I've read several posts where the preference is to drill out the pen blank on the lathe. I have a few questions regarding this.
1. How much travel does your tailstock have? My JET Mini lathe and the drill chuck I have will only get about 1 1/2 to 1 3/4 inches.
2. With that short distance I am thinking the etchnique would be to drill as far as possible, frequently backing out to clear the chips and flute. then slide the talstock in closer and repeat, though this time in clearing backing the tailstock off then sliding it up again.
3. Does drilling this way cause excess stress on the tailstock?
4. Does a 7mm drill bit exist that would slide through the tailstock hole (3/8 inch if I recall properly) that would be long enough to drill out the blanks. The bit could be held in its' own handle, etc.
I've also though about trying to handhold a bit for this, using it in a drill or handled chuck of some sort. Just wonder how much drift I would get. I don't think that would work out to well.
Unfortunately with almost no room left in the shop (ok garage with 2 cars parked inside) I have no room for a floor DP. Thinking about thr Ryobi benchtop model, just need to try to place it somewhere. Currentl I use an old Craftsamn DP with only 2 inches of travel and do the lift up the blank vise and slide a 3/4 inch piece of plywood under it.
That is why I'm thinking of using the lathe for drilling the blanks. It'll save me the trouble of trying to squeeze everything in.
Thanks! in advace for any advice!
Gerry
1. How much travel does your tailstock have? My JET Mini lathe and the drill chuck I have will only get about 1 1/2 to 1 3/4 inches.
2. With that short distance I am thinking the etchnique would be to drill as far as possible, frequently backing out to clear the chips and flute. then slide the talstock in closer and repeat, though this time in clearing backing the tailstock off then sliding it up again.
3. Does drilling this way cause excess stress on the tailstock?
4. Does a 7mm drill bit exist that would slide through the tailstock hole (3/8 inch if I recall properly) that would be long enough to drill out the blanks. The bit could be held in its' own handle, etc.
I've also though about trying to handhold a bit for this, using it in a drill or handled chuck of some sort. Just wonder how much drift I would get. I don't think that would work out to well.
Unfortunately with almost no room left in the shop (ok garage with 2 cars parked inside) I have no room for a floor DP. Thinking about thr Ryobi benchtop model, just need to try to place it somewhere. Currentl I use an old Craftsamn DP with only 2 inches of travel and do the lift up the blank vise and slide a 3/4 inch piece of plywood under it.
That is why I'm thinking of using the lathe for drilling the blanks. It'll save me the trouble of trying to squeeze everything in.
Thanks! in advace for any advice!
Gerry