Antique Drill Press

[Stan Thigpen]

I have an antique wooden frame drill press along with several large bits (1/2" - 3/4") which go along with it. I have just purchased a Drill Dr. sharpening machine and I was wondering if I sharpened these bits for practice, would it diminish the value to a collector? I have no plans to actually drill with the bits.

[Mike Cutler]

Stan. If the bits are specific to that drillpress and are not readily replaceable, I'd leave them alone. I have no idea if they are worth anything, but anybody who "collects" antiques likes to have that nice aged patina look. Buy an inexpensive index set from harbor freight or grizzly and have a go at them.My .02 fwiw