Drill Bit advice

[Govmnt_Lacky]

I am in need of some PCB drill bits. I usually use .0310 (#68) for all of my drilling but I have sadly broken them all 

I am working on a new PCB project and the pad sizes I need to use will be wrecked by the bit size I use now. SOOOOOOO

I need to get some #68 bits. 

My biggest obstacles are as follows:

1) REALLY WANT TO USE PAYPAL for payment
2) Prefer JUST *68 bits. NOT multi-size sets.
3) Quick ship

Any suggestions?

Also... what size bits do you use for your PCB drilling??? I just used #68 because it fits all my components.

[MikeH]

I usually cruise ebay- enter the # you want + "drill bit" and usually I can score a 10 pack for a pretty reasonable price including shipping.

Example: http://cgi.ebay.com/10-Piece-68-Drill-Bit-Twist-Drill-Wire-Gauge-/360279186453?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item53e2501c15

10 for 5 bucks.  Not awful.

The trick I use to keeping them from breaking is to keep the bit almost all of the way in the chuck.  I only have enough sticking out to barely get through the pcb I'm drilling.  Less wobble, less breaking.

[ayayay!]

I'd also advise lubricant.  Use a drop of 3 in 1 oil, cutting oil, or if there's none handy, spit. 

[Gordo]

I'd also advise lubricant.  Use a drop of 3 in 1 oil, cutting oil, or if there's none handy, spit. 

Ewww...drilling thru a loogie...

[bean]

Not Paypal, but I've bought hundreds of bits from here: http://drillcity.stores.yahoo.net/10pacresdril.html

The re-sharpened carbide will last quite a while. Sometimes they do break, but a ten pack lasts me a few months.

I use #65 for components (accommodates fatter diode leads) and #60 for the mounting pins on PCB pots. Nothing wrong with 68, but that is a bit small for some of those thick leads.

[John Lyons]

http://drillcity.stores.yahoo.net/10pacresdril.html
Paypal accepted!

[KazooMan]

I tried the Drill City resharpened bits (in a good drill press) and found the breakage rate to be pretty bad.  The price is right, but I found that I got better mileage out of the bits that Smallbear sells. 

http://www.smallbearelec.com/Detail.bok?no=592

The 67s work for me.

[John Lyons]

I tried the Drill City resharpened bits (in a good drill press) and found the breakage rate to be pretty bad.

No offense but it's your technique I believe. I can get thousands of holes from one bit.
They are brittle as are any carbide bit will be. That's just how carbide is. It's hard and sharp, and stays sharp
for a long time. These bits are as good as they come. Just sayin'...

Smallbear only sells high speed steel bits. They work but they dull very fast.
HSS bits will flex some and not break, as carbide does not flex much without breaking.

Use your fastest speed and a slower feed rate and you'll be fine.
I don't mean to boast but I can generally drill one to one and a half holes per second with these bits
and drill maybe 200 boards per bit. At a dollar a bit that's pretty good, as good as you could hope for.
Everyone does there thing a little different. For me these bits are the best. 

John

[davent]

Mostly use 71's and 65's carbide bits from drillcity but also have a variety pack of HSS numbered bits if i need a bigger hole. The carbides are brittle but i've never had any problem continuing to drill with whats left of the bit.

Is there a source of carbide bits with really short shanks, don't need a half inch of flexing shank to drill through a 1/16" pcb?

dave

[bean]

HSS will only be good for 3 or 4 boards. After that the dullness will cause the pads to pucker.

I do find some carbides will unexpectedly break. But a good one will last a very good while, as John said. You can buy new carbides at drillcity for a few bucks more. They may last longer/be more durable.

[Govmnt_Lacky]

Thanks everyone. 

I actually took a chance on fleabay and found a pack of 50 #68 collared drill bits for $20.

They are resharps but I figured I would give it a try and getting 50 bits for $20 is a great deal 

Just hoping I don't get burned!