blodal
Member
I recently blew out 4 nice blanks on Baron cap pieces. I had just purchased a set of DeWalt Pilot Point bits. When the bit penetrated the end of the blank it grabbed and blew out the blank.
I know there are several techniques for eliminating this, but I decided to post this for the benefit of other newbies like me.
I read somewhere that you can cut the blank about 3/4 in. longer than normal and not drill all of the way through the end of the blank. This applies to the larger size pens. Then you cut off the excess and have a perfectly drilled blank. This worked perfect for me on 2 blanks a couple of nights ago.
Also, I reviewed my definition of "slow" when drilling. I had been taking small bites with the bit and clearing the flutes. I realized that I was probably going too fast and forcing the bit with each segment. I slowed down (not the drill motor speed)stopped forcing the bit, and let the bit do the work. It took longer to drill it, but I still have the blank.
It is frustrating to ruin some top quality blanks. Hope this helps!
I know there are several techniques for eliminating this, but I decided to post this for the benefit of other newbies like me.
I read somewhere that you can cut the blank about 3/4 in. longer than normal and not drill all of the way through the end of the blank. This applies to the larger size pens. Then you cut off the excess and have a perfectly drilled blank. This worked perfect for me on 2 blanks a couple of nights ago.
Also, I reviewed my definition of "slow" when drilling. I had been taking small bites with the bit and clearing the flutes. I realized that I was probably going too fast and forcing the bit with each segment. I slowed down (not the drill motor speed)stopped forcing the bit, and let the bit do the work. It took longer to drill it, but I still have the blank.
It is frustrating to ruin some top quality blanks. Hope this helps!