Problems with Churchills, 31/64 ?

[Jim in Oakville]

Hi All,

I have been working with a set of Churchill pens, all in AA 25 black acrylic from Berea. I tried to turn 10 pen bodies last night, every single one of the pen portions broke though to the tube.

I looked at some of them, I am seeing some potential for failure based on maybe the drill size (31/64) being too large for the tubes having a space or pocket between the tube and drilled hole leaving a gap? I blew all 10 bodies and now wonder is there a preferred drill size to the 31/64th that I am not aware of?

Thanks!

 

[Russianwolf]

Jim, buy one of the 115 piece drill bit sets. Use calipers to find the "correct" bit to use.

Something like this.

http://www.harborfreight.com/115-pi...d-m2-high-speed-steel-drill-bit-set-1611.html

 

[OKLAHOMAN]

Along with Mikes advise make sure there's no wobble in the entrance hole, a dull bit will cause this.

 

[Larry in Harrow]

Hi Jim,

Never experienced the problem with the 31/64". You could try a 12.25 mm bit (a little smaller at .482" dia.).
See:
http://www.kbctools.com/can/main.cfm

The metric drill bits are on page 10. You could probably get same day delivery where you are.

 

[RichB]

Also I just start the drill and them realign the drill so in enters the hole straight. Sometimes the drill will pull to one side as it starts, then when you pull it, and put it back in it will slide to one side to find the hole which will make it bigger at the start. I have blown some out at this point when I turn them.

 

[Mack C.]

Hi All,

I have been working with a set of Churchill pens, all in AA 25 black acrylic from Berea. I tried to turn 10 pen bodies last night, every single one of the pen portions broke though to the tube.

I looked at some of them, I am seeing some potential for failure based on maybe the drill size (31/64) being too large for the tubes having a space or pocket between the tube and drilled hole leaving a gap?

I blew all 10 bodies

Hi Jim; Did you do any swearing after blowing that many blanks?

You get an "E" for effort at least. I think I would have quit at 3! :biggrin:I wish I could help, sorry!

 

[PenMan1]

Along with Mikes advise make sure there's no wobble in the entrance hole, a dull bit will cause this.

Roy just hit the nail on the head! I use a center drill to start the hole as well. The Churchill can be a tricky critter.

 

[Jim in Oakville]

Hi All,

I have been working with a set of Churchill pens, all in AA 25 black acrylic from Berea. I tried to turn 10 pen bodies last night, every single one of the pen portions broke though to the tube.

I looked at some of them, I am seeing some potential for failure based on maybe the drill size (31/64) being too large for the tubes having a space or pocket between the tube and drilled hole leaving a gap?

I blew all 10 bodies

Hi Jim; Did you do any swearing after blowing that many blanks?

You get an "E" for effort at least. I think I would have quit at 3! :biggrin:I wish I could help, sorry!

It was more forensic Mack, looking to see what I could learn, it was frustrating, but I also needed to understand what went wrong and also get those tubes back! The language was... rated R...

 

[Jim in Oakville]

Along with Mikes advise make sure there's no wobble in the entrance hole, a dull bit will cause this.

I think this maybe the issue, the drill is dull... so I am purchasing a new bit today to run some sample sizing tests, also dropping my speed from 800 rpm to 500 rpm... I will see if that works,


THANKS every one for your input, in 15 years of pen making I was amazed how Dumb I felt last night.

I am making 20 pens for a cancer fundraiser in support of close friend I lost a year ago to brain cancer, I am now under the gun for timing

 

[Jim in Oakville]

Hi Jim,

Never experienced the problem with the 31/64". You could try a 12.25 mm bit (a little smaller at .482" dia.).
See:
http://www.kbctools.com/can/main.cfm

The metric drill bits are on page 10. You could probably get same day delivery where you are.

Thanks Larry, great link!