Sharpen Drill Bits by Hand - Lost Tribal Knowledge

[@samuelt321]

The enlarged illustrative 3dprints helped see the motions more clearly. I liked the video.

[@OFCbigduke613]

Damn right

[@richardlincoln8438]

Worth the effort to provide them.

[@1pcfred]

Yeah the cone deal is hard to visualize or explain. It's why you can't easily make a drill bit sharpening jig. Also why you have to make such a strange motion grinding bits. The cone is at an angle in relation to the axis of the bit.

[@johnnaughton2364]

Wife got mad because I brought the grinder into the living room, to try it while watching the video.

[@suterfamily5578]

That's hilarious!

[@Johnny-jr2lq]

Sorry but that seems a little bit weird and extreme. Maybe you should put a tv out in your work area. I think your wife would greatly appreciate that and to be honest I think you would enjoy it as well.

[@endall6783]

@@Johnny-jr2lq I loved it but how is that "weird" ? I guess you don't have directions when putting something together no you pay someone sorry.

[@brianelliot2719]

Thanks Wes, yes I appreciate this type of video. Thanks for producing. I will definitely try it out. Some of my bits are too large for my Drill Doctor so I’ll try on them. I learned that sharpening spade bits is extremely easy if you just grind away the spurs. A spade bit can last forever (almost). You may want to show this and other types too.

[@johnnaughton2364]

@@Johnny-jr2lq Sharpening Drill bits is not weird and extreme. 2 TVs, I'm not rich....just wet everything down so the sparks don't catch the sofa on fire....

[@stevehale7309]

My sophomore year of high school, I took Machine Shop 1, the instructor was a gentleman by the name of I. A. Miller. He made a major impact on my future, I was a machinist in the US Navy for 4 years and when I got out I worked in a local machine shop for about 6 years before moving to a position at a local hospital as a Maintenace Mechanic. One of his rules was to learn to hand grind drills. We had boxes of drill bits that were donated from an Army base close by and we would grind drills every day until we passed his very exact eye. I have never had to purchase replacement drills, I would regrind them until they were too short to use. One of the benefits of learning this skill was to pick up discarded drill bits and regrind them or bring them home to add to my stash. I retired from the hospital 10 years ago and have enough drill bits to last for several generations. I'd always find some that were heading for the dumpster and bring them home. I've started working with my grandsons in learning the skill.

[@Watchyn_Yarwood]

I wish I had someone teach me when I was younger. I'm 79 and now I think I am ready to try grinding my own. "Bout time, huh?

[@VinceHathaway]

@@Watchyn_Yarwood Ah yes, we strive to learn, improve talents, and to gain greater understanding. Then it is off to Croakersville.

[@rickclayton1806]

I was born in 1952. My dad taught me to hand sharpen twist drills before I was 10 years old. When I showed up for my work term job in an electrical maintenance shop in 1971 I was assigned to work with an old electrician named Albert. We loaded up some tools and headed to an installation job on my first day. He instructed me to start working on something that involved drilling a hole in steel. I did so for about 5 seconds and then exclaimed "This drill is DULL!" (incensed). He replied in an Estevan Saskatchewan Hungarian accent "You know how to sharpen them?" (think of Bella Lugosi as Dracula), to which I replied "Of course, don't you?". Silence followed, but I was taken to a grinding wheel with the drill bit handed to me. So I sharpened it. He took it from me, chucked it in a hand drill and proceeded to drill a hole. Nice curly swarf came out of a clean hole. Still silent, he lead me to a large wooden box full of dull drill bits. I spent the rest of the day sharpening them. Just a note for the wise- the drill's web gets thicker as it gets ground down shorter, making it harder to sharpen as you need to thin the web. Yes, you can keep going many times but it may be wise to give up and get a new drill.

[@DanielEngsvang]

In these times of "Saving the Planet-Hysteria" it is very much needed for people to learn this instead of the factories constantly making new ones and ship them across the ocean for no good reason but our collective ignorance regarding basic maintenance of our stuff. 🙂

[@snufflesTheArticulate]

You didn't consider that they are shipped to places that don't/can't produce them? and not just people who want/need them? @@DanielEngsvang

[@jugears1081]

What a great story. I love old European men.

[@rickclayton1806]

@@jugears1081 Albert was born and grew up in Estevan Saskatchewan Canada. There was a very high proportion of Hungarian and Ukrainian immigrants living there following WWII. Most of these people farmed the surrounding area and kept largely to their ethnic groups. Hence, his maternal language was Hungarian, and his accent was extremely strong.

[@jozefbubez6116]

@@DanielEngsvang Totally agree!

[@KirkS.-bc9ip]

Just because your not seeing the "Likes" doesn't mean you've failed or we're not paying attention. Your second video about the "Drill Doctor" shamed me into going back and watching this one...and it was worth the it. Try to remember that not every video will be academy award material, but your knowledge and content are always worth it. Keep teaching...

[@braincraven]

agreed, the drill doctor video pushed me here to learn old school ways.

[@mattinsley5530]

You have great teaching skills. Keep doing what you do. I enjoy watching and have learned some tricks from you. Your never too old to learn. Thanks

[@thetoolman3]

Wes, this tutorial gets right several things that no one else covers. 1: your eyes are good enough to distinguish a good grind from a bad one. 2: the shape of the grind is easily created by breaking down the process into a few simple steps. 3: anyone can learn how to sharpen drill bits by hand; don't be afraid to try and to practice. The 3D prints were a great visual aid, too. And as always, your sense of humor is the best. Keep these videos coming. Thank you.

