how to put together hdpe

[hippi]

The first one was kind of a failure but it worked I cut up an old inner-tube and used it as a gasket it did stop leaks had trouble with the screws I used countersunk heads
then found some pan head screws they worked way better, I really need help getting the center of the 1/2" let alone clamping and drilling
how do you drill the holes I do use a drill press. this time will first use a drill size of 11/64" much closer to the #8 32 screws that I am using then drill the #1 .2280 bit but how to hold and drill all a 1/2" deep. that blank is with sweet gum balls pre dipped (same setting) then into the mold was with yellow dye but really looks more amber

 

[JohnU]

I draw pencil lines along all of my joints so I know where to drill. Then I drill the first piece, line it up along the second piece and push the drill bit in the hole to make a mark where to drill. I then drill the second hole separately to the desired depth on the drill press. I use some silicone caulk in the joints and then put a clamp on them while I place the screws. I like to use pan head screws so they dig in as bad if over tightened and screw them in with a screw driver and not the drill. I don't make a lot of them anymore unless I need a special size but I like to make the top of the mold a little larger opening than the bottom so the blanks come out without having to dismantle the mold.

Also, if your using clear resin, you might need to add a little white dye with your colors to make them more opaque for better color. When they are transparent you may not get the color recognition you want.

 

[hippi]

I draw pencil lines along all of my joints so I know where to drill. Then I drill the first piece, line it up along the second piece and push the drill bit in the hole to make a mark where to drill. I then drill the second hole separately to the desired depth on the drill press. I use some silicone caulk in the joints and then put a clamp on them while I place the screws. I like to use pan head screws so they dig in as bad if over tightened and screw them in with a screw driver and not the drill. I don't make a lot of them anymore unless I need a special size but I like to make the top of the mold a little larger opening than the bottom so the blanks come out without having to dismantle the mold.

Also, if your using clear resin, you might need to add a little white dye with your colors to make them more opaque for better color. When they are transparent you may not get the color recognition you want.

thanks, so looking at the bottom pic if I drill all three holes in the sides then use the bit to mark all three then repeat for the endcaps
again a BIG THANK YOU