Anyone tried this style of drill?

[Jonnyofalltrades]

I'm considering trying one of these for drilling firing pin holes, to skip the reaming step.
In my experience, these drills can make beautiful holes, but I've no experience with one so small.

Thoughts? Experiences?

 

[clowdis]

Looks like a gun drill without the flushing. You'll have to find a way to clear the chips while you're drilling.

 

[matthias]

I have used them to drill scope base holes in mauser receivers that were resistant to other drills. Chips were not a huge issue due to the small size. Lots of cutting oil. The size I remember is 31 being used quite a few times with a forester drilling jig.

 

[shortgrass]

The "Huski" having some of the hardest case, along with the 'glass hard' Springfields and 1917/1914s. Having the existing hole makes it much easier to anneal the edges for tapping. I can use a standard center drill and jobbers drill, and a chucking reamer for far less than $61, including my time for the tool change.

 

[boltfluter]

Not at that ridiculous price. What issues are you having with a regular solid carbide drill bit? The tips on these small carbide drills break down very quickly and need a frequent resharp. You will get good at sharpening tiny drills whether you want to or not. Lol. Eye loupes are your friend in this instance.
Paul

 

[shortgrass]

Not at that ridiculous price. What issues are you having with a regular solid carbide drill bit? The tips on these small carbide drills break down very quickly and need a frequent resharp. You will get good at sharpening tiny drills whether you want to or not. Lol. Eye loupes are your friend in this instance.
Paul

And, most makers of those style drills recommend for hardened steels, above 40-45RC. Not for general drilling. 41410HT ,,,,, 28-32RC

 

[Jonnyofalltrades]

Not at that ridiculous price. What issues are you having with a regular solid carbide drill bit? The tips on these small carbide drills break down very quickly and need a frequent resharp. You will get good at sharpening tiny drills whether you want to or not. Lol. Eye loupes are your friend in this instance.
Paul

The price is in CAD, so about $40 USD.
It is more a matter of availability for me.
I can't order from Mcmaster-carr, and places like MSC are outrageous by the time I factor in shipping and brokerage fees.
I haven't had the easiest time finding small carbide drills and reamers north of the 49th.
This is on my side of the border, and just one item, not 2.

 

[geo.ulrich]

I use them all the time for drilling holes down to .040 dia. through 62 Rc scale hardened bushings they work very well...these are not gun drills but straight flute drills. they are less apt to twisting and breaking

 

[Jonnyofalltrades]

And, most makers of those style drills recommend for hardened steels, above 40-45RC. Not for general drilling. 41410HT ,,,,, 28-32RC

I usually bush with a grade 12.9 metric capscrew, and apparently they're around 39-45 RC hardness. Should be good.

Thanks for all the feedback!

 

[urbanrifleman]

Not at that ridiculous price. What issues are you having with a regular solid carbide drill bit? The tips on these small carbide drills break down very quickly and need a frequent resharp. You will get good at sharpening tiny drills whether you want to or not. Lol. Eye loupes are your friend in this instance.
Paul

What is good brand to get solid carbide drill bits?

 

[LVLAaron]

The handful of carbide stuff I have, I get from ultratool