Drill Bit sharpening with the Drill Doctor 750X - tool review

[@mage8838]

That internal view is absolutely amazing!!!!!!!!!

[@billy19461]

Jon Lavender Amazing!

[@vetteman1542]

As a young lad in my early 20s I used to work at an old school Hardware Store, There the Old Timers taught me a wealth of info, one of which was to sharpen drill bits. Now that I'm an Old Timer myself, my eys aren't what they used to be, I can stll sharpen bigger bits but they dont always come out great. I was doing some fab work the other day with a small dull bit, I said ENOUGH! and ordered the 750. should be here tomorrow. :)

[@bltefft]

I sure liked your video. I’m just a DIY’fer and got tired of buying new drill bits, so I bought a Drill Doctor 500x (I don’t have any bits larger than 1/2 inch, so I passed on the 750x). And I saw that I can buy the larger chuck for my 500x for the 3/4 bits if I need. My 500x was about $70 less than the 750x. I’m glad that both DD’s set-up the same way. I got mine from Lowes and had to order it. Can’t hardly wait to get it.

[@TomSnyder--theJaz]

I have the Drill Doctor next to my press and my drills get a 'touch' before every use. Never a dull moment.

[@clydebalcom8252]

Nice pun

[@richardsolomon8076]

Nice review John, hats off to Drill Dr / Work Sharp for hooking you up with the goods :)

[@eviltwinx]

I have had a Drill Doctor for many years and you’re 100% correct about having in a place that’s readily accessible. I sometimes forget I have it. The hobbyist in me appreciates the simplicity of the machine. Now, I need to find it, dust it off and sharpen some much needed bits.

[@stonearches2883]

I’ve had one for years and love it. It paid for itself many times over.

[@bobpharris6179]

Glad to hear a review from an actual working smith. So many reviews are from some weekend hobby warriors. This is now on my list. Thanks for the review.

[@felixferreiro1723]

You inspired me to keep trying and over come all issues we have in Brazil , for an idea my anvil is an big square rock

[@AWDJRforYouTube]

Great review on a great product John.👍 I have had the 750X for many years..I found that 135 deg Split Point is superior for metal working, tough forged steels, as well as non ferrous soft metals too. Split point allows the drill to center cut, and keep centered, and prevents drill walking on flat metal without any center drill or punch mark. That is now the standard point on all my shop drill bits.

[@BlackBearForge]

Thanks for the info!

[@jeffgrier8488]

I have thought about buying a Drill Doctor for years but have never done it. Thanks for helping me make up my mind!

[@MegaTapdog]

nice job, thank you. i love my drill doctor, i sharpened by hand for years on my grinder but last few years i just chuck them in a bin and sharpen them when i get to it. Faster and easier.

[@1averageamerican]

Your comment about the importance of having this accessible is right on. I have a Drill Dr in a box somewhere. I've used it in the past and liked it very much. Need to get it out and leave it out so I will actually use it. I sharpen my chisels and plane irons, makes sense to sharpen my drill bits also.

[@johncbrownmd]

Best review I have seen on this. I have one of the originals and may upgrade. I just dusted it off as I was having a hard time drilling steel and after scouring the internet your review is by far the best. Thanks

[@TokyoCraftsman]

I've got the basic unit, I've had it for many years, it has paid for itself many, many times over! mine sits on a shelf, plugged in ready to go right beside my drill press. Cheers from Tokyo Stu

[@nephicus339]

Cool; I was thinking that, "Of course it does a good job. It's their top of the line." Like car commercials that give you basic model prices, but show you top of the line models. Nice to hear even their basic model lasts years and does the job.

[@TokyoCraftsman]

@@nephicus339 On my model the 350X the diamond wheel that grinds the bit can be swapped end for end to give you a new fresh grinding surface (only half the wheel surface is used to grind the bit). When I bought the unit I bought a spare grinding wheel, but to tell the truth I have yet to even swap the original wheel end to end to yet. Now if I was doing it over I'd buy the bigger unit, but that 350X has served me very well. I cannot remember the last time I bought drill bits over the minimum size it sharpens. Cheers

[@Zogg1281]

Cool video and I love the camera angle from inside the machine! I really need to start sharpening my drill bits as I switched to a new one the other day and got a massive shock about how quickly the new bit went through the metal. Another skill to learn as I'm going to have to sharpen by hand to start off. At least I know what to look for when I have some free money and that has reached the top of the "needed/wanted" list. 👍

[@danielww9022]

That machine is a real gem for anyone who digs holes on a regular basis. I've spent waaaaay too much money on new bits after spending waaaaay too much time trying to sharpen them myself. The drill doctor changed all that. The learning curve was a little steep at first, but there is no shortage of how to videos, & I'm very happy to have this machine in my garage now. The value is far greater than the expense.

