Thanks for all the advice. Blank is secure, no run out at least I don't notice it.
Thanks for all the advice. Blank is secure, no run out at least I don't notice it.
You can have what a machinist would consider a lot of runout on a drill chuck (drill press) and not detect it with your eyes. The cheaper the drill press, the greater the odds that precision is not part of the package.
The extra length is measured from the point and especially on larger bits needs to be more towards 1/4 inch to assure the point of the drill bit does not exit. Once the tip exits, the chance of a "grab and break" goes up fast.
Many of us have had to learn that a truly "sharp drill bit" is not something one normally finds in a hardware store or in the cheap Asian import sets.
Most every turning club (AAW Chapter) has a few members with skills or gear to sharpen (really sharp and centered tips) drill bits.
I leave my acrylic blanks as long as I can. I then drill just deep enough for the tube. I use a slow speed and a sharp bit and I have had good luck with that approach.
Many of us have had to learn that a truly "sharp drill bit" is not something one normally finds in a hardware store or in the cheap Asian import sets. .
First thing I do with a brand new drill bit is to sharpen it.
My 2c's worth. I had terrible trouble drilling acrylic at first. What worked for me was making the hole in two passes. The first with a bit a few sizes smaller than required. The second the required size. Clear the chips OFTEN and mist the drill bit with water each time to keep it cool. Finally turn the lather off (I drill all my blanks on the lathe using the PSI chuck) when 're-entering' the hole after clearing the chips. I have had a 100% success rate since adopting the above method.
A related tip, for removing chips... a can of compressed air keyboard cleaner, with the little extension straw. You'd be amazed at the amount of crud that blows out of the hole during drilling.
A related tip, for removing chips... a can of compressed air keyboard cleaner, with the little extension straw. You'd be amazed at the amount of crud that blows out of the hole during drilling.