Deep See Bits
By Gordon DeWitte
Deep.See.Bits™ are bits with marking bands every ½” (in the Imperial-sized bits; 10mm in the metric-sized bits). They look like they could be a reasonable alternative to plastic or metal depth stops and the ever-popular masking tape. I recently tried to drill some shallow holes in plywood using a metal depth stop, and the drill flutes kept getting clogged because the depth stop prevented the drill from clearing. M.POWER®, from Wiltshire, England, makes Deep.See.Bits™ as HSS twist bits for hardwoods, metal, and plastics, or as carbon steel brad points specifically for woodworking. All bits are available in both metric and Imperial sizes. Japan Woodworker carries an eight-piece brad-point set (1/8″, 5/32″, 3/16″, 1/4″, 9/32″, 5/16″, 11/32″, and 3/8″) for $19.75, but it can be found online for $12.63.
Deep.See.Bits™ [Manufacturer's Site]
Etched-Index 8 Piece Bradpoint Drill Set [Japan Woodworker]
Street Pricing [Google Products]
November 19th, 2009 at 9:25 am
But what if you needed the stop at say, 1/4″ or 3/4″? If you need to then eyeball it anyways, then these bits aren’t saving that much time, effort, or expense.
November 19th, 2009 at 10:05 am
I still think that tape does just fine. Besides if you leave a small tab it blows the chips away for you…
ShopMonger
November 19th, 2009 at 10:31 am
I think that I agree with ToolGuyd that these may not save much - but I also see that Milwaukee is marketing a similar product:
http://www.milwaukeetool.com/ProductDetail.aspx?ProductId=48-15-0375&CategoryName=Brad+Point+Bits
November 19th, 2009 at 12:56 pm
Or how about setting the stop on your drill press?
November 19th, 2009 at 8:33 pm
I have good luck with drawing a thick line around the bit with a Sharpie marker. A little carb cleaner (or whatever) and it’s clean for the next round.
November 19th, 2009 at 9:00 pm
@MeasureOnceCutTwice: rubbing alcohol will also take off Sharpie, and it’s a lot less toxic and better for the environment. Probably cheaper, too.
cl
November 20th, 2009 at 12:40 am
ToolGuyd: eyeballing a 1/4 or 1/8 is easier than eyeballing 2 1/4 inches.
November 20th, 2009 at 7:54 pm
To take the sharpie idea further, you could make your own marks on your existing bits at every 1/2 inch and skip buying these altogether.