[@KillSwitchNY]

Was about to say the same thing. The learning curve is tough for the setup because the instructions and markings on the tool are not the best.

[@mountaincrittercreations2596]

I'm sold I want one. Thanks for the video.

[@marcerivest6204]

Good job of reviewing this, l have one and it works OK .l just find that it's a little slow. I have been splitting points for over 40years and l split most of my bits . They were going to throw it out at work and l brought it home, thinking that one day l might not be able to see good.

[@Rick_Bagnall]

John, I have the old 500 unit and it works well for me. This is a home or hobby unit. Darex was the original manufacturer of the Drill Doctor (don't know if they still are or if Drill Doctor is now a separate company). Darex makes commercial drill sharpening equipment for industrial use that I have used for years as a machinist. These home units operate similarly to the commercial ones. I like the way these home units sharpen, and with care they give results almost as good as the commercial units.

[@BlackBearForge]

Darex is still the parent company

[@StubbornWorkshop]

You’re 100% right, John! I have the 550, or whatever model is below the one you got, and I keep it plugged in all the time. So when I need to sharpen a bit I don’t have any excuses.

[@JasonHigh78]

I use mine all the time, and will put some Dykem layout dye on them before sharpening, especially the ones that were hand sharpened!!

[@olddawgdreaming5715]

Good morning John, good review for the Drill Doctor drill sharpening system. Instructions kept handy is a big help and makes the job so much easier and enjoyable too 👍👍. Thanks for sharing with us, Fred.

[@TufStockdogs]

Thank you for sharing this drill dr I am going to try to get one

[@brucepettis7099]

I bought one many years ago when I was putting in planks in a semi trailer floor. 7/32s drill bit was needed well the cross members took its toll on those drill bits. I seen this at a great hardware store by me, 7 corners hardware was the name. Drill Dr. Was a life savings moment in time and aggravation. I love mine, 1/2 is about the biggest it will do. All my larger bits I still hand grind by eye. Great demo John thank you.

[@bentfork]

If you are talking about 7 Corners Hardware in St. Paul, I was so sad to see it close. That place was like a toy store. So many things packed into that place.

[@brucepettis7099]

Toy store. Its was more Disney world for big kids. I even got to meet Norm from this old house. Wat cool.

[@shortfuse43]

I've had a Model 500 for years, and love it. One good point about Darex is that they stand behind their product. I bought a replacement diamond grinding wheel and when I installed it, it didn't fit quite right to make a symmetrical grind on a bit. I contacted customer service and told them about the problem. I had a free replacement wheel on return mail, no charge, no shipping cost, no questions asked.

[@rogerpetrella5993]

I've had an older blue 750X for maybe 25 years. I tend to just save up bits and do a pile at one time. Probably should do it more often. Does a great job. Wish it could do the tiny ones though.

[@grayghoste78]

Been using a drill doc for years. The more you use it you will pick up little things that help for a better finished product. Great job keep up the good work.

[@BlackBearForge]

Thanks for the info!

[@GregFurtman]

I have a Drill Doctor 750x. It does a great job and is easy to use. Good video!!

[@chrisjones6002]

Project Farm did a comparison of several drill bit sharpeners and he really liked the Drill Doctor. It's worth a look too. Like a dummy I had a Drill Doctor that someone gave me new as a gift. I wasn't smart enough to try it and eventually I got rid of it. Now that I could use it I regret that mistake.

[@katrinao8548]

Ive had the 500x for years. Love it

[@ga5743]

I have a Dr too, but mine is blue and was purchased a while ago, yes I have it close to my drill equipment and do use it. Nice tool to have. Looks like you sharpened your razor too, nice hair cut. 😀

[@dartvader9939]

Love my doctor been using for years you can upgrade and sharpen left hand bits if I remember correctly

[@FZR650]

Watching this video and my first response was “what’s a split point drill bit?”. Today I learned something that I didn’t know about. Thank You John!

[@BlackBearForge]

Glad it helped!

[@mariusfrost640]

Thank you for the internal view, that's what I was missing.

[@oldschool3372]

Thank you John. I have been looking at drill sharpening tools.

[@BlackBearForge]

Glad to help

[@jeffrichards5008]

Good job

[@davidwatsonii9469]

I'VE USED A REGULAR DRILL DR, IT WORKED WELL

[@clayshepherd8724]

This is awesome .. i was literally just researching this little unit last night . Thanks for the vid !!

[@Patriot494]

The one thing I noticed John that's super important is that we must keep that chuck in constant contact with the Cam Pin all the way around the turn. Great videos! thank you and keep em comin!

[@BlackBearForge]

Great tip!

[@storm9872001]

I've had my basic drill doctor for a few years. I use solid carbide bits some for hardened steel and sharpening one of them twice paid for the unit. Everything after that has been profit.

