Holder or chuck for drill bits

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SBarnes
Posts: 15
Joined: Fri Jan 28, 2022 5:15 pm
Model of CNC Machine: Shapeoko Pro XXL
Location: Southeast VA

Holder or chuck for drill bits

Post by SBarnes »

Is there such a thing as a 1/4" round shank drill bit chuck for CNC routers?
I would like to use the available drill bits I have without having to purchace CNC drill bits!
Is this a bad idea for the occasional holes I need to drill?
Thanks!

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martin54
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Joined: Fri Nov 09, 2012 2:12 pm
Model of CNC Machine: Gerber 48, Triac PC, Isel fixed gantry
Location: Kirkcaldy, Scotland

Re: Holder or chuck for drill bits

Post by martin54 »

A google search brings up quite a lot with a 1/2" straight shank, there may be 1/4" shank as well but didn't look to hard. No idea about using them with a CNC though :lol: :lol:
I don't tend to use the drill toolpath very much at all, most of the time I run a profile toolpath cutting inside the line with a spiral ramp. Works well but I am not machining lots of holes at the same time. Use an endmill that is larger than the radius of the hole & you won't be left with an island in the middle :lol: :lol: :lol:

Pete Cyr
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Re: Holder or chuck for drill bits

Post by Pete Cyr »

You can buy collet set that will have a range of sizes to allow using a typical drill bit.
However, standard drill bits don't usually do very well in a CNC spindle because of the speed the spindle rotates - the bits are often not stiff enough to provide a sharp concentric bore.

There are solid carbide bits that do well and have a 1/4" or 1/2" shank and are sized the same and a set of imperial or metric drill indexes. But I am not familiar with sets being sold they are typically sold individually and they are not inexpensive.

SBarnes
Posts: 15
Joined: Fri Jan 28, 2022 5:15 pm
Model of CNC Machine: Shapeoko Pro XXL
Location: Southeast VA

Re: Holder or chuck for drill bits

Post by SBarnes »

Thanks for the info!
I will get the 1/4" or 1/8" shank CNC drill bits in the sizes I need.

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ohiolyons
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Joined: Wed May 27, 2009 7:16 pm
Model of CNC Machine: Laguna IQ
Location: Kettering, Ohio

Re: Holder or chuck for drill bits

Post by ohiolyons »

I get mine from Precisebits.
I have their 1/16", 1/8" and 1/4" bits on 1/8" shanks.

Made in the USA.

When you have questions you are talking to the President of Precisebits.
Their website has loads of data too.
Top notch!
John Lyons
CNC in Kettering, Ohio

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