Patent ID: 7472764

Claim:
A rotary drill bit for drilling a subterranean formation, comprising: a bit body having a centerline and including a leading end for contacting a formation during drilling; a shank structure, comprising: at least one tapered feature matingly engaging at least one complementary tapered feature of the bit body and at least in part positioning the shank structure in relation to the bit body; and a trailing end having structure associated therewith for connecting the rotary drill bit to a drill string; a weld region substantially formed by at least one surface of the shank structure and at least one surface of the bit body; a multi-pass weld affixing the shank structure to the bit body substantially disposed within the weld region, comprising: a first plurality of welds comprising: a first weld originating from a first circumferential position; and a second weld originating from a second circumferential position; wherein the second circumferential position and the first circumferential position are separated by at least about 90° in relation to the centerline of the bit body; and at least one cutting element secured to the bit body.