Drilling pen blanks

[ataylor]

How critical is it to have the hole central

 

[Buckeye]

It's not critical if there is enough meat on the blank to match the diameter of the part it will butt up to.

Peter

 

[fortress]

As Peter says, but don't pop out the side.

 

[Penpal]

Dead centre is aim one except when the interest is on one side. Bear in mind as you turn the grain moves. The aim is to always have some safe extra.

Peter.

 

[edlea]

I feel that I have failed if it's not dead centre

 

[Terry Q]

I feel lucky if I get one dead center. The drill point drifts as it enters and pushes it off center. I dont worry about it.

 

[bigbob]

I always start with a centre drill but as Terry says the drill will shift off centre but this depends on what make of drills and how long the drills are as the longer the drill bit the more flex you will get and you can only push so much of the drill in the chuck i.e I find I get a far more centered and straight hole with a Dewalt 7mm extreme 2 HSS than the colt HSS 7mm pen drill it is a case of suck it and see.

 

[bassethound]

I usually use a Centre drill first and hope for the best most bits have a mind of their own..

 

[Jim]

It is more critical if you have segmented blanks Andy ..

 

[Woody]

Depends what your drilling as Jim said it is imperative with segmented blanks so it is best to always try for dead centre otherwise you can become sloppy with your work

 

[Bill Mooney]

Dead centre is the aim but that doesn't happen very often with me but I get by.

 

[Penpal]

Just like anything mate it is right or wrong depending on which effect you want. Care is needed across the grain, laminated blanks, Ebony, Snakewood and beware of complacency. Holding the blanks at the drill press requires flexible movement via Vees in the Vice jaws to allow setting up to get the best results. If you cut blanks or buy them in the lathe drilling can give most accuracy using blank jaws or four jaw chucks for holding.

Peter.

 

[mattkemp]

Take all of the above in but the thing I do is take care and plenty of time when drilling because if there is break out of the end of the blank it reduces the meat to the edge of the bush when turning and can you could turn it very thin but a sharp drill bit will reduce this with time and care hope it helps

Cheers

Matt

 

[Bammer]

What Woody said ... and everyone else

What are you drilling with ? lathe ? pillar drill ?

 

[wm460]

I use the Dewalt extreame 2 drill bits.
EXTREME 2™ Metal tip starts drilling on contact eliminating walking for clean, accurate holes.

https://www.google.com.au/url?sa=t&...1XXY4ZV9Casb8YRkw&sig2=fqm8HJhmnl16xeZx3bqKtQ

 

[Penpal]

Times two for Extreme 2 drills I still allow a little for exit but a breakout is rare. Fabulous bit life. Recently using larger sizes cut like butter.

Peter.