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Item being reviewed: Drill Doctor 500 drill bit sharpener
What's this all about anyway? This is the deluxe version of their
drill bit sharpening tool line.
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Manufacturer: Drill Doctor
A company originally founded as Darex
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Retail price: $150
Supplied by the manufacturer, discounts are likely to be found
with some searching.
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Appearance: 6
Simply, how does it look. It is somewhat subjective but clean lines,
professional appearance, etc. This model is small, tidy, but nothing screams uber about it.
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Packaging: 9
Is it thrown into a box or packed like a new smartphone. This comes in a
molded plastic storage case.
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Initial set-up time: Minutes
After removing contents from box, how long before the first use.
Aside from making some minor adjustments, which would be done each time it's
used anyway, it's ready to go.
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"Plug and play": Yes
Is everything included or do you need to purchase additional
equipment, supplies, or parts. The only additional accessory would be a holder for
bits above 1/2".
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Additional costs or equipment: Only one possible addition
Not included with the purchase, what else will lighten your wallet
This requires nothing for average bits but will require the larger attachment for
bits over 1/2".
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Set-up time for each use: Seconds
From being stored properly and completely, is it grab-and-go or
much more involved. This takes little time, maybe a twist or few on the adjustment knobs.
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Storage provisions: 10
Factory provisions to store equipment when not in use.
This comes with a molded case.
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Storage time: Seconds
Time it takes to store it safely and completely, cleaned and
lubed, liquids drained, and ready to go. Blow this off, shake out the dust, and put it away.
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Ongoing costs: Minimal
Replacement parts from wear-and-tear, expendables, supplies, etc.
This item will need new sharpening wheels from time to time.
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Maintenance: Minimal
What is expected to keep the tool working properly: periodic
maintenance, lubing, etc. Aside from keeping it clean and ensuring the grinding wheel
is still good, nothing more.
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Usability: 8
Is it a pain in the ass or complicated to use?
Simple in principle and practice, it's not how easy it is to use that makes this tool
"difficult" to use.
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Functionality: 1-9
How well does it do its job. 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.
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Robustness: 5
Durability, how well-constructed or flimsy it is.
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Value: 3
Based on the price-vs-performance-vs-function, is it worth it.
Hit-or-miss again based on its molody functionality. I was tempted to throw this away
way too many times.
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Adjustability: 5
Can it be easily modified to accommodate different situations.
Supposedly - and that's a big if - it can be adjusted for numerous styles of tips.
But its inconsistency....
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Meeting expectations: 2
Does it work as well as others say or the manufacturer claims?
Moody, moody, moody.
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Innovation: 7
The ingenuity of the design or concept. Excellent idea but
it needs to be much better to get it to be a truly useful and stable tool.
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Results: 1-9
This may or may not replace a manual method or previous way of doing
something. In any case, what is the quality of the finished product or process.
Anything below 6 - realistically, an 8 - is not jewelry quality.
There's too much variance to adequately give this anything
other than a nebulous range.
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Timeliness: Excellent
How do the results compare to the amount of time it took.
If it replaces a manual method, what are the differences. It works quickly
and accurately provided the bit is aligned perfectly and everything else is perfect.
Which rarely happens.
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Skill level: Minimal
What mechanical aptitude or skills does one need to set it up and use
it. It's pretty straightforward all things considered.
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Documentation: 9
Does it have detailed instructions, whether written (which it should
no matter what) or on-line. An insturction book tells all there is to know and
there are on-line videos as well.
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Customer service: tbd
How quickly they respond, can you speak with someone on the phone,
are their answers satisfactory.
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Comparative: n/a
If other machines or tools are available within the general price
range that do the same thing, how does this compare. For a bit more money you
can purchase much better systems.
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Recommendation: Not really
My personal assessment of the device - basically, would I buy it
again knowing what I learned about it. I have sharpened well over 1000 bits with this system.
It works about 20% of the time.
Perhaps my unit is so worn that it just doesn't do the job it was designed for.
It is the first of my sharpeners I will try since it's so quick but
it's rarely effective.