Mather323
Member
I have found that using a 10.5mm drill bit makes a much better fit than using the 27/64 drill bit that they recomend much better fit, to much slop.
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Hi Mather; I assume you meant to say 27/64 drill bit. I don't recall having a problem with my Sierras, but there could be some merit to your suggestion since the 10.5 mm bit is about 8½ thou. smaller.I have found that using a 10.5mm drill bit makes a much better fit than using the 27/67 drill bit that they recomend much better fit, to much slop.
Hi Mike; I think the big question is what's your budget. Floor model or bench top?Any recomendiations for a new drill press?
I've got a Delta Model 17-901 floor type that has served me for years. I do all of my blank drilling on the lathe now!
On a few pens I have used the 10.5 but I usually go back to the 27/64. The 10.5 is too tight in some cases - I have drilled a 10.5 hole is some blanks and the fit was so tight for some reason that the tube was difficult to get in. In cases like this, it means that there will be too little space for glue as glue will be pushed out, or the glue will end up inside the tube.
I found the same problem using the 27/64. I was getting gaps between the wood and tube and some slop. I used a lettered "Z" bit from my HF set on my last 5 Sierras without any problems. I believe both the "Z" and the 10.5mm are .413 inches. It beats spending $14 on one bit.
First
the drill size 27/64 = 0.4219
the drill size 10.5mm = 0.4134 10.5mm being .0085 smaller
the O.D. of a Sierra tube is = 0.4105 its also 2.4300 inches long.
a Z drill is = 0.4130
just the measurements!