Countersink source

[Troy Scott]

Folks,

I've been searching diligently for a good 82 degree countersink that uses a 5/16 inch drill bit (or plain shaft) as a guide to make sure the countersink is well aligned to the hole. I need the guide because I'll be using a hand drill to cut these holes in a relatively awkward situation. This seems like such a simple thing, but I've had no luck. These are commonly available in the 100 degree version, but apparently not in an 82 degree version. I could also use the same thing with a 1/4 inch guide, but I really want the 5/16" version. Can anyone help me find this? Can anyone explain to me why such an obvious device, necessary for cutting a hole for the majority of ordinary countersunk machine screws, seems to be unavailable? What's up with this?

[tmsc]

Troy,

Search for adjustable countersink at McMaster Carr. I think this is what you are looking for. It is 82 degrees and is the same type we used at Island Packet. They also have adjustable stops etc just scroll down the page.

http://www.mcmaster.com/

[Troy Scott]

Lee,

Thanks! I don't know why I hadn't checked McMaster Carr. I often do. However, I also wonder why Google didn't refer me to them when I searched for adjustable 82 degree countersinks.....
At any rate, I'm grateful that once again this board has come through for me!

[Maine Sail]

For some reason google doe not like McMaster Carr. Their own internal search engine is great though as is the company.

Friday at 3:00 p.m. I ordered a part from them and it was on my door step Monday morning with their cheapest ground shipping rate. They are like Defender for mail order very good to deal with!!

[Troy Scott]

Maine S,

I wonder what politics is behind that? You're right about Mc Master Carr's IT; the site works really well. Defender's site, OTOH, does not. Their internal search is poor, and the system always gets into a "loop" when I'm trying to order. I always have to give up and call them. When I tell them there is a problem they always say it's my server. But I order from lots of other companies without "server problems".....

[jbenagh]

I really like W.L. Fuller for countersinks and drill bits in general. They have all kinds of odd ones, including ones for wood and metal as well as taper and step drills. They are a favorite of the woodworkers for the long augers and specialty tools. My personal favorite, the "expansive bit", is on p. 72 of their catalog:

http://www.wlfuller.com/html/Catalog25small.pdf

Jeff

[Troy Scott]

Jeff,

Thanks!

Once again, a name I remember from the past. I did look, and they do have four or five choices that would work. I've bookmarked the pdf catalog for future reference. I ordered the cutters I need from McMaster Carr last evening as soon as I found them.

I had a very good older friend who died a few years ago. He had been a machinist in the Navy. I used to regularly call on him when I needed anything special. If he couldn't tell me where to order it he would just make it! It can be really frustrating these days when I have to do these things on my own. I'm glad this group is willing to help!

[jbenagh]

Troy,

I don't know if it makes you feel any better, but I had to look at the name on my countersink set to remember their name!

I'm finally glad to be able to give something back to this group. You all have been so helpful.

Jeff

[Riptide]

The reason Google may not be able to list Mc Master Carr items is MC may have put up protections. I work in Cyber Security and we often recommend to web hosts to put in protections to not allow "spidering" of web sites. So it may not be Google but rather MC webmasters who don't want people to know their items and prices.

Just a guess.
Mike

[Troy Scott]

Mike,

I guess I'm missing something. I'm certainly not an IT expert, but I would think that any company would want to be referenced when someone is searching for one of the products they're trying to sell. Otherwise people (like me) might assume they just don't have the item. I'm always annoyed when things are hard to find. It should be easy. I always figure that if it's too hard to find, or if the catalog is too hard to use, the company needs to replace their IT guy.