[@1pcfred]

Just looking at a bit won't tell you if it'll drill, or not. Drilling with a bit will tell you though. You'll know. If the bit don't cut right in then grind it until it does. Getting the cutting edge uppermost is a bit of a trick but it is doable. If you don't the bit will rub and not cut. There's a bit of mind over matter going on with the whole process.

[@oldcynic6964]

Try it. What have you got to lose ? You were going to buy a new drill bit anyway, so it doesn't matter if you totally wreck it ! ps, Wes may not need to wear glasses, but if you're new to this, then wear some eye protection, please.

[@1pcfred]

@@oldcynic6964 I've sharpened a lot of drills and it is always still possible I don't get the cutting edges uppermost. It is a bit of a trick to manage to do that. Although totally ruining a bit would be ruining the temper I suppose. That we have to look out for.

[@centauri61032]

That is actually a really cool video. Highly informative, even for those that use the tools like the Drill Doctor, to understand the ultimate goal. I'm also impressed how much prep you did to make the vid, with all the 3D prints and all. Well done. (The leading commercial was hilarious! And Mrs. Wes even agreed to be a part of it.)

[@jt9498]

#1: All your videos are NEVER a waste of time! Passing your knowledge is a gift you have in abundance. I'll wager you have helped thousands of DIYers and first timers. #2: My dad taught me how to sharpen drill bits when I was 12. I still do it to this day at 76. #3: You always learn more from anyone who knows more than you! #4: vegetarian; old Indian word meaning 'lousy hunter'. ;)

[@WrankledEngine]

7th

[@johngibson3837]

#4 love that one mate guna have to start using it

[@russbell6418]

Mine too, slightly different process. Roll down to the horizontal where you’re sharpening the cutting edge, reverse your motion and cut the relief without resetting. Also you can face relieve to straight down (parallel with the bit shank) for bits used to enlarge in a stepped process.

[@danqp]

You beat me. Start learned how to hand sharpened drill 1976 until now.almost 50 years. Small drill as .015 dia as big 3" dia. Still find this video useful 🎉.

[@YsanneOshea]

When I was a first at work, I was tasked with cleaning and sweeping a machine shop and a tool room on a regular basis. I remember the warm, slightly sweet musky smell of cutting oil, the noise of the huge ancient Ward/Churchill lathes and I remember watching 'bi--spectacled old men' undertaking this sharpening process but have never known the technicalities required to accomplish it. Now I do. Thank you Wes. I am grateful and enlightened! 🕊👍

[@thedeafguitarist]

That's how I learned it 35 years ago. No need for a special sharpening device, just train your hands and your eyes and you get a new skill. Good teaching and explaining!

[@christinamoneyhan5688]

A mill wright taught me ( electrician ) how to sharpen them 55 years ago. He also taught me how to do general stick welding. All of those skill I still use but not very often. Thanks John Cleary.

[@paulpulver3877]

Wes, this production is REALLY appreciated. Your deadpan humor, your humility, your reminding of messing up and riding the learning curve really pans out to an excellent video. But, do them at your pace. We want you making content and liking it, not getting burnt out! Thank you for your postings!

[@RuneLar]

"Watch Wes Work" became "This Old Wes" for day.

[@WatchWesWork]

Not meeting my quota of dad jokes.

[@SouthernArmory]

If Wes wanted to do more shop skill vids….. I’m here for it.

[@IAmUndersteer]

Were that the case, he would’ve just cut those broken bits down with a swift karate chop, and probably sharpened them with a wheel of cheese instead of a grinding wheel through the magic of editing. 😂

[@michaelandrecht7508]

I watch Wes because I learn . I love for him teaching and passing on many of his knowledge and skill sets , like a shop teacher or the journeyman mentoring a novice. You hit a home run with this hands-on video in my book.

[@pldoolittle]

That is high praise indeed.

[@mr.besripair1383]

My Grandfather always sharpened his drill bits the way you do. I watched him sharpen them, many times. Your video on this, made me understand exactly what he was doing. Thank You!

[@RGSABloke]

Awesome WES

[@johnsecord9697]

GREAT STUFF! Keep it up. I have been sharpening drills by hand for 40 or more years and you taught me something. Thanks!

[@marksmallman4572]

me too, i learnt 50 years ago!

[@JohnBare747]

I'm 82 so my drill bit encounters go way back and worse I was taught by my Grandpa who was a mechanic in WWI working on aircraft engines, for the allies, so learning to sharpen drills was one of he first things I was taught after learning to drill a hole. That would be the 1940's and there have been a lot of drill bits under the bridge since then. Things like the Drill Doctor kind of work but you need to put in almost as much time if not more learning them than just sharpening the drill on the grinder in the first place. Or perhaps it was me needing to unlearn how I have sharpened drills for a bucket of decades. Hand Sharpening is a skill worth learning, it can bee kind of like meditating, just round up all the crappy bits and zen them all sharp, you will feel fulfilled and calm in the end. Or is that just me? I also like to once or twice a year put on some nice jazz and get coffee and just sit and sort out all the nuts and bolts out of the Hell Box and put them in their proper storage containers. Perhaps I'm just borderline OCD or just plain nuts, sorted of course.

