I've decided to treat myself to a new set of countersink cutter bits, since the ones I've been using for years are certainly not as sharp as they once were. Currently I have a collection of three-flute and single-flute examples that I've acquired over a couple decades from various sources.
In inspecting the ones I've got, I noticed that most of them are marked with printed-on lettering. Over time, the printing on many of my cutters has faded or been worn away, making it tough to figure out what size you're holding (without reaching for the calipers, anyway). Example picture of this type of marking:
However, I also have a few cutters that have stamped markings, which are still just as easy to read as when they were brand new. They look like this and are marked similarly:
As part of the process of building my new workshop, I'm trying to replace old worn-out tools with better examples, and to eliminate tools that aggravate me when I use them. I personally prefer the type of countersink cutter with stamped markings, so my intention is to buy only this variety from now on.
The three-flute cutters with stamped markings in my toolbox are all marked "AT445E", which I've determined are manufactured by ATI tools - available online here. I'm not sure which aircraft tool supplier I bought these from, but since the ATI brand also appears to be resold by Snap-On under their own label, I assume they are of decent quality. These may also be available from one of the familiar aircraft tool suppliers, I just can't tell from any of their websites.
My old single-flute cutters all seem to have stamped markings for size, but no other markings to indicate the manufacturer. I also can't remember where I bought them, and I can't determine the type of markings on the single-flute cutters offered from any of the aircraft tool suppliers' websites.
Anybody out there have a set of single-flute countersink cutters with stamped markings, and remember where you got them?
thanks,
- Matt
In inspecting the ones I've got, I noticed that most of them are marked with printed-on lettering. Over time, the printing on many of my cutters has faded or been worn away, making it tough to figure out what size you're holding (without reaching for the calipers, anyway). Example picture of this type of marking:
However, I also have a few cutters that have stamped markings, which are still just as easy to read as when they were brand new. They look like this and are marked similarly:
As part of the process of building my new workshop, I'm trying to replace old worn-out tools with better examples, and to eliminate tools that aggravate me when I use them. I personally prefer the type of countersink cutter with stamped markings, so my intention is to buy only this variety from now on.
The three-flute cutters with stamped markings in my toolbox are all marked "AT445E", which I've determined are manufactured by ATI tools - available online here. I'm not sure which aircraft tool supplier I bought these from, but since the ATI brand also appears to be resold by Snap-On under their own label, I assume they are of decent quality. These may also be available from one of the familiar aircraft tool suppliers, I just can't tell from any of their websites.
My old single-flute cutters all seem to have stamped markings for size, but no other markings to indicate the manufacturer. I also can't remember where I bought them, and I can't determine the type of markings on the single-flute cutters offered from any of the aircraft tool suppliers' websites.
Anybody out there have a set of single-flute countersink cutters with stamped markings, and remember where you got them?
thanks,
- Matt
