Drill size

[Themackay]

Those of you that make TM Omegas what size of drill do use use for the cap tube I tend to find the 15/32 is a bit of a slack fit for the tube or am I being to fussy

 

[Neil]

15/32 is the one I use and haven’t had any problems. Could be that your drill is on the large size? Could be that there is a bit of drill wobble making the hole larger or even if you were drilling a softer fast growing species the grain can take the drill bit slightly off a true course.

 

[Themackay]

15/32 is the one I use and haven’t had any problems. Could be that your drill is on the large size? Could be that there is a bit of drill wobble making the hole larger or even if you were drilling a softer fast growing species the grain can take the drill bit slightly off a true course.

Aye Neil I know occasionaly I have had a bit of drill wobble and you get a slightly larger holeI have the metric equivalent as well so find same problem with both drill I use a center drill first then @6mm then 11.5 then 15/32 or 11.9 its the only pen part that I seem to find this is an issue

 

[fortress]

Hay Alan, I use metric drill bits for the Omega 11.9mm & 9.9mm

 

[flexi]

It's normally soft acrylics I have that problem with.....then I just use a size down first and check for fit

 

[pittswood]

Hi Alan,
make sure the drill cutting lands are of equal length. If they are unequal, you will get wobble and enlarged holes. Measure from the bottom of the drill, up to the lower land cutting edge. Repeat on the other side and ensure the centre of the drill point is in centre.
Kelvin

 

[Themackay]

Hay Alan, I use metric drill bits for the Omega 11.9mm & 9.9mm

Aye John I did buy a 11.9 mm after finding the 15/32 seemed a bit oversize still feel the hole ends up a bit oversize the glue probably fill the void ok I like things to be a neater fit though thinking I might buy a 11.7 mm

 

[Themackay]

It's normally soft acrylics I have that problem with.....then I just use a size down first and check for fit

Mabye thats part of the problem I have drills in 0.1 increments up to 10mm so just use them accoringly so never have a problem under 10mm do you think I would get away with 11.7 ok

 

[flexi]

Mabye thats part of the problem I have drills in 0.1 increments up to 10mm so just use them accoringly so never have a problem under 10mm do you think I would get away with 11.7 ok

I only normally have this problem with the soft 'camoflauge' blanks.....I go slow and clear swarf frequently...don't let heat build up....but always they go oversized. I can drill another blank straight after and it's a perfect fit....it's just those buggers and so I tend to go under and try first!!
On the occasions it's been baggy I wrap I turn of masking tape around 2/3rds the tube and use PU glue...it's not failed yet

 

[wm460]

PSI have some great drill bits for making oblong holes.

 

[Penpal]

Every drilling has its preferences,I find comfort in mainly one brand of drills for preference.The problems come with the proliferation of pen kit makers and dealers. Which pens do I like to make,am I to go commercial.

Bottom line measure and compensate after realising timbers vary and dryness is crucial, not waiting or correcting seasoning can cause more problems.

Peter.

 

[21William]

Drill bits are commonly available in .1 mm increments so why not try a 11.8mm bit first and see if the fit is better?

 

[fortress]

Just remember Alan, if you are painting the tubes/blanks you’ll need to allow for that in selecting a drill size.

 

[Themackay]

Drill bits are commonly available in .1 mm increments so why not try a 11.8mm bit first and see if the fit is better?

I am thinking 11.7mm possibly

 

[21William]

There’s one here cheap.

Single Irwin HSS Pro Metal High Speed Steel Twist Jobber Drill Bit 11.7mm, | eBay