[@clintonroushff7068]

You would be an awesome neighbor! Take care

[@АлексейПравдин-ь4ы]

Здоровья и удачи вам

[@Wintergatan_2]

Nice story Thanks for sharing, and Thank you for the hell box name, i have too many of those and they are too massive aswell :) cheers

[@chrisj2848]

I think you better tell Mrs Wes this counts as teaching "Dark Arts"... Thanks Wes. Excellent as always.

[@calholli]

I'm convinced that the flies are CGI and you just added them for effect. It's a nice touch for realism

[@NiallWardrop]

I kept trying to brush them off my screen.

[@hvacmangoodman4]

I sprayed them. 😂

[@alanbierhoff6831]

I broke 4 fly swatters and my TV screen 😂😂😂😂

[@Fatamus]

@@alanbierhoff6831 🤣😂🤣

[@Fatamus]

🤣😂🤣

[@themurman01]

I watched my grandfather touch up a drill once, when I was young, but he never had the chance to explain to me what it was that he was doing. My memory was that he did it freehand, and his conical grind was starting at the tip and rolling away, but it was a long time ago. I appreciate all your videos, but ones like these are special, because they are really spreading actual knowledge.

[@vicferrari9380]

That's the way I have always done and taught it. It seems odd to me watching it be done back to front. But I'm sure it works just fine.😊

[@lewis2553]

That's the way I do it, too. It's lots faster and just as good.👍

[@Daemorien]

That's the way I've done it for 20y. An old machinists, just before he retired, showed me how to sharpen everything from a butchering knife to the different types of lathe cutting tools. I was so lucky for those chilly winter nights in the machine shop in front of the grinding wheel.

[@ianosprey7666]

I loved that, thanks. I now need to find a printer... and a bench grinder My dad was a joiner (1940's through 1980's). I used to watch on Sundays when he sharpened and set his tools before the start of the working week. Drills, saws, spokeshave, plane and router blades. He was like a little kid with a new toy when hardpoint saws became available. 🙂

[@loisrinehart6755]

I watch every one of your videos and enjoy them. You have taught me a lot and I'm 75 years old. Thank you.

[@Watchyn_Yarwood]

Agree and 79 here.

[@gerhartkaiser1678]

I really enjoyed this one Wes, takes me back 50 years as a young Toolmaker Apprentice. I was fortunate enough to have miserable old German Tool Makers teach me this process. You really didn't go far without learning to sharpen your drills. Couple of comments, as you sort of stated, you get what you pay for. Those cheap plastic housing 4", 5", and 6" bench grinders are the biggest handicap to sharpening. As you stated a "Sharp" grinding wheel is essential. I use a nice bright blue/white LED lamp fixture and a magnafocuser these days (due to old age) but at 68, I still hand sharpen my drill bits. Thanks again for another well done video and keep'em comin!!

[@1pcfred]

My old German was a very jovial guy. I miss Bugsley. My first day on the job he came up and smelled some steel stock and said, M42 He really liked to joke around. He didn't know me or anything but he had to get that joke in. Now the foreman he was a bit depressed. He was communist Polish.

[@ScoobyMaxC]

Great video, I remember being taught this 35 years ago but this was a really well executed refresher and explanation... and it had crop dusting! Would absolutely watch more like this. Thanks Wes 👍🏻

[@dennisgrow7591]

I'm a retired Manufacturing Engineer, you are spot on with drill information, Your teaching aids are fabulous. Best video I have watched in a long time. Keep up the good work!

[@mildlydisinterested]

I love this sort of video. I was taught the exact same method of drill sharpening by an old timer over twenty years ago. It worked then and it works now. And, center punch free dry drilling a roughly half inch hole by hand with no pilot is madman work. I usually start with a 3/32 and then a 3/8 before moving to 1/2. All with oil, lol. That was a solid sharpening on that one. Done right, sir.

[@steveschumacher5470]

50 years as a mechanic and I'm on my third set of drill bits, mostly due to the shanks getting chewed up. I always buy good quality bits & learned in high school how to sharpen them. My aging eyes convinced me to try a drill doctor a few years ago & after using it once or twice, I went back to hand sharpening as I found it to be fussy & more trouble than it was worth. Thanks for another great video

[@1pcfred]

Yeah I got one of them drill doctor things. It's a waste of time. Bulldogs are not bad though. I use a Bulldog to get the basic shape when a bit is really wacked out. But mounting a bulldog to get perpendicular striations is funky. The directions are worthless for doing it. Put a bit in the jig and hold it up to the wheel how you want it then make a base for it to hold it that way. It'll end up at about a 45° angle.

[@_EmptyBox_]

You're not allowed to have an intro like that while I'm eating! This is fantastic knowledge to share - not just the technique to sharpen the tool, but that there is a technique. Too often there is the "it's broken, lets replace it" mentality - instead of the "it's broken, lets fix it".

