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Comparative Analysis of Drill Bit Performance

Nov 26, 2024

Lecture Notes on Drill Bit Performance Comparison

Introduction

  • Objective: Evaluate whether an $11 set of drill bits performs as well as a $200 set.
  • Criteria: Speed in drilling mild steel, endurance in spring steel, and failure load test.

Drill Bit Brands Tested

  • DeWalt: $11 for 14 bits, made in Thailand.
  • Samada: $15 for 14 bits, M35 cobalt, made in China.
  • Ryobi: $23 for 21 bits, titanium coating, made in Indonesia.
  • Irwin: $28 for 15 bits, cobalt, made in China.
  • DeWalt Cobalt: $29, pilot point, made in China/Germany.
  • Bosch: $34 for 14 bits, M42 cobalt, made in China.
  • LW (LWC USMJ): $38 for 19 bits, M42, made in China.
  • Milwaukee: $40 for 15 bits, variable helix flute, made in China.
  • Warrior: $70 for 29 bits, cobalt, made in China.
  • Cleline: $76 for 15 bits, cobalt, made in USA.
  • ComiWear: $80 for 29 bits, cobalt, made in China.
  • Drillhog: $140 for 29 bits, M42+ steel, made in USA.
  • Century: $150 for 29 bits, M35 cobalt, made in USA.
  • Viking: $200 for 25 bits, M42 cobalt, made in USA.

Test 1: Speed in Drilling Mild Steel

  • Fastest Brands: Viking (9.96 sec), DeWalt high-speed steel (10.53 sec), Drill Hog (10.63 sec).
  • Observations: Viking was the fastest but the least expensive DeWalt also performed excellently.

Test 2: Drilling Spring Steel

  • Adjustment: Reduced RPM to 340, increased downward force.
  • Fastest Brands: Milwaukee (21.06 sec), ComiWear (18.48 sec after sharpening), Viking (19.41 sec).
  • Observations: LW showed improvement after sharpening but was brittle; Milwaukee maintained top performance.

Test 3: Failure Load Test

  • Strongest Brands: Century (225 inch-pounds), Bosch (215 inch-pounds), Drill Hog (212 inch-pounds).
  • Observations: Strength correlated with Cobalt content; Century showed superior strength.

Summary and Recommendations

  • Best Overall: Viking (expensive but top performer).
  • Value for Money: Bosch ($34) considered best value considering its performance across tests.
  • Advice for Occasional Users: DeWalt high-speed steel for softer metals and economic choice.
  • Sharpening Consideration: Pilot points on DeWalt and Milwaukee make sharpening difficult.

Conclusion

  • No External Influence: Tests conducted without bias, based on independent purchases.
  • Viewer Engagement: Encouragement of viewer suggestions for future reviews.

Note: The testing parameters varied significantly across brands affecting performance; consider both cost and specific needs when selecting drill bits.

Full transcript