Star-M Japanese 601 Precision Drills - Set of 16 in a canvas roll

Star-M drill bits are a Japanese-made solution to one of the more frustrating drilling tasks in the workshop: getting clean, tear-free holes in wood, leather and plastics.

It turns out that they are also absolutely brilliant for use with a hand cranked eggbeater drill, the tip geometry reliably produces beautifully clean holes in wood with no ragging.

The geometry is what sets them apart. Each bit works in a logical sequence:

• Hooked spurs score and clear waste from the perimeter first
• Semi-circular wings cut slightly deeper, parting the waste cleanly from the surrounding material
• A curved cutting edge then planes the waste out and evacuates it up the flutes

The result is consistently crisp holes with minimal breakout, particularly valuable when working with materials that tend to grab, tear or melt under a standard twist bit.

A few things worth knowing:

• Use a low speed setting for plastics to avoid heat build-up and melting
• Use your highest speed setting for fibrous materials like leather and end grain
• Introduce the bit gradually rather than pushing straight in

This star-m 601 drill bit set contains sizes: 3mm, 4mm, 5mm, 5.5mm, 6mm, 7mm, 7.5mm 8mm, 8.5mm, 9mm, 9.5mm, 10mm, 10.5mm, 11mm, 11.5mm, 12mm presented in a lovely canvas tool roll.

If bits purchased individually: £166.90

Video courtesy of  Star-M©.