[@mackaydb]

Best intro ever ... and darn good teachin' too. 👍👍

[@jeffreyclark1120]

About 40 years ago I worked for an old school machinist and boat builder. One day he assigned me the task of drilling out all the set screws holding the blades of a very old 36" square head planer. They were all seized, they were all hardened, and there were over a hundred of them. He gave me a two minute drill sharpening course and left me to do the job. Each set screw required multiple sharpenings and the drill bits got really short before I dared toss them and start on a new one. To this day the motion to sharpen the edge and cut the relief is permanently wired in my brain. Can't see the edge very well anymore but still get the job done on bits 3/16 and up.

[@billk9628]

My Dad was an elevator mechanic, and drilled through thick steel by hand all the time. He showed me this stuff when I was 5 years old. Trust me! When your Dad has you sharpen the tools he uses for work, they better be right! His day depended on it.

[@WylieWiggins]

I was the flunky in a tool and die shop of a manufacturing facility, everything from drill bits to knives to end mills to chipper blades to barrel openers to hand nippers, to diagonal cutting pliers... were my job to sharpen. Even these days, I watch closely as material is cut with even new drill bits to see how well they're ground.

[@PhilipNiedermann]

about 40 years ago I was a machinist apprentice and spent 3 months in the tool sharpening department getting yelled at by an old hungarian dude that smelled like whisky. I did learn how to sharpen drills though. +1 for wife checking up on Wes.

[@TheBuildist]

Very well done. As someone who has tried to explain drillbit sharpening on video, I'm impressed. Clear as a bell, easily understood.

[@gourmetmess]

As a clockmaker, I am thoroughly impressed on your teaching style and props to demonstrate what has been the most difficult to teach someone. Keep doing this style of sharing your knowledge and experience, Please!!!

[@hiscifi2986]

Those 0.8 mm drills are really difficult to sharpen..!

[@TheBrookian]

OMG, LOVE THE INTRO!! Mrs. Wes has a talent for acting!!

[@johnp-e9963]

I learnt this skill in a previous life as a mechnical engineer, We did an awful lot of 4mm tapping into stainless steel so I got quite good at sharpening 3.2mm drills eventually. You have also reminded me I have a box of bits to sharpen.

[@1pcfred]

Yeah if you have a bunch to do that's a great way to train. I bought a whole bucket of dull bits once and got pretty good by the time I was done with all of them. You definitely get better with repetition.

[@dougaranda6187]

Back in 1973 when I was a youngin’, I ran a drill press at Ingersoll Rand, drilling and tapping huge engine blocks and crankshafts. When a bit needed to be replaced you just exchanged it at the tool room. I never have learned how to do it by hand. I have a sharpener that is drill powered, and it works pretty well. I do have some large bits that I can’t sharpen, but now maybe I can! I loved the video. Damn flies!

[@JohnNorrisMetalSculpture]

The best drill sharpening video on the internet, period. Excellent content, cheers!

[@davidpayne3815]

That was great, thank you. Showing the hand motion both on a model and real life is a game changer. Watching someone make a complicated move on a flat screen is not the same as watching that person in real life. Again, thank you.

[@simonilett998]

I was taught to sharpen the cutting lips first, then roll away from the lips to form the relief, so it doesn't risk undoing the work already done, but 'skinning cats' and all that. Hardest thing I find is getting the two cutting lips equal lengths, and keeping the angle consistent/centred. Another tip for 118° drill bits, place the flats of two hex nuts together and the angle formed between the nuts will be 120°,so it's a pretty good reference, similar to your pat. pend. jigs, Wes, just nowhere to rest the shank. Also, for most drill bits, the more broken they are/shorter they get, the web gets thicker, so it makes it more tricky to get a decent wide cutting edge, so split pointing these is often a good solution to help narrow the web or chisel width.👍

[@jasonmitchell3307]

Well said! The Starrett No. 22C Drill Point Gage works well for this. I wish they made one for 135° grinds.

[@Casterton-Vintage]

That's how I was taught and it's worked well for over 50 years now!

[@rollieevans6292]

Yep, I was taught the same procedure as you way back my 1967 shop class

[@1pcfred]

Freehand sharpening is never perfect but holes drilled with twist drills are never perfect anyways. That's what keeps reamer makers in business.

[@VinceMulhollon]

Many years ago, I tried the "sharpen the cutting lips first" and the drill would tend to bounce off or kick or just generally be under less control, so I had better control working the opposite direction in the "Wes way". Probably very sensitive to how you hold the drill.

[@cw3fixinjunk475]

My machine shop mentor when I got started was watch me sharpen a drill bit by myself for the first time. His comment “If you go much further, just throw it in the trash!” We were not as busy the next day. He gave me a 20 minute class on sharpening drill bits. After that I even surprised myself on how good they worked.

[@klaw163]

Novice "machinist" here who really appreciates the time taken to teach this! Thank you sir

[@femd8810]

Excellent video on hand sharpening drill bits. I am a metal fabricator/welder by trade, I worked in a couple of largish steel shops for several years before becoming an independent contractor. Over 20yrs later it astonishes me how many tradesmen I meet on site that don't know the basic fundamentals and nomenclature of drill bits and bit sharpening, when we ALL rely so heavily on these tiny tools to do our jobs. In a shop of 20 fabricators only ONE salty dude knew how to do this, but never really took the time to show anyone else how to or what he was doing to make it happen. I personally taught myself on a Drill Doctor machine, it works very well and has saved me a notable amount of time and money driving back and forth to the hardware store to replace dull or broken drill bits. The information in this video is spot on and well articulated. Although I prefer to use a small inexpensive portable machine to resharpen my bits (especially on site), understanding these drill bit fundamentals is a must for any young aspiring tradesmen.

