it saves you from having to grind a new point into a good machinist bit from your inventory.

[n8hutch]

If you ever find yourself in Chatham NH I'll gladly give you a used bit, If I can find one. But honestly it would be cheaper to order one from bascom, the can probably mail it to you for Penny's.

[maple flats]

Blueberry, why a "used" tapping bit?

[Zucker Lager]

Tapping bits have a point angle suited for wood cutting and the flute edges are sharpened to clean the hole of shavings or loose fibers on the edge of the hole. The bits are made from HSS / machine tool steel so they get sharper and stay sharp even when cutting thru bark and frozen wood.
First time I've seen a good explanation of a "Tapping Bit" Our tool room at work had a guy that did sharpening / repairing of all their tooling and he would make special bits and tools that worked better on special jobs or metals. It really did make a difference using those special tools. One thing to mention though it all drill bits can be re sharpened just like new and for larger bits its cost effective. Even for a tapping bit???? Jay

[crzypete]

Thanks for the explanation. Pointier drills do drill better. In fact, standard drill bits- 118º tip are pretty bad at most everything. They are a sad compromise that can work wood or metal and are what is sold as general purpose bits. I prefer 135º bits with a split point for working metal, and have often ground steeper angles onto bits to drill wood.

Pete

[Haynes Forest Products]

every year I start the year off with a few new bits in the supply cabinet and relegate last years bits to the IF ALL ELSE FAILS section. I have bits that still have the gold Titanium coating on them so I don't think I can improve on the sharpness putting them on my drill DR. I know that there guys out there that can do wonders with a cutting bit but this is not the weak link in my operation. If the bits I get pulled themselves into the wood any quicker my breakage rate would go up.

Now you boys got me to thinking maybe I could lose some weight if I didn't use such a sharp steak knife.