Wildman
Member
I stopped buying drill bits with kits. Use either twist or brad point bits from index set to drill blanks. Do measure pen tubes and drill bits before use. Thank you Eagle!
I have slowed down my drilling procedure at drill press. I make sure blank is square in vise and with drill bit, using a 6" pocket combination square. Use a machinist vice to hold blanks. I only drill about 1/8 to 3/16" before clearing chips. While one hand operates drill press lever other hand holds shop-vac nozzle while drilling. Get less bit wander regardless if drilling wood or acrylic. No, not every hole drilled in blanks perfectly centered still close.
Lessons learned do not force drill bit into material, just let bit do the cutting. Chip clearing as you go good opt. Think those lessons apply whether using a drill press or lathe to drill blanks.
I have slowed down my drilling procedure at drill press. I make sure blank is square in vise and with drill bit, using a 6" pocket combination square. Use a machinist vice to hold blanks. I only drill about 1/8 to 3/16" before clearing chips. While one hand operates drill press lever other hand holds shop-vac nozzle while drilling. Get less bit wander regardless if drilling wood or acrylic. No, not every hole drilled in blanks perfectly centered still close.
Lessons learned do not force drill bit into material, just let bit do the cutting. Chip clearing as you go good opt. Think those lessons apply whether using a drill press or lathe to drill blanks.