Introduction: How to Sharpen a Drill for Soft Materials

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About: I am the co-director, co-founder and lead instructor for the Customs for Urban Teens Program (CUT Program). Started in 2009 we take at risk youth and teach them how to build custom cars. I am a journeyman mach…

Has this ever happenes to you? You grab a nice sharp drill bit and start to drill some brass ( or anything else soft ) only to find when you break through the backside your drill bit grabs and either breaks or sends your workpiece on a ride? Read on....the solution is very simple.

Step 1: Drill Bit

So you have a drill bit. Freshly sharpened and ready to go. I am using a large drill so you can see the modification to the cutting edge.

Step 2: Grinding

Using your bench grinder, with very little pressure, grind the cutting edge flat. You must use the side of tbe grinding wheel for this. This is onlyca touch to flatten the cutting edge. This is called Brassing Off.

Step 3: Finished

Now your drill will look like the pictures. I retouch on the grinder to re-sharpen cutting edge. Now you are ready to drill soft materials such as brass without the bit grabbing on the way through. This is usefull for plastics as well. Hope this little trick is helpful!!