Photo Index - Darex, LLC - M5 Drill Grinder

Machinery Photo Index

Manufactured/Badged by:
Darex, LLC
Beecher, IL; Ashland, OR

Machine Specifications
Machine Class:	Metal Working Machinery
Machine Type:	Grinder, Tool and Die
Machine Size:	6"
Submitted By:	Bill Corneil

Machine Specifications
Description/Model:	M5 Drill Grinder
Date of Manufacturer:	1993
Serial Number:	517654
Last Updated	4/30/2013 9:49:56 AM

Comments:

I bought this drill bit grinder from a friend who had two of them. These M5 drill grinders have been discontinued for over 20 years, yet they still remain hot items whenever one appears on eBay, Kijiji or Craigs List. The current replacement model from Darex will cost you around $4,000! That's a lot of clams to sharpen a few drill bits. I refurbed the machine when I got it with a couple new wear item parts like the cam follower post and chuck straps. I also splurged for a pair of CBN wheels from Cuttermasters. These industrial wheels are essentially dustless and never need honing. The left wheel is 180 grit and used for drill sharpening. The right wheel is 100 grit and used for point splitting. I have the 2 standard chucks for it plus the optional large chuck. The small chuck handles drills from 1/8" to 1/2", the medium chuck handles drills from 1/2" to 3/4" and the large chuck handles 3/4" thru to 1-1/8". I've pretty much sharpened all the drill bits in the shop and they cut like a dream now.

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Photo 3:

Comments: The rear view here shows the magnifier I added on a piece of lok-line. You really need this magnifier to see if your setup is right for point splitting.
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Comments: This is the 1/2" chuck. I also have the 3/4" and 1-1/8" chucks so I can sharpen bits ranging from 1/8" thru 1-1/8".
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Comments: A closeup of the 180 grit CBN wheel.
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Photo 6:

Comments: A couple sharp bits. The left one showing split points.
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