[@barrystevens2780]

Sharpening the drill bit also requires the proper drill cutting surfaces to be timed correctly. The little clips that clamp the drill length also time the drill cutting lips.

[@Alanbataar]

Exactly! That's what the depth screw does. It also helps accommodate for different helix angle drills.

[@chrisa9435]

Awesome review, one of the best yet!

[@ugo7295]

Thank You, I will order for sure, great video.

[@grandadz_forge]

Interesting gizmo. Could be a money saver for sure

[@douglasfathers4848]

Hi John I hope they are for sale in Australia will have to do some research. So thanks John for showing this product.

[@pickled_monkey6996]

I've got the same model and it's fantastic

[@joehenry511]

Ive gotten pretty good at sharpening bits on the grinder. I’ve always been told by old timers to learn to sharpen bits by hand and to not get one of these. but the fact that it does split points might make me buy one anyways

[@josephmaschari1073]

Looks like a good tool. I like your new shirt.

[@honthirty_]

Like the bear video camera shirt. Good use of post script commentary.

[@adampablodayc]

This model is better looking than the old model.

[@billy19461]

Got to get one!

[@privatefarmgirl]

I need this in my life.

[@mikepettengill2706]

good to know, thanks John!

[@jameseddy5294]

I got the same model never used it yet been dragging my feet an add more bits to do

[@Dirty_Bits]

That really is a useful tool. My opinion, based on years of use, is that it's a bit on the hobby end the spectrum as far as build quality goes, however with proper use, it will sharpen drills as well as a proper industrial sharpener. It just won't last nearly as long.

[@HappyHands.]

I have to say this... Reading the instructions is absolutely required in order to do the drill doctor correctly if you have never used one.

[@mqL49J]

Is that a shot at ol' AVE? Below the belt, poor feller can't read cause he's Canadian.

[@robertwhitney2232]

I was a little disappointed no picture, of your sharpened split point drill. I guess for the hobbyist the Drill Doctor is a great tool. For me, my first machine shop class old school, you learned how to sharpen drills on a bench grinder, which I still do.

[@pocketchange3543]

Drill Doctor is the best money I ever spent. For bad bits, I like to color the end with a sharpie to make sure I get the whole edge.

[@BlackBearForge]

Good suggestion

[@williamsultana3848]

Hi John

[@hannemannironworks1651]

That’s a nice tool!

[@royhoco5748]

great review, can the grinding wheel in the sharpener be replaced and if so is it easy to do? this would be much better tool if the chuck would turn automatically while the sharping process is going instead of the operator having to turn the chuck manually.

[@robertlulek1634]

Is it 118 only good for a soft woods and soft materials? What is the recommended angles for drilling through steel?

[@frankgaletzka8477]

Hello John Very nice Video Sharpening drillbits is for me like a pain in the butt I am not able to do it the right way But with the drilldoctor is a alternativ Thanks John All the best Yours Frank

[@justinr9164]

So can it put a point back on a straight broken bit?

[@gustalley8917]

A friend bought one a few years back, but I could never justify spending that much money on something I wouldn’t use on a regular basis. Fast forward 15 years and I picked one up at an auction for under $25. Money well spent for sure. But even after reading the entire instruction book, I’d really like to know how many degrees each slot on the indexing port is. The directions don’t say much about the other slots. Only 118° is marked and I can’t find any other information about it.

[@jagboy69]

For every guy you find that likes this thing, there will be another that hates it. I've had the cheapy versions of the DD and I thought it was a waste of money. Last year, I decided to roll the dice again and bought the 750x. After about 3hrs of farting around with it, I have to say I'm impressed. Sure it won't sharpen everything, but you can get a decent grind with it even after a six pack!. Try that on your bench grinder! For the average guy in the garage, it gets the job done with minimal fuss.

[@denniswilliams8747]

I have a Handyman 250 drill Dr. My experience is the plastic cams wear out. It is now pretty well useless. The diamond wheel shows no wear. Perhaps the higher level Drill docs are better. As with anything the better units are probably worth the extra money. Thanks

[@BlackBearForge]

The plastic cams are available as a replacement, at least for this model anyway

[@AlbiesProductsOnline]

I waited right to the end of the video to see a picture of before and after and with the new split point but no pictures so the only thing we as the view have to go on the performance of the tool is the sound of grinding and the spinning of a drill bit over a grinding wheel I was expecting a lot better video with information that we can actually use to make an informed decision on purchase

[@BlackBearForge]

Sorry, Next time I'll invest in a nice macro lens just for that shot

[@emmengel]

Can you replace the sharpening stone

[@duanecjohnson]

Yes you can. Their in their catalogue. redrok

[@BlackBearForge]

Yes, I think the stones run about $22

[@tomfarrow710]

Too bad that it won't fix broken bits, that is my biggest cause of not having bits around. Good review thanks

[@BlackBearForge]

If there's enough bit left you could rough in the point free hand then clean it up on the Drill Doctor.

