How to Sharpen Drill Bits on a Drill Press
By Infinity Cutting Tools | Premium Woodworking Tools ... | Published: 2026-10-18
Category: How-to Guides
Learn how to sharpen drill bits using a drill press sharpening system. This guide covers setup, technique, and common mistakes.
Quick answer
Use a drill press sharpening station with glass platens and PSA sandpaper to sharpen drill bits quickly and accurately. This method saves space and money compared to a standalone sharpener.
Why sharpen drill bits on a drill press?
A drill press sharpening system turns your existing drill press into a dedicated sharpening station. It's accurate, repeatable, and doesn't take up extra bench space. The glass platens provide a flat, stable surface, and using multiple platens for different grits means you don't have to change sandpaper between steps.
What you'll need
You'll need a drill press sharpening station (like the Infinity Tools DPSS-100), glass platens for each grit you plan to use, and PSA sandpaper packs in various grits. A sharpie to mark the cutting edge helps you track progress.
Steps to sharpen drill bits on a drill press
- Set up the sharpening station: Mount the drill press sharpening station in your drill press according to the manufacturer's instructions. Attach a glass platen loaded with coarse-grit PSA sandpaper (e.g., 120 grit) to the arbor. Make sure the platen is level and runs true to avoid uneven sharpening.
- Mark the cutting edge: Use a permanent marker to color the cutting edge of the drill bit. This will show you where material is being removed as you sharpen. If the mark is still fully visible after a pass, you're not making contact—adjust the angle or height.
- Set the sharpening angle: Adjust the tool rest to match the drill bit's factory bevel angle (typically 118° for standard twist bits). Clamp the bit in a vise or hold it firmly against the rest. A common mistake is using too steep an angle, which weakens the cutting edge and reduces bit life.
- Sharpen with light pressure: Turn on the drill press at a medium speed (around 1000-1500 RPM). Gently bring the bit into contact with the spinning sandpaper. Use light, even pressure and move the bit side to side to cover the entire cutting edge. Too much pressure can overheat the bit and ruin the temper. Let the abrasive do the work.
- Progress through finer grits: After the coarse grit has shaped the edge, switch to a medium grit (e.g., 400) and then a fine grit (e.g., 1000). Use a separate glass platen for each grit to avoid cross-contamination. Skipping grits leaves deep scratches that reduce sharpness and edge durability.
- Check and repeat if needed: Remove the bit and inspect the cutting edge. The marker should be completely gone from the bevel. If not, repeat the steps with the coarse grit. Once satisfied, deburr the back of the cutting edge with a fine stone or ceramic rod. A burr on the back means you've sharpened enough—stop before you oversharpen.
Products used in this guide
- Infinity Tools Drill Press Sharpening Station: The Infinity Tools Drill Press Sharpening Station transforms virtually any drill press into a fast, accurate, and repeatable sharpening system for chisels, plane irons, carving tools, and other edge tools. It eliminates the need for a separate sharpening machine, saving shop space and money while still delivering professional results.
Infinity Tools Drill Press Sharpening Station - Infinity Tools Drill Press Sharpening System Glass Platens, 3/8" X 6": The Infinity Tools Glass Platen with Arbor for the DPSS-100 is made from durable 3/8" glass and lets you dedicate multiple platens to different abrasive grits. You can pre-load each platen with a different grit, so switching from coarse to fine takes seconds instead of removing and reapplying sandpaper.
Infinity Tools Drill Press Sharpening System Glass Platens, 3/8" X 6" - Infinity Tools 15-Pc. Drill Press Sharpening System Sandpaper Pack: The Infinity Tools Multi-Grit PSA Sandpaper Pack includes a range of grits designed to restore razor-sharp edges on chisels, plane irons, carving tools, and other woodworking blades. Having the right grits on hand ensures you can take a dull bit from rough to polished without stopping to find the right abrasive.
