Drill Doctor 500X 3/32-Inch to 1/2-Inch Drill Bit Sharpener
by Drill Doctor
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List Price: Our Price: $99.00 You Save: $64.95 (40%) Availability: Usually ships in 24 hours Buy Used: from $79.99 (click here) Category: Tools See more product details |
Product Details
Manufacturer: Drill DoctorModel: DD500X
Product features:
- Simplified alignment and sharpening procedures
- Sharpens 3/32-inch to1/2-inch standard twist bits and creates split points
- Sharpens high-speed steel, masonry, carbide, and TiN-coated bits
- Quick-change diamond sharpening wheel, no tools needed
- Three-year warranty is valid only in North America on 110-volt power sources
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Tools and Hardware Reviews of Drill Doctor 500X 3/32-Inch to 1/2-Inch Drill Bit Sharpener
Customer Review: Spend the extra and get the 750X
Summary: 4 Stars
I bought this machine a few months ago. I've used it to sharpen quite a few bits, 50+ ranging from HSS to masonry. I will emphasize that you MUST read the instructions thoroughly, and watch the DVD as well. It is important to know how the tool works, and why you will ruin bits if you don't follow the instructions.
To sharpen standard 118* bits couldn't be easier. This machine does an excellent job of it, and since I use most of my drill bits to drill in wood, this is the perfect angle for me. Split points can be ground on 118* bits, and I have done this with success. To sharpen masonry bits is also very easy, and the machine does an excellent job in this regard as well.
Where it gets tricky, for me anyway, is in sharpening 135* split point bits. These days nearly all bits sold are this type and it's nice to be able to recreate the same angle and split point. While I have sharpened bits of this angle with success, I haven't been able to get perfect results all the time. Proper alignment is critical. Trying to adjust the relief angle seems to make proper sharpening more difficult and I would not recommend it to someone who just got his hands on this machine. The relief angle is adjusted by putting the chuck to either side of the 118* alignment slot (the + and - increase and decrease the angle). This is to allow a more aggressive or less aggressive cut. Fiddling with this adjustment seems to throw off the split point when it is being ground as well, taking off way too much material. If too much material is removed during the split point procedure, subsequent sharpening of the bit will not yield the same angle since the alignment fingers will not hold the bit from is flutes, but from the newly ground area behind the split point. It is hard to visualize this, the mistake must be made to understand it fully.
Changing the diamond wheel is straight forward and easily done. The machine has a somewhat loud squeal when running, but it isn't too bad. I have sharpened broken bits with success, so that feature definitely works. Also, unless a bit really damaged during a botched sharpening attempt, it can most probably be sharpened to at least a 118* point again, though it will take a while and several alignment and sharpening procedures. I recommend the 100 grit wheel for when this must be done as it will take less time, and then a follow up can be done with the standard 180 grit wheel. The 750X has more features than just being able to accommodate larger bits, so in my opinion it is definitely worth it. I wish I had gotten that model instead, and I believe sharpening 135* and split points would be easier and faster. This is a quality product though, that I must say.
**EDIT 7/26/08**
After using my DD extensively during a project to sharpen a masonry bit, I noticed something that I hadn't observed earlier. When sharpening the bits according to the instructions, the machine does not put opposing angles on the tip of the bit. That is, it grinds both sides of the tip to an arrow point, and this is NOT conducive to easy drilling. In fact, I realize that I put unnecessary load on my drill using the "sharpened" bit. Perhaps experimenting with bit alignment might help, but that can just as easily ruin a bit you're trying to breath more life into.
**EDIT 8/3/10**
I am adding an edit to this review, mostly to address other reviews and comments about people needing to read and follow the instructions. On *MY* machine, only the 118* angle is indicated on the alignment port. There is NO mention of 135* angle, and this is why I had problems with aligning and sharpening 135* split point bits. After much experimentation and frustration, I finally got the 135* angle by inserting the chuck into the "-" slot, then putting the sharpening port at 135*. I don't know if my machine had a quality control issue, or if all the DD500X units are like this. To split the point on 118* or 135* bits, you need to align the bit at 118* regardless of the angle you sharpened the bit to. In splitting the point, it must be done carefully to avoid under-splitting because if that happens, the bit will NOT cut. For 135* bits, if the point isn't split, it really won't cut unless you're drilling into a very soft material like plastic or wood.
A long review for certain, and a good machine, but not without faults. After owning my machine for a couple of years and using it extensively I feel my four star review of "very good but not excellent" is fully justified.
Description of Drill Doctor 500X 3/32-Inch to 1/2-Inch Drill Bit Sharpener
Make work faster and easier while saving yourself money sharpening your dull and broken drill bits with the Drill Doctor 500X 3/32- to 1/2-Inch Drill Bit Sharpener. This easy-to-use system makes it simple to keep a sharp, perfectly angled cutting edge on bits you use often, and it can even be used to put an edge back on broken bits.
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 Inside the Drill Doctor is an industrial-strength diamond sharpening wheel. View larger. |
 The Drill Doctor is compact and easy to use. View larger. |
 Sharpening dull and broken drill bits saves you time and money. View larger. |
Whether you're a professional tradesperson or a serious hobbyist, you know that a dull drill bit means jobs take longer. Additionally, dull bits can result in lower-quality work, damaged work materials, and shortened drill life. But unlike the relatively straightforward task of sharpening flat blades, sharpening drill bits by hand can be a difficult and cumbersome task. This is what makes the intuitive, easy-to-use Drill Doctor sharpener so useful.
Three Easy Steps Ensure Bits Are Sharp and Effective
With the Drill Doctor 500X, you simply align the bit by setting it against the stop and locking it in place. To sharpen the bit, you turn the chuck an even number of half turns, depending on the size of your bit. As you sharpen, long jaws hold the bit precisely in place, and jaw guides eliminate jaw twisting on small bits. This secure alignment system ensures that you maintain accurate bit geometry and don't damage the integrity of your tools.
Once the bit is sharpened, the Drill Doctor 500X gives you the option of making a unique BACK-CUT spilt-point bit that gives your bit an extra-narrow chisel point, making it faster to penetrate and less likely to wander on the material you are drilling in to.
Additionally, the drill point splitting port offers a "Push to Stop" design that will prevent over-splitting the bit point.
Engineered for Versatility and Flexibility
The same chuck can be used to sharpen popular bit sizes from 3/32- to 1/2-inch, whether they are English, metric, or letter gauge bits. The Drill Doctor 500X sharpens a wide variety of bit types, from high-speed steel, carbide, cobalt, TiN-coated, masonry, and split-point bits for working with metal.
Professional Design and Construction for Durability
For added durability, the Drill Doctor 500X features a metal split-point port, and a die-cast point angle shuttle. The tool relies on a permanent-magnet motor that produces consistent power, regardless of speed or load.
The Drill Doctor 500X also relies on an industrial-strength diamond sharpening wheel that won't change shape over time, and a cool design that means bits don't heat up and lose their tempering as you sharpen them. This wheel, which is good for about 200 sharpenings, is easy for users to replace.
The Drill Doctor is backed by a three-year manufacturer?s warranty.
What's in the Box
Drill bit sharpener, user guide, and instructional DVD.
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