Gyrogami Blog - Precious Metals, Jewelry, Artwork

• Item being reviewed: Drill Doctor 500 drill bit sharpener ▼

  Q: What's this all about anyway?
  
  A: This is the deluxe version of their drill bit sharpening tool line.
• Manufacturer: Drill Doctor ▼

  Who makes this and what is their history?
  
  A: The company was originally called Darex.
• Retail price: $150 ▼

  What is the manufacturer's suggested retail price?
  
  A: Supplied by the manufacturer, discounts are likely to be found with some searching.
• Appearance: 6 ▼

  Q: Simply, how does it look? While subjective, does it have clean lines, professional appearance, etc.?
  
  A: This model is small, tidy, but nothing screams uber about it.
• Packaging: 9 ▼

  Q: Is it thrown into a box or packed like a new smartphone?
  
  A: This comes in a molded plastic storage case.
• Initial set-up time: Minutes ▼

  Q: After removing contents from box, how long before it can be used?
  
  A: Aside from making some minor adjustments, which would be done each time it's used anyway, it's ready to go. It'll take a while to read the instructions.
• "Plug and play": Yes ▼

  Q: Is everything included or do you need to purchase additional equipment, supplies, or parts?
  
  A: The only additional accessory would be a holder for bits larger than 1/2".
• Additional costs or equipment: Only one possible addition ▼

  Q: Not included with the purchase, what else is required and how much does it cost?
  
  A: This requires nothing for average bits but will require the larger attachment for bits over 1/2".
• Set-up time for each use: Seconds ▼

  Q: From being stored properly and completely, is it grab-and-go or much more involved?
  
  A: This takes little time, maybe a twist or few on the adjustment knobs.
• Storage provisions: 10 ▼

  Q: What or how is the equipment stored when not in use as provided by the manufacturer?
  
  A: This comes with a molded case.
• Storage time: Seconds ▼

  Q: How long soea it take to store it safely and completely, cleaned and lubed, liquids drained, etc.?
  
  A: Blow this off, shake out the dust, and put it away.
• Ongoing costs: Some ▼

  Q: What is the cost of using the equipment: replacement parts from wear-and-tear, expendables, supplies, etc.?
  
  A: This item will need a new sharpening wheel from time to time.
• Maintenance: Minimal ▼

  Q: What is expected to keep the tool working properly: periodic maintenance, lubing, etc.?
  
  A: Aside from keeping it clean and ensuring the grinding wheel is still good, nothing more.
• Usability: Easy in principle ▼

  Q: Is it complicated to use?
  
  A: Simple in principle and practice, this tool is "difficult" to use. Others have had good luck according to their (fake?) reviews but it is really a piece of shit.
• Functionality: 1-9 ▼

  Q: How well does it do its job?
  
  A: When it works, it works excellent. The problem is that if the bit isn't perfectly aligned - a hit or miss given how imprecise the alignment system is - then good luck. Rescuing an errant sharpening seems all but impossible.
• Robustness: 5 ▼

  Q: How well-constructed or flimsy is it?
  
  A: Average, it is definitely not a heavy-duty piece of equipment.
• Value: 2 ▼

  Q: Based on price, performance, and function, is it worth it?
  
  A: Hit-or-miss again based on its moody functionality. I was tempted to throw this away way too many times.
• Adjustability: Supposedly excellent ▼

  Q: Can it be easily modified to accommodate different situations?
  
  A: It can be adjusted for numerous tip styles, angles, and whatnot. But its inconsistency....
• Meeting expectations: 2 ▼

  Q: Does it work as well as others say or the manufacturer claims?
  
  A: Not impressed.
• Innovation: 7 ▼

  Q: How ingenious or clever is the design or concept?
  
  A: Excellent idea but it needs to be much better to be a useful tool.
• Results: Varies ▼

  Q: What is the quality of the finished product or process? Anything below 6 - realistically, an 8 - is not decent quality.
  
  A: There's too much variance to adequately give this anything other than a nebulous range.
• Timeliness: Excellent ▼

  Q: How do the results compare to the amount of time it took?
  
  A: It works quickly and accurately provided the bit is aligned perfectly and everything else is perfect. Which rarely happens.
• Skill level: Minimal ▼

  Q: What mechanical aptitudes or skills does one need to use it?
  
  A: It's pretty straightforward all things considered.
• Documentation: 9 ▼

  Q: Does it have detailed instructions, whether written (which it should no matter what) or on-line?
  
  A: It comes with an instruction book. On-line videos are available as well.
• Customer service: tbd ▼

  Q: How quickly do they respond, can you speak with someone on the phone, are their answers satisfactory?
  
  A: Never called or contacted them.
• Comparative: Poor ▼

  Q: How does this compare to similar machines within its price range?
  
  A: For slightly more money you can purchase much better systems.
• Recommendation: No ▼

  Q: My personal assessment of the device - basically, would I buy it knowing what I learned about it?
  
  A: I have sharpened well over 1000 bits on several of these machines. It's quick but not consistent.

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