Drill bit set recommendation

[HowardH]

I have a small Craftsman set of twist drill bits I have had probably 30 years.  It's time for an upgrade!  I'd like a good set that matches in quality my Festool wood bit sets and the Wera hand tools I'm now enjoying.  Suggestions?

 

[bobfog]

Can you get Dormer bits in the US?

 

[leakyroof]

Define your limits on what materials you generally drill into with the set you have, and also a price point.  Cobalt drill bits are great for me, but overkill for many others if they only need decent High Speed Drill bits.
I have both fractional and Number sets since I need that much more of a hole diameter adjustment ability for what I do, but most people can do just fine with a Fractional Set.
125 or 135 degree points will start easier, but 118 is the standard and probably cheaper due to being more common.
Who to buy to from....  Mc-Master Carr, J&L Industrial Supply/MSC are two companies I buy from since I can also get replacement drill bits or taps as they wear out or break to restock in my sets.  They take credit cards and you don't need own a business like when trying to order with Grainger which is I think still only wholesale.

 

[rvieceli]

As leaky roof said many people will find 118 High Speed Steel more than adequate

I like Norseman bits. Made in the USA.

Harry J Epstein always has a good selection at a good price. I have this set and have been very pleased with. 29 piece fractional set in jobber length up to 1/2 inch.
http://www.harryepstein.com/index.php/norseman-29-pc-drill-bit-set.html

[member=10952]leakyroof[/member] Grainger can go retail accounts with credit cards now too.

 

[leakyroof]

leakyroof[/member] Grainger can go retail accounts with credit cards now too.

  When did they start doing that?  They were Wholesale Only for so many years.... [eek]

 

[rvieceli]

Yup and both Grainger and McMaster have smart phone apps that replicate the catalogue and you can order from.  [wink]

 

[Cheese]

Norseman drill bits...manufactured in St. Paul Minnesota.
http://www.norsemandrill.com

Triumph Twist Drill...manufactured in Chisholm Minnesota.

 

[demographic]

UK based but I've been using the Cobalt drill bit sets from Machine mart for a few years now, I'm on my second set as the small ones get some hammer but they do pretty much everything from stainless steel through to wood and plastic.

Obviously I have specialist things for cutting large holes and auger bits/whatever but I still rate them all the same.

 

[ben_r_]

I use an love all the styles Lee Valley sells.

 

[Holmz]

Can you get Dormer bits in the US?

Bingo, I got mine via amazon. They are nice.

 

[waterloomarc]

I use an love all the styles Lee Valley sells.

For twist bits I use Lee Valley's as well. Very sharp, good quality, and made in USA. I'm still suffering with my forstner bit set I bought in college...I just don't use them enough to justify replacing them.  Someday.

I should add my drilling needs aren't very demanding. Wood, aluminum, brass and mild steel 99% of the time. But based on those uses the LV bits are great.