countersink bits

[dlbarr]

Call me slow & uneducated but where do I find bits to cut countersinks in a steel buttplate? The only ones I find at such places as Lowe's/Home Depot etc etc are for wood...

Thanks.

[Sidelock]

Two good location on the web for metal working tools  - Enco and McMaster Carr

[Mark Elliott]

I order all that stuff from MSC.    It's pretty much the same as ENCO and McMaster Carr.   MSC does cater to small businesses.   I live ouside Richmond,VA and MSC headquarters and main warehouse is in Harrisburg,PA.   I get just about everything in stock the next day UPS ground.   I get drill bits, countersinks, counter-bores, taps, dies, etc.... from MSC.  I just order the piece when I need it and it is on my doorstep the next afternoon.    Easy peasy.   

[Nordnecker]

Odd as it might seem, the ones I have that have several cutting edges that are supposedly made for metal don't cut metal as well as the one I have with one cutting edge that's made for wood.

[Pete G.]

Be careful what you buy. Countersinks with multiple cutters tend to chatter in metal.

[JBJ]

I suggest you consider fluteless counter sinks. They are a pleasure to use and chatter is nonexistent.  Be sure and avoid the Chinese brands as they are not ground correctly - points are often not centered.
J.B.

[Acer Saccharum]

These can be gotten through McMaster Carr or MSC and the like:

[P.W.Berkuta]

Call me slow & uneducated but where do I find bits to cut countersinks in a steel buttplate? The only ones I find at such places as Lowe's/Home Depot etc etc are for wood...

Thanks.

I buy most of my stuff here <http://www.toolsavings.com>  Their prices and selection is very good - you can buy import or USA your choise I've purchased both and not had a problem with either. I just purchased 4 of each number drills in cobalt from size #60 to #43 and some reamers the order was processed & shipped within a few days. I feel they are better than ENCO or MSC for selection or price .

[dlbarr]

Odd as it might seem, the ones I have that have several cutting edges that are supposedly made for metal don't cut metal as well as the one I have with one cutting edge that's made for wood.

I can attest to the fact that the "wood" countersinks don't work on metal....at least not here in my shop. 

[docone]

I like TOW,
http://www.trackofthewolf.com/List/Item.aspx/1028/1
They have always been good.

[Scota4570]

I make half reamers of the profile I want.  

[Bob Roller]

Odd as it might seem, the ones I have that have several cutting edges that are supposedly made for metal don't cut metal as well as the one I have with one cutting edge that's made for wood.

I can attest to the fact that the "wood" countersinks don't work on metal....at least not here in my shop. 

My opinion also. Wood tools for wood,metal tools for metal,carbide if the metal is hard or stubborn.

Bob Roller

[valongrifles]

Just remember, the angle is different for metal use vs. wood use.

[dlbarr]

Just remember, the angle is different for metal use vs. wood use.

Yes, I was thinking of that also. This is my first build, I am inordinately slow and find I know very little of what should be common knowledge. That said, what is the angle of those big buttplate screws?

[eddillon]

I have a cheap Craftsman countersink.  A layer of paper towel between workpiece and countersink eliminates chatter.

[John Archer]

Slow speed....and handhold the workpiece if your drill press has a lot of slop. This will give you nice smooth countersinks.

John.