Accessories

Spend the extra and get the 750X
I bought this machine a few months ago. I've used it to sharpen quite a few bits, 50+ ranging from HSS to masonry. I will emphasize that you MUST read the instructions thoroughly, and watch the DVD as well. It is important to know how the tool works, and why you will ruin bits if you don't follow the instructions.

To sharpen standard 118* bits couldn't be easier. This machine does an excellent job of it, and since I use most of my drill bits to drill in wood, this is the perfect angle for me. Split points can be ground on 118* bits, and I have done this with success. To sharpen masonry bits is also very easy, and the machine does an excellent job in this regard as well.

Where it gets tricky, for me anyway, is in sharpening 135* split point bits. These days nearly all bits sold are this type and it's nice to be able to recreate the same angle and split point. While I have sharpened bits of this angle with success, I haven't been able to get perfect results all the time. Proper alignment is critical. Trying to adjust the relief angle seems to make proper sharpening more difficult and I would not recommend it to someone who just got his hands on this machine. The relief angle is adjusted by putting the chuck to either side of the 118* alignment slot (the + and - increase and decrease the angle). This is to allow a more aggressive or less aggressive cut. Fiddling with this adjustment seems to throw off the split point when it is being ground as well, taking off way too much material. If too much material is removed during the split point procedure, subsequent sharpening of the bit will not yield the same angle since the alignment fingers will not hold the bit from is flutes, but from the newly ground area behind the split point. It is hard to visualize this, the mistake must be made to understand it fully.

Changing the diamond wheel is straight forward and easily done. The machine has a somewhat loud squeal when running, but it isn't too bad. I have sharpened broken bits with success, so that feature definitely works. Also, unless a bit really damaged during a botched sharpening attempt, it can most probably be sharpened to at least a 118* point again, though it will take a while and several alignment and sharpening procedures. I recommend the 100 grit wheel for when this must be done as it will take less time, and then a follow up can be done with the standard 180 grit wheel. The 750X has more features than just being able to accommodate larger bits, so in my opinion it is definitely worth it. I wish I had gotten that model instead, and I believe sharpening 135* and split points would be easier and faster. This is a quality product though, that I must say.

**EDIT 7/26/08**
After using my DD extensively during a project to sharpen a masonry bit, I noticed something that I hadn't observed earlier. When sharpening the bits according to the instructions, the machine does not put opposing angles on the tip of the bit. That is, it grinds both sides of the tip to an arrow point, and this is NOT conducive to easy drilling. In fact, I realize that I put unnecessary load on my drill using the "sharpened" bit. Perhaps experimenting with bit alignment might help, but that can just as easily ruin a bit you're trying to breath more life into.

this product works
I was a little hesitant to purchase this product because of some bad reviews, but this product really works

Drill Doctor
Drill Doctor 500X 3/32-Inch to 1/2-Inch Drill Bit Sharpener. Have not used it yet. Left on garage steps by delivery.

Drill Dr is the right medicine for a dull drill
I purchased the Drill Dr. as a Christmas present to myself and it was worth it. I have often tried to drill a hole with the sharpest drill bit I could find in my tool box, only to struggle getting it drilled due to a dull bit. The Drill Dr. sharpens dull bits better than new. The process is quite simple and only takes a few seconds. Drill Dr was the cure for my dull drill bits.

Great little machine for the money
I am very impressed with my Drill Doctor X500. It is easy to setup and use. One note of caution: You do have to be careful when resharpening a split point drill if the drill has a deep split point clearance ground along the flute. The aligment fingers can set down into a deep split point clearance and they will rotate the drill out of proper aligment. In turn you will not get the proper clearance behind the cutting edge. After I realized this could happend I would rotate the drill clockwise several degrees between the fingers and then lock it in place. This would permit grinding a good clearance behind the cutting edge without much problem. Don't let this problem hold you back from buying an X500, it's a fine little machine.