[@glenndarilek520]

I do what John said. Fake it by hand and then let Drill Doctor do it correctly.

[@edwardgiovannelli5191]

The 750x is one of those rare 'miracle machines' that really do live up to the manufacturer's claims. I've had one for about 10 or 12 years and its paid for itself several times over... all the more when you consider having it right on hand when you mess up your only 17/32" bit at 10:00pm on a Saturday night. You absolutely MUST follow the directions, so if you're inclined to throwing away the instruction book and winging it, this machine will do you no good.

[@shanejohns7901]

Current price as of this comment date for the 750X is: $134.54 from a single online retailer. Where the rest seem to have fixed the price at the $139.95 price point, which seems to also correspond with the product's price shown on product's main website. Did that one online retailer get a special deal the others didn't get? Certainly is a top of the line product, IMHO. However, it has a $50ish kid brother model that would likely suit me just fine. But I also doubt that I have $50 worth of drill bits to my name, so it wouldn't even make economical sense for me to purchase that lower-grade model. Definitely a niche market.

[@Highstranger951]

Meh, I’m the guy at the shop that everyone brings me their drills to sharpen, just follow the angle and you’re good. This Old Tony has a fantastic video on sharpening drills, if you learn how it works, you will always have a nice cutting bit.

[@sfdjay]

Sold me John

[@FredKustomGarage]

Moi, j'affûte mes forets a la main, et ça va bien 😁👍

[@verdantpulse5185]

Am I the only one that just sharpens on a bench grinder? It's easy, takes only seconds for most. Right hand, left hand, drills with the end snapped right off, paddle bits, flatted lip bits for brass and acrylic, d-bits, Split points with a dremel, brad points with a wheel on a die grinder. Just relax and get over the idea of a drill bit as a precision tool. It's a roughing tool; a reamer is a precision tool.

[@ROTHGLUT]

I think it's ok for hobby, but in an industrial invoierment it wears out quickly. We had one at work. After a bit of use, the quality of the sharpend drills droped. Drills drilled too big, some were overheated and the minions managed even to grind some reverse. It is not Idiotproof. I'm way faster with a benchgrinder and also more precise. If you sharpen drillbits once a year, it will be a good solution. I'm a machinist and in my apprenticeship, I had to grinde some 100 drillbits to learn it. It's a useful skill, and I teach now my apprentices to learn it. it also helps if you want to make special tooling....

[@Dominic.Minischetti]

I want one! Lol

[@luffararnesugerkuk]

Thanks for the video, I am now sitting with the same unit next to me cause we are out on a 1 year montage job so cannot use the stationary grinders in workshop there. But please, is there any way I could convince you NOT to hold the material you drill into by hand alone? I understand the convince of it and many of us fall prey to convenience all the time, young and old alike, but those of us getting up there and seen the most horrible accidents with our own eyes should all know better, sorry not meant to the party pooper.

[@billdavis3957]

Camera does not have close up views!

[@Dosto007]

Tx

[@jeffstanley4593]

Unless you only have one of a certain size you do not want to sharpen just one bit. Wait till you get a half dozen or so. If you do one every time just one gets dull you have all the "getting it out" time every time. Do more than one bit at a sitting.

[@duanecjohnson]

I to have a Drill Dr. 250. Mine is an older model I got off eBay (pretty cheap). It still works Very well. Yes the learning curve is a bit steep but well worth it to get consistent repeatable results. Redrok

[@TurinTuramber]

God damn those Yankees and their fractional inches. 😩

[@BlackBearForge]

I guarantee the machine doesn't care.

[@TurinTuramber]

@@BlackBearForge Can you even buy metric drill sizes there or are they considered contraband?

[@BlackBearForge]

Of course you can, but since they aren't the standard used there is no point. Plus nearly everything done in a blacksmith shop could care less if the hole is an exact fractional size, decimal size or metric size. It only really matters if you're tapping threads

[@TurinTuramber]

@@BlackBearForge Fair enough. Good review. Thanks

[@generalralph6291]

Hi. I'm Pedantic Man. It's not a drill "bit." It's just a drill. And your power drill is actually a drill driver. I'll go away now. My work here is done.

[@chadmiller7753]

Sorry but it's a drill bit and drill motor in my neck of the woods. A driver is a bit for hex headed screws.

[@macgolf1194]

VEVOR DRILL SHARPENER WAY BETTER...

[@rjg3876]

It’s not hard to sharpen bits if you a steady hands and some knowledge and a bench grinder. Look it up on KZbin

[@lesteryarbrough2403]

I have one waste of money