[@ewanward9952]

Hi Wes, I have been hand sharpening drill bits for over 50 years now, but this video is one of the best on how I should have been doing it all this time. Thanks.

[@scottthompson6885]

That is one the best videos I've seen in 35 years of fab. And engineering work on how to sharpen and why, when to do so. Keep them coming!!!

[@pmae9010]

For some of us this is why we watch, to learn, you are a good teacher.

[@filobeto1691]

Well done Wes. Here is different twist. Without running the grinder hold a new 1/2” drill bit against the wheel, either a 118 or 135 degree. Start by making contact with the heel of the bit against the wheel. Now slowly rotate the bit towards the cutting lip while simultaneously swinging an arc from the outside towards the center of the wheel. Lastly pivot the end of the bit upwards. Yes three separate movements combined into one motion. It may seem complicated but that is why to practice dry runs with the grinder not running. The three in one movement will allow you to follow the contour of the bit exactly. When you practice live the motion will allow you to end right on the face of the cutting lip and you can use the sparks to check your angle. For the spit tip hold the bit at a steep angle and start on the edge of the wheel and on the outside of the of the heel. Now rotate the heel into the wheel and stop just before you reach the center web. Repeat for the other side. If you dip your bit in water hold the bit in front of the wheel for a few seconds to blow the water off. Water tends to glaze the wheel and it will not cut as well.

[@tdotw77]

'A different twist' huh! I see what you did there(unintentionally)! Pun completely intended but not noticed. 😅😂🤔🛠️🔩👌🏻 ✊🏻🇺🇸🦅

[@GTIwarrior]

This is the best drill sharpening video I’ve found. Those 3D prints really make it easy to visualize and understand the angles and process. Thank you!

[@craigsudman4556]

I learned how to hand sharpen drill bits back in the late 60's. I like your technique of sharpening the cutting edge first and then working the relief angle up to but not the cutting edge. About ten years ago I bought a Drill Doctor and now whenever I need to drill really hard steel, I put a fresh factory finish on my bits...they drill like butter. I still hand sharpen when I'm in the middle of a project and I notice the bit is just not cutting fast but eventually I turn to the Drill Doctor to make my bits "like new again". Great video Wes thumbs up.

[@Dmbyers2002]

I love it. Sometimes I feel like we’re the last of an era of skills that when I started doing this stuff were common. But I guess every generation says that, as they see common workplace skills lost to mass production and cheap consumables.

[@peteralund]

No that is actually a new thing of the last two generations, before this knowledge didnt change for thousands of years, it is fascinating how fast the world evolves. Having said that - I can now sharpen a drill bit, something my father never could have taught me. We are really living a life in abundance

[@1pcfred]

I don't care how cheap drill bits are I don't want to be running out buying them all the time. Good bits are not that cheap either. But sharp bits are priceless. If you drill holes you should know how to sharpen bits. If you drill holes you will have dull bits. Most folks all they have are dull bits.

[@josephsnow8156]

I watch your videos because of your ability to explain things and how you precisely show how to do them. Your matter of fact, it is what it is, no reason to sugar coat it, take what you will, blunt personality, but never without your somewhat dry deadpan humor personality is why I watch every video you make.

[@tdotw77]

💯👍🏻👌🏻😅

[@dennisbailey4296]

A 40 year mechanic here!! Great technique and a little easier way to get drill bits sharpened than the way I've been doing it good stuff!! Thanks for the extra help at the end of the video!! Hopefully this content is profitable!! All the best from Surrey BC Canada

[@alvalle1206]

When I first started working on cars professionally the old guy I worked for taught me how to sharpen drills with a flat stone . I still sharpen good drills that way. Great educational post Wes it will help the younger folks save money and time.

[@laurencefrench3828]

That was the best instruction on drill bit sharpening I have seen, My shop teacher would have used it in class. Remember those old safety shop movies.

[@RayScrafield]

My Dad taught me to sharpen drill bits many years ago. He was somewhat of a machinist, self taught. Anyway, he taught me to sharpen from the leading edge to the trailing edge. I would put the edge to the wheel, watch it for sparks then roll the bit up to take off the back side. It seems to work. Just another way to do the same thing. Thanks for your time and efforts. I, for one, appreciate all that you do to inform and entertain us. I hope it is profitable enough that you keep on doing these videos. Thanks again.

[@1pcfred]

Both ways work. I find heel to edge a bit easier to do though. Heel to edge gives you run up to line up the shot. You're going from least to most important then.

[@ericvogel1126]

That was helpful. I'm 80 years old and in my 20s an old tool room guy taught me to roll the drill up rather than down like you showed. .Your way looks like a better way, I'm going to try that soon. Thanks, Wes.

[@1pcfred]

Heel to edge is easier. Both ways work though.

[@jkholley1118]

I use a drill doctor for smaller bits and try to sharpen larger ones by hand. This video helped me understand what im doing wrong. Thanks Wes

[@1pcfred]

Basically the cutting edge has to be at the highest point. Otherwise it won't cut in and drill. So you end up grinding behind the edge to make that happen. You have to sharpen the edge too though. Having bits that are actually sharp all the time is a game changer. You can get bits sharper than new.

