Drill bit - End mill supplier - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: Circuitous
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: April 28, 2013, 11:21:15 pm
content: I know some members have posted names of their favorite U.S. drill bit suppliers, but I can't seem to find any relevant posts. I'm looking for minibits, like 0.038 inch with 1/8 inch shank.

author: Jay_Diddy_B
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 29, 2013, 12:24:37 am
content: If you want to buy new bits, try Think & Tinker.http://www.thinktink.com/I have used their bits with my LPKF machine with good results.You can also find used and repointed bits on eBay.Jay_Diddy_B

author: Corporate666
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: April 29, 2013, 05:08:32 am
content: McMaster is the gold standard US supplier for all that sort of stuff.www.mcmaster.comThey don't tell you what brand it is before you buy, but they have a massive selection and pretty decent prices.

author: GeoffS
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: April 29, 2013, 06:28:32 am
content: Search some of the threads frommetalphreak.He bought some bits fromhttp://www.mctinfo.net/that he seemed happy with.

author: george graves
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 29, 2013, 09:49:47 am
content: http://drillcity.stores.yahoo.net/I get my pcb drill bits from them. I got a smaple pack of end mills - really strong, really sharp.

author: robrenz
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 29, 2013, 12:36:17 pm
content: MSCis my favorite supplier for everything. Next day delivery if ordered by8:00 PMat regular ups rates. Not the always the cheapest place but they always have it. The biggest negative can be that there is so much selection it can be hard to find what you need if you don't know exactly what you are looking for.

author: robrenz
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 29, 2013, 12:48:45 pm
content: The prices for circuit board sized items on the drillcity link that george graves posted aremuch cheapercompared to MSC and Mcmaster Carr.

author: Circuitous
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: April 29, 2013, 12:56:18 pm
content: Thanks everyone for the replies. DrillCity seems to be the place for lower priced bits. I'll also hit McMaster Carr for anything I can't find at Drillbit city.

author: blasto9000
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: May 06, 2013, 09:27:00 pm
content: I've had the best luck with Niagara Cutter (purchased from MSC as noted above). For cutting copper-clad they do a good job with clean edges.Most of my other general machining supply I get from use-enco.com

author: metalphreak
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: May 07, 2013, 11:23:24 am
content: Yeah I was happy with what I ordered from MCT. The guy who runs it is super nice and helpful. If you're using them on a CNC mill, they all come with set rings which is handy. Good quality bits and they come in a plastic case with everything labelled. It depends on what you're willing to spend, how much you'll use the bits, how experienced you are (breaking expensive bits sucks). Some of the cheap "hardly used" bits you can get from various places aren't bad. Some high quality PCB fabs (ie MIL spec) will only use them for a limited amount before replacing them.

author: riccnc
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: May 21, 2014, 04:06:51 am
content: Agreed. I use Drill Bit City and they are great. Their resharpened end mills are very inexpensive. Ebay is also a good source for carbide v-bits.

author: poorchava
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 21, 2014, 06:43:28 am
content: Ebay, Aliexpress.Generic chinese endmills and drills are very cheap, and the quality is perfectly fine. I've never received one that was chipped, dull, poorly ground or had any measurable runout.On the other .038" is about 1mm, so this can be bought as standard accessory for Dremel or Proxxon. The shank on those is 2mm IIRC, but the collets are 6mm OD, so if you have bigger tool like Kress FME or something a 6mm or 1/4" collet will work.