X-Head Porting....

I think 20 bucks is cheap material. I've never bent a bit but I buy high dollar stuff. The material should be so hard that it breaks before it bends. They must be friction welding carbide tips onto a cheaper shaft material is my guess. Don't get frustrated. Time for a break though.
EDIT: I guess 20 bucks is the going rate for a good bit. It's been a while since I have needed a new one.