The MachinistPost Blog

The specific challenges of sub-eighth-inch drilling and the setup changes that solve each one.

Techniques, speeds, and precautions for drilling small-diameter holes with HSS bits without snapping them.

The metallurgical mechanisms behind HSS drill wear and what they mean for reconditioning decisions.

When a magnetic drill press is the right call and how to get accurate holes out of one.

How MachinistPost was built from a small town in north-central Oklahoma to serve machine shops nationwide.

A long-horizon financial model comparing the total cost of resharpening programs versus continuous new-drill purchasing.

How to manage deflection, chatter, and chip evacuation when drilling deep with extended-reach setups.

The applications where left-hand drill bits shine and the geometry that makes them work.

How left-hand drill bit geometry works and when it is the right tool for the job.

How to set up cutting tool inventory management that prevents stockouts, bloat, and mystery losses.

What to check on a drill bit before every use to catch problems that scrap parts and break tools.

The signals that tell you it is time to upgrade from standard HSS to cobalt for your application.

Choosing between HSS, cobalt, and carbide drill bits based on your material, volume, and budget.

The definitive comparison of HSS, cobalt, and carbide drill materials for real-world shop decisions.

What separates M2, M35, and M42 HSS grades and when each is worth the cost upgrade.

Inside the Winslomatic drill grinder and how it produces consistent, accurate drill geometry every time.

A complete breakdown of HSS grade designations and what each means for drill performance and cost.

A practical guide to assessing drill bit condition and deciding when sharpening is overdue.

The signs, visual, audible, and tactile, that tell you a drill bit needs resharpening before it fails.

Understanding quill depth stops, graduations, and feed levers for accurate depth control on a drill press.

What to look for when inspecting a drill point and how to interpret what you see.

The right way to pack drill bits for mail-in resharpening so they arrive undamaged and get processed fast.

Step-by-step instructions for organizing and executing a production drill audit that yields actionable data.

The factors that determine how many resharpening cycles an HSS drill can deliver before retirement.