Russknan
Member
I am working on a pen where the holes for the tubes need to be 10.5 and 12.5mm. The drill bits that I have for these are "conventional" metal style bits. In the past when I've made this style of pen, I started out with a 7mm brad point bit to bore pilot holes, then slowly and carefully re-bored with the larger bits. In truth, I haven't been perfectly happy with the result because, when changing bits, I think I've added some variation and the tubes haven't always slid in easily. (BTW, I do not yet have the ability to drill on the lathe. I recently bought a Rockwell pen drilling/assembly vise which I really like.) My current project has some soft metallic features at angles which, I'm sure, will want to divert the bits. The question is do you think I should still try pilot holes first with a smaller brad point, or just dimple the center with an awl or small bit and go at it slowly but all in one shot with the larger, more substantial, conventional bits? Appreciate any help you could give. Russ