[@ronaldmahoney1283]

Thank you so much for your clear and to the point, GET IT, instruction and knowledge on this video! There are people who teach but don"t know how to relay the information step by step. You took the time to carefully spell it out!

[@bradnail99]

The 3D printed drill tips are very helpful. Breaking the process into stages was great; lips, relief, point splitting. I’m going to test it out tomorrow.

[@Johnny-jr2lq]

I just want to say thank you to Mrs Wes for allowing Mr Wes to continue to make these videos. My pops passed away before he could pass on the tribal knowledge.

[@kevinknight470]

Ask an Old Machinist why His Drill Bits were so short, He said the drill bit set was over 50 Years Old and had been sharpened Dozens of times. He also said to Always use Cutting Oil when drilling. He Hand sharpened His Bits on a Dressed Stone and Bench Grinder. I used old drill bits and practiced until I learned the skill, it takes time. Thanx Wes. 😃

[@poetryplace]

I was a millwright and never ever saw or knew to exist a drill sharpening machine until I was very much older. I've always hand sharpened drills and your explanation was quite brilliant. I just learned by trial and error but I can still do it without gauges or measuring tools. If you use drills a lot it saves time and a stack of money to learn to sharpen them by hand.

[@mintercms]

Without a doubt, this is the BEST drill sharpening video I've seen! Amazing work as usual Wes! Thank you for sharing your knowledge with us.

[@charlesschneiter5159]

Wes, you are the born teacher and natural talent!!! I am aware that producing such tremendously instructional and at the same time entertaining videos is very, very, very hard work. But by all means: Keep em coming! Oh, and the communities heartfelt greetings and thanks to Mrs. W that she lets you do these! Kind regards from atm the Isle of Wight in the UK! Charles from Switzerland

[@joedowling5452]

Please keep the tribal knowledge videos coming. HS machine shop was many years ago and I’ve forgotten much of what was taught to me. Plus I’m out of practice on tasks such as this. I will admit to having succumbed to the disposable society on drill bits until now. This reminder of how easy it is along with recently having picked up a quantity of bits at auction has me looking to get back to sharpening my own.

[@97kristel]

This is something I really appreciate, (almost) lost knowledge that are so useful. Thank you! Nice backdrop for the video...

[@countryboy8ification]

I've been sharpening my own bits for over 20 years now . I was shown in a fairly similar fashion. Keep up the good work and content . Thank you for sharing all your knowledge and expertise in the varying fields .

[@tothemaxxoutdoors4771]

The 3D printed teaching aids are spot on!!!! Tribal knowledge is so awesome!!

[@davidsandford8343]

Finally! A man on KZbin who knows what he is talking about. I taught this same technique to a group of random people, including bank managers and computer gurus. New sub from Australia!

[@Frank-Thoresen]

Learning new or forgotten skills is great. My college years was 35 years ago. I learned sharpening drill bits but forgot it later. Thank you for refreshing it. Yes these videos are really valuable.

[@deezworkshop]

I vote for more of these videos. Sharing your knowledge for others is great and I found it very helpful. You have a great way of sharing your knowledge that is understandable and easy to follow along. Keep em’ coming.

[@rhondasweeney7271]

Wes, you would make a great instructor for a trade school. Your knowledge should be shared with the younger generations. Thank you for sharing.😊

[@lewis2553]

A neighbor who was a machinist showed me how to sharpen the 118° tip about 33 years ago. It's amazing how many brand new bits with 118° tips are sharp but have a heel that holds the cutting edge up off the metal. And there are well-known, expensive brands that come from the store that way. "Look before you buy" is my advice, unless you know how to sharpen a bit. I have 3 sets of drill bits because of being caught off guard, away from home a couple of times. One set is DeWalt. One is Warrior (Harbor Freight). And one is a cheap Chinese set of machinist bits that I just bought for the wide array of sizes. But I STILL use bits regularly from a can of bits that belonged to my dad several decades ago. I even have bits that other people threw away, because they were dull or had heels on them. When I bought one set, I noticed the 135° tip, studied it a little, and thought, "I can sharpen a bit this way!" Now, ALL my bits that are big enough to sharpen that way get that tip. One of my co-workers gave me a good laugh one day. He was leaning heavily on a drill motor, and the bit just wouldn't cut it's way through the wall of a metal building. I found a grinder and sharpened it. It was so funny when he tried it again. He leaned hard on it, pulled the trigger, and WHAM! I bet that bit didn't even make a complete round before it went through, and the drill chuck slammed against the wall! 😂😂😂 Oh, and you can also sharpen masonry bits. Don't let anyone tell you that you can't. I've sharpened some so that they worked better than new ones. I've tried drill bit sharpeners, both cheap and expensive. I've never seen one that did a good job.

[@ishnifusmeadle]

The carbide tipped ones?

[@lewis2553]

@@ishnifusmeadle Yes, they just don't grind as fast, and you have to take it slow and not overheat them. But, it can be done. By the way, have you ever seen a masonry bit that wasn't carbide tipped, I mean, other than a star drill?

