Drill Bits - an overview

Several viewers have asked me to provide a brief summary of the main types of drill bits that woodworkers might use. So, I have done my best and hope that my terminology is correct.

[@shaun30-3-mg9zs]

Hi Peter, Always in use my twist bits and spade bits, I will have to get a plug cutter bits good way to cover screws. Good demonstration and always full of good tips and ideas and value your honest opinion, great video Take care

[@NewBritWorkshop]

Hi Shaun, Thank you for this. Yes, do get a plug cutter. Cheers. Peter

[@davidgrover2665]

Thx Peter - always learn a lot from your videos & loved this one! 👍

[@NewBritWorkshop]

Hi David, Many thank for this and your unwaving support. Cheers. Peter

[@derekgibbs8966]

Thank you Peter I have shared this to all King’s Lynn Mens Shed members 👍👍

[@NewBritWorkshop]

Hi Derek, Brilliant - is there anything else I can do to help? Peter

[@skipflorey2511]

Peter, as always very informative and you cover all the types. I do like the way you show both inexpensive and top quality types.

[@NewBritWorkshop]

I appreciate that - cheers. Peter

[@MCsCreations]

Thanks a bunch, Peter! Very valuable information! 😊 Stay safe there with your family! 🖖😊

[@NewBritWorkshop]

Thanks, you too. Cheers. Peter

[@ashleycox432]

As always great video Peter. The one thing you missed which may or may not fit in the drill bits category is the hole saw. Useful for cutting round holes of course and some would say easier than a forstner bit if you're drilling by hand, as they don't have a tendency to jump across the surface or catch if you mistakenly angle the drill like a forstner can. They're also extremely useful for making circular discs and in a quality drill press with a good table and clamped down workpiece can be used to cut a disc without a centre hole if the centring bit is removed from the arbour. Anyone reading this comment not familiar with the hole saw should note that you should never, ever use them in a hand drill without the centring bit in place, as the bit is essential to guide the cut and keep the saw straight. There is a video on KZbin where an unfortunate man aptly demonstrates what can happen if you atempt to freehand drill with a hole saw and no centre bit. Used with care though they are extremely versatile tools.

[@NewBritWorkshop]

Hi Ashley, Yes, it was not there as I got rid of the last of my hole saws a while ago. As you rightly point out, they can be tricky to use and there are sometimes better ways of achieving the same result. Cheers. Peter

[@jamesrodgers3132]

Not quite the only thing. There's step drills, for drilling holes in thin or curved metal. Try it with an ordinary twist drill and the hole may well turn out oval.

[@georges8348]

Hi Peter. Informative as always. My first auger bit experience was when I used them in my bit brace and was hand cranking them. No hazard there. But auger bits are hilariously dangerous to the uninformed and inexperienced when used in a drill press. I only use them in a hand held drill for drilling holes to run wires through.

[@NewBritWorkshop]

Yes, I did try and stress that in the video. Cheers. Peter

[@router5840]

Interesting Peter for myself I have found Heller Cobalt drill bits to be very good quality in steel and wood and as a cheaper option but also very good value are the Toolstations own Toolpak Cobalt drills,keep up the good work.

[@NewBritWorkshop]

Thanks for the info. Cheers. Peter

[@cjd3207]

Hi Peter, I often wondered about getting Brad Bits after watching, I will be getting some. It would be interesting to know the recommended drill press speeds for the various bits.

[@NewBritWorkshop]

I tend to keep my drill press at the same setting which is a compromise for wood and metal. Best to check the instructions for your machine to be on the safe side. Cheers. Peter

[@johannesmohr967]

Juts an additional advise is if you are drilling in metal, particular stainles steel, Cobalt tvist drills are far supirior to HSS dillbits, and the same with the cost, they are a bit more expensive, best cutting fluid I have used for stainless is “Arrow break free”

[@NewBritWorkshop]

Hi Johannes, Yes, you are right. For hard material like stainless steel cobalt is best. Cheers. Peter

[@meenzerbastelbude4154]

Hi Peter Danke für dein informatives Video. Hoffe dir geht es gut. Liebe Grüße vom KZbin Channel Germany Meenzer Bastel Bude. Bleib mit deinen liebsten gesund. Gruß Stefan

[@NewBritWorkshop]

Hi Stefan, Thank you so much and best wishes to your family as well. Cheers. Peter

[@GARDENER42]

12:26 is simply called a conical bit.

[@NewBritWorkshop]

Yes, I thought that was the case. Cheers. Peter

[@user-ri9dp9fk8w]

Hi Peter,, very informative,, kindly tell me drill which is suitable for Titanium and steel

[@NewBritWorkshop]

Cobalt. Cheers. Peter

[@mogul7500]

Your email address is no longer visible in the about tab, can you share it somehow please?

[@NewBritWorkshop]

All my plans are available free of charge but in order to get plans I need your email address. To find my email address go to my main KZbin page, click the "About" tab and that leads to my email address. I am told this has to be done on a PC. Please state which plans you need in your email. Peter