Advice on figure drills

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DaveG

Well-Known Member
Joined
Nov 28, 2010
Messages
465
Location
Minnesota, USA
Fairly fed up with my weak pin vise rig and looking for advice on figure drills and where to source them. Thanks in advance....

DG
 
I use a Dremel (or other motor tool) to drill holes for pins. Low speed; and it helps to add a drop of light machine oil ('3n1' if you're in the US) to the bit. You don't need to run it very long - I get in about .25" or so in a 2-3 seconds.
 
Mike Stetzel is doing some research on finding the "Micro-detailer", a battery operated moto tool. I used one at the PF Workshop- fantastic, but so far only Hap W knew where to get them and we can't contact him. Hoping to get more info at the Chicago show in 2 weeks.
 
Glen and Tony, thanks for the advice. I suppose a dremel type tool would be a good move for a lot of reasons. Might have to finally get one of those.

Also, how about non-powered options? Does somebody sell hand drills that are cast or built as a single piece? Seems an obvious solution to the slippage problems I have with this pin vise.

DG
 
Dremel also supply a battery powered version aimed at golfers (or they did, a few years back) which had a lower power output then the mains powered one.

I switched to that, and swear by it for figure work.

I keep the mains powered one for when I need some power output in small spaces, it's just too much for a figure.

The battery powered one, less power out put = better control of results.

That might expand your choices.

Pictures can be provided, if desired.

cheers
 
DaveG said:
Also, how about non-powered options? Does somebody sell hand drills that are cast or built as a single piece? Seems an obvious solution to the slippage problems I have with this pin vise.
I was going to ask what the problem was specifically with your pin vice. I've had this myself a few times, but mostly it wasn't a failing of the vice itself but because I was using a bit a little too small for it to be gripped properly.

Over the years I ended up getting a few more (all the double-ended type, like this one on WidgetSupply), partly to give a range of size options but also used them as holders for pinned figures/parts for a long time. Once the bit was sized correctly to the collet this issue pretty much went away for me.

So in terms of hand drills just getting another double-ended one might sort you out.

Your bits might be partly the issue too - some don't cut very well. If you suspect this might be part of the problem then it would be worth investing in some new HSS bits, since these can be used with a motor tool just as easily if you end up getting one for heavier drilling jobs (and just to make your life easier!)

Last suggestion, it might also be worth lubricating the bits to help prevent them binding in the holes.

DaveG said:
I suppose a dremel type tool would be a good move for a lot of reasons. Might have to finally get one of those.
FWIW I do think they're a must-have bit of kit at the end of the day - for the things that you can do easily which by hand are tough going or nearly impossible.

I'd recommend that you get one with a speed range that starts at 0 if poss, since this makes drilling into certain tricky materials (like white metal) a lot safer and the very low speeds allow work on plastics without them melting.

Einion
 
I use a Foredom flex shaft tool with a foot speed control. I have a Dremel, but I haven't used it since I bought the Foredom. It's great!:love:
 


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