[@ishnifusmeadle]

@lewis2553 I'm a stone mason so I use em daily. We do have masonry bits that are diamond impregnated but to be fair they're sorta specific use. Generally we have issue with the carbide chipping out or the brazing that holds em in failing before they dull to the point their effectiveness decreases a noticeable amount but there have been a handful of times I've tried to retouch them and failed. To be fair again, we also don't have a wheel with the appropriate sharpening material, and is basically a hardware store wheel meant more for general purpose projects. I use alot of carbide tipped handchisels for shaping that for example certainly could use a touch up haha. And for 150bucks for the cheapest one, on up to 300 (at least the ones I have) they are certainly worth rehabbing. The manufacturer will sharpen for free, but generally it takes weeks if not months to get done. I just need to bite the bullet invest in the appropriate abrasive wheel for em. Thanks for the insight. I'll play around a bit more.

[@lewis2553]

​​@@ishnifusmeadleWhen I sharpened those masonry bits, I was working in a cannery in Wisconsin. They had moved about 2/3 of the machinery out of one part and tore off an upper floor that year. So we had to move the machinery back in, position it, and anchor it to the floor. I must have drilled around 200 holes or more. The stone you drill may be harder than that concrete, though. That could be why the teeth are breaking loose from your bits. I don't know what kind of stone they had on the old grinder, but it was about 10" in diameter, I'd say, or maybe bigger. I don't remember exactly, but it wasn't a cheapo Harbor freight grinder. No, it was one of those old ones with its own stand. I never put a lot of extra pressure on the bits to drill, either. I just let the weight of the motor reset on it, mostly. Those were some heavy hammer drills. You may not want to resharpen those expensive handchisels, if, like you say, the manufacturer will do it for free. So, I guess, just buy you about a dozen or so to last you while the first one is being shipped back and forth and resharpened. 😂😂😂

[@saj2694]

Thank you. This is the magic info that you just can’t get without a mentor.

[@JonnyCrash]

I honestly think content like this would be the kind that would get a bit more views. Instructional-type videos are generally popular, I think.

[@stumpingrimy1686]

this is the internet so I gotta disagree :) Wes is way more than a how to teacher - and that's why I'm here.

[@ShanesGettingHandy]

This is an evergreen video. Wes will do well with it.

[@tonyandjackieholmes9546]

One of the better instructional videos on drills You have a skill of imparting knowledge clearly and simply - please keep up such posts

[@ColinDH12345]

Best way to demo the issue! Well done. Never seen it done like this before. My Engineer Father would be proud of you :-)

[@thomassullivan1471]

I enjoyed watching your video i sharpened a lot of drill bits also are use a 4 1/2 inch cutting wheel on my hand grinder. I hold it down about my waist. I turn it on and I put the drillbit sharp edge first and row it back down. Light pressure is all it takes and it’s quick and easy I put it back in the drill, and if I didn’t get it quite right, I just try again works good for me. Your video was really informative and I liked it a lot.

[@johnalexander4356]

This is a really good instruction video. When I was a boy my grandpa taught me to sharpen bits. He ran a welding and machine shop and had hundreds or drills that always needed work. So I had many hours of training. A very good skill to have and share with others. Thanks for the training. It can save a small fortune.

[@CAPNMAC82]

Cool video, Wes. Drill bits can seem a mystery, if not a complicated mystery. An excellent illustration that one need not have expensive gizmos to do what patience and a grinder can do. Finding the balance for videos is sore complicated, not last by not being able to gauge what mysteries ought be revealed and what can be left to the wayside. Like it's probably not worth it to make a video explaining the difference between wood cutting drill bits and metal cutting ones. (I have met those who refuse to believe a difference exists--they have drill bits about as sharp as equal sized dowels.)

[@WatchWesWork]

Have you ever seen the channel "How to Basic"? It started with videos like "How to Close a Door" and "How to Eat a Cupcake". Now it's advanced up to things like "How to Survive Squid Game".

[@southstreetbarbecue7875]

I am so sorry about the flies. Week before last my wife and I were sitting on the deck and I remarked that it seemed like there were hardly any flies this summer. The plague showed up here in central IL a few days later. I wish I could take it back.

[@WatchWesWork]

It's bad this week. I even kept the doors closed. I think that made it worse.

[@TsunauticusIV]

Wes is in a drill bit mania… and I approve.

[@veryconfidential6973]

You explain drill sharpening so simply and clearly that I want to try it. My grinding wheel isn't new like yours, but if l have any joy, it will be a pleasure to replace it with a new one. I almost never watch a video first time through, but yours I did, and was well rewarded. Good luck in coming up with topics that can beat drill sharpening. I'll watch anything you treat this effectively. For input, I am rebuilding my deck from posts to adhesive backed vinyl floor, and aluminum awning roof. I have a '50s Rolls Royce to renovate inside out, from sticky side valves, paint and minor body work, to water and humidity damaged walnut veneer. In my spare time I want to learn how to operate my newly acquired 1947 West Bend Lathe. Thank you. Keep up the good work.

[@thethriftysuburbanite5251]

My dad was in the USAAF, stationed in Alaska during WWII. They had to sharpen their drill bits out of necessity. He showed me how to do it years ago and I still sharpen my own to this day. Good Video!

[@dandunlap8638]

I was glad to see you put this video out. I spent 20 years working for the world’s largest cutting tool reconditioning company US Tool Grinding. When I started there in 89 we sharpened about 750,000 drills and cutting tools a week. It will be interesting to see how much knowledge you have. You’ve impressed me to date.

