A set of Flex Coat arbor drills with the 1/4" pilot attached runs close to $90 for the 6 piece set. The DJ1 kit which includes (6) 1/4" aluminum tubes and a jig for mounting the pilots onto store bought spade type drill bits. The Flex Coats website says the spade bit needs to be "dressed up" a bit with a grinder before the pilot tube is epoxied in place. How much dressing is required? Has anyone made their own arbor drills with this kit?

I assume the pilot tubes have a notch in them that allows them to track onto the flat spade bit area. Are all of the notches the same width or some slightly larger than others to accomodate thicker blades on the larger bits? Thanks.

The "dressing" is done with a dremel tool and diamond wheel and consists of a small notch cut down each side of the spade bit point. It doesn't require much work.

The alignment jig works very well (I assume Flex Coat uses one to make the bits they sell) and you'll find it very easy to use. If you can get cheap spade bits, and that's really all you need for this, you'll have a nice set of bits at very little money. I've used it to make several for myself and it works exactly as advertised. Like most other Flex Coat products, it's well thought out and works just fine.

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I personally feel there is no choice for anyone who can walk and chew gum at the same time. I bought the kit when it came out and the little machined piece of aluminum alignment frame works like a charm. I am wondering what Roger will dream up next. I think I will order his next invention while he is dreaming it up - sight unseen!

Gon

I'm with Tom & Bill. It works exactly as advertised. It turned drudgery into a snap. An exageration, perhaps, but not much of one. Ralph

If at first you don't succeed, go fishing, then try, try again.



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 11/16/2005 11:11AM by Ralph Jones.