Popular Mechanics Spade Bit Test

[ElKootcho]

In the current issue of PM they did a test using a standard spade bit vs. two new designs (Greenlee Self-Feeding Spade Bit & Irwin Speedbor Max Spade Bit). For those that care, the results and video are here: http://www.popularmechanics.com/blogs/home_journal_news/4212305.html

[ChadTower]

Nice.  It always drives me crazy when a bit shatters through the other side to the point that I usually clamp on a second piece behind the whole to prevent it.

[NiteWalker]

That really sucks. The speedbor max spanked em all but there's no 1 1/8".

Maybe they'll expand their selection if they're popular. Cutting that good I don't see why they won't sell really good. I may pick up a set anyway...

[kingflynn]

Nice.  It always drives me crazy when a bit shatters through the other side to the point that I usually clamp on a second piece behind the whole to prevent it.

When just the tip of the bit pokes through the other side, back out of the hole and finish it from the back. No splintering.

[NiteWalker]

That's a possible solution but a backer board clamped under the workpiece is easier and faster and works just as well.

[ElKootcho]

That really sucks. The speedbor max spanked em all but there's no 1 1/8".

Maybe they'll expand their selection if they're popular. Cutting that good I don't see why they won't sell really good. I may pick up a set anyway...

I just sent a message to their customer service dept http://www.irwin.com/irwin/consumer/jhtml/contactUs.jhtml   Maybe they have them "in the works". I'll post the response when I get it

[Kaytrim]

Their standard speedbore spade bit comes in 1 1/8" in the standard length shaft.
http://www.irwin.com/irwin/consumer/jhtml/detail.jhtml?prodId=IrwinProd100186

They even have a 1 1/8" standard twist bit.
http://www.irwin.com/irwin/consumer/jhtml/detail.jhtml?prodId=IrwinProd100130

TTFN 
Kaytrim

[NiteWalker]

They're nice (their normal spade bits work great and are very cheap), but they're not speed bor max bits...

I just thought it would be nice. Button holes in less than 5 seconds each. That's some good stuff.

[kingflynn]

That's a possible solution but a backer board clamped under the workpiece is easier and faster and works just as well.

You're right, when drilling all the holes in a control panel.  But for one or two holes, I'd rather not run to my truck for clamps and scrap.

[DrewKaree]

That's a possible solution but a backer board clamped under the workpiece is easier and faster and works just as well.

You're right, when drilling all the holes in a control panel.  But for one or two holes, I'd rather not run to my truck for clamps and scrap.

Knowing beforehand that you'd be drilling holes, why would you have left those things in your truck?  Or did the need to drill those holes jump out in the middle of the road at you?

[kingflynn]

Knowing beforehand that you'd be drilling holes, why would you have left those things in your truck?  Or did the need to drill those holes jump out in the middle of the road at you?

For one, because I don't need a piece of scrap and clamps to drill a hole.  Secondly, as a frame to finish remodeling contractor,  the need to drill holes does occasionally jump out at me.  My drill and bits are usually nearby.  Clamps usually mean a run to the truck   

[fjl]

I've used some of those bits in the past for drilling. They are superior but like they mentioned, they pull you in when drilling. They feel like they are sucking the drill towards the wood. Of course you need a pretty strong drill otherwise it will get stuck midway perhaps damaging your drill. This is not the kind of drill bit you can drill then pull back out while its spinning like can be done with normal drill bits. It either goes all the way through or you have to start spinning it backwards.

[NiteWalker]

I just sent a message to their customer service dept http://www.irwin.com/irwin/consumer/jhtml/contactUs.jhtml   Maybe they have them "in the works". I'll post the response when I get it

Did you get a response yet? I just sent an email inquiring about the same thing. Hopefully they'll respond with good news. According to the website all their products aren't listed.

As of now I'm having wet dreams of that bit in 1 1/8" ripping through control panels...
Imagine, a whole control panel drilled in less than a minute.

[Tahnok]

I would buy a 1 1/8" version in half a second. As NiteWalker said, it would make drilling CP holes incredibly fast.

Anybody else feel that popular mechanics maybe should have researched some more talent for their videos though?

[ElKootcho]

I just sent a message to their customer service dept http://www.irwin.com/irwin/consumer/jhtml/contactUs.jhtml   Maybe they have them "in the works". I'll post the response when I get it

Did you get a response yet? I just sent an email inquiring about the same thing. Hopefully they'll respond with good news. According to the website all their products aren't listed.

As of now I'm having wet dreams of that bit in 1 1/8" ripping through control panels...
Imagine, a whole control panel drilled in less than a minute.

Nope, Haven't heard a peep from them

[NiteWalker]

I got a reply today:

"I have not heard anything about adding the 1/1/8" size, but I will
forward your inquiry to the product manager for consideration.
 
Sincerely,
 
Ken Glardon"

I'll keep inquiring until they add the 1 1/8" size.

[ElKootcho]

Same reply:

"Currently this size is not available but I will forward your inquiry to
the product manager for consideration.

Sincerely,

Ken Glardon

[shorthair]

Coming in from the lower depths, here: why would you use a spade bit vs a whole saw? (Or vice versa?)

[ChadTower]

Or maybe half a saw?

[Crax]

Sent an email in today as well asking for a speedbor max in 1-1/8"

Hopefully all these emails will convince them to at least give it a try.

[NiteWalker]

Coming in from the lower depths, here: why would you use a spade bit vs a whole saw? (Or vice versa?)

A spade bit cuts through wood and MDF much faster in my experience. Hole saws are best for metals. I used a holesaw for MDF and it burned badly and made a messy paste of the waste. It was a brand new dewalt bi-metal holesaw. I use it for drilling aluminum nor. Works great.

[shorthair]

Or maybe half a saw?

Hahahahahahah....oh ---fudgesicle---.  Um, yeah.  Thanks, NiteWalker.

[Kaytrim]

Coming in from the lower depths, here: why would you use a spade bit vs a whole saw? (Or vice versa?)

A spade bit cuts through wood and MDF much faster in my experience. Hole saws are best for metals. I used a holesaw for MDF and it burned badly and made a messy paste of the waste. It was a brand new dewalt bi-metal holesaw. I use it for drilling aluminum nor. Works great.

I have used a hole saw as well and found that if you 'bounce' the saw as you are running the drill the MDF clears the teeth allowing it to bite deeper.  Once the pilot bit makes it's way through start from the back side and finish the hole.  Makes a nice plug for filling misplaced holes.  The only problem I have found is that the saw gets dull rather quickly.

Now that I have the proper spade bit though I am not going to use the hole saw anymore unless I need a plug.  The spade bit works much better and quicker.

TTFN
Kaytrim

[RyoriNoTetsujin]

Anybody else feel that popular mechanics maybe should have researched some more talent for their videos though?

...our good friend Mr. Eric Sofge was really not meant to be in front of a camera.  Jeebus.  Did anyone else notice the moment where, rather than just crossing his arms, he basically hugs himself while he's talking?  (it happens right when the other guy starts talking.)  Extremely indicative of nervousness and discomfort.  PM needs to hire an actor next time ... or at least a voice over guy...
*sobs at another gig lost...* maybe next time... 

On topic?  Yay speedbor bits!