[@brutongaster8184]

The verdict?

[@dandunlap8638]

@@brutongaster8184 His knowledge was very solid. The only thing that wasn’t 100% accurate, was on the split, he mentioned the mfg using a diamond wheel. And while they may on some spit cuts, the majority are done with a vitrified wheel, much like the point. The radius of the split grind determines how often they dress the wheel. The mfg is using a much larger grinding wheel diameter on both the point and the split. This allows them to go longer between dressings the wheel. Of course they’re using an automated machines with cams to produce the roll-off relief he’s producing with a hand motion. The drills are held with a fixture that locks them into a bushing and collet setup for reliability. Hand sharpening can’t compare to machine sharpening, but for a home shop with larger diameter drills, with a little practice and attention to detail one can get by. We used very large machines that weighed probably a ton or more, with a wheel diameter of 24”. We were doing mostly drills used in the aircraft industry, precision was paramount. Our machine operators could sharpen several hundred 3/16” drills and hour. Of course we did a large variety of cutting tools and sizes, but 3/16” probably made up 25% of the aerospace drills.

[@AntonioClaudioMichael]

Lmfao love the intro Protecting the good drill bits from the spouse 😂😂 0:10 @Watch Wes Work

[@texasjetman]

Yes I smiled when I heard that line too. His dry humor is pretty good

[@David..R]

Please add a fly swatter to your list of tools. Then you can sharpen your swatting skills.

[@garyclagett1848]

Very nice video. Great explanation,the enlarged models you used were excellent visuals to demonstrate the shaping of the cutting edge. The altitudecraft thread guide is a good addition to any shop. Many thanks for sharing your expertise !

[@markpowell762]

Awesome job!!! My neighbor was a retired machinist. He pasted away several years ago. I watched him sharpen bits just like this.

[@Jan_Raap]

I loved the video, it is especially interesting because most people have blunt drill bits and a bench grinder. Love to see more of these types of videos.

[@1954rushing]

Great video.I usually sharpen my 118 degree bits but have not tied the chisel points. After watching your video I'm gonna give it a try.It's a lot easier for me to learn something if I can watch someone show how it's done first. Thank you for the time and effort to put this out.

[@kingnull2697]

Thank you for this video, I've always known is was possible to grind drill bits by hand, but never had any idea how to do it. Your explanation is incredibly clear & concise.

[@ShouldersMoondog549]

You did a wonderful job of explaining the sharping process, I had an old time show me the same thing, 20+ years ago! Always like anything you record!! You have so much training/experience for someone so young!! Thanks!!

[@Americal1970]

For me you made the process, waaaaaay more easer . I have dirt clod wheel, and I seem to wanna sharpen. .000001Dia. drills..(joking) While blind LOL. I am 73, truthfully I sharpen by hand one twist at a time. You made a execelent video. I have been starting at the cutting edge twisting angle change and ending at the end of the reliefs. With no reference point. Man.. did you untangle me. Thank you. I want to go grab a twist bit now. BRAVO..!

[@FredAmnit]

Very well explained! I have a bunch of won't-drill bits and your demonstration and the large models really helped me understand how to remove the won't from my bits.

[@ThacMan]

The "few little tidbits of knowledge" you have showed us thus far has illustrated your brain is genius level. Great tutorial.

[@John-cx9tp]

Excellent. I learned to do this back in 1970. I tried to sharpen a few bits last year but failed badly. Thank you for the refresher, I really needed it!!

[@Big222Dog]

Wes best simple explanation ever. I'm 67yrs old. I've been a professional joiner all my life. Retired now I also run a small forge & fabrication workshop. I've have tried all my life to resharpen drill bits with all kinds of success & failure, but never really understanding why. Your video helped me connect the dots. Thanks

[@johngorman4052]

You nailed it, I reckon. Such an easy thing to mess up, grind sharpening drills, your knowledge of drill sharpening and drill bits and your way of putting yourself across just made it so easy to understand. As you say, ''it's all in the practice''- and we all will probably get a lot worse before we get any good. You just given me the best place to start- Thanks Wes.

[@clintonbutton712]

I have been making the relief the wrong way, starting at the cutting edge and levering the drill bit downwards. I will try it your way and see what difference it makes. Definitely a good instruction video without the fluff.

[@andrewwakefield4519]

Great job! I've sharpened drill bits for years, not great but adequately - but you showed an approach that i think will give me much more consistent results. Thanks!

[@haxificality]

a very long video for a very simple task that i'm already used to, but watching it was worth the time coz i definitely improved my skills further by the help of a big model and a very detailed and skillful explanation. thank you very much for the effort, keep it up.

[@stantilton2191]

It is a pleasure to revisit hand sharpening. I started with simple bits and have better results with them. It's a skill worth knowing and practice keep it fresh. Thank you for sharing.

[@RandallCrook]

The first 6 months of my electrical apprenticeship back in 1982 was spent in the workshops at Guthega Power Station learning how to use hand tools. We had several master tradesmen of different disciplines teaching us everything from the use of hand files to how to use lathes and mills. Sharpening drill bits was taught to us by a really nice old master fitter/turner named George. Watching this video brought me back to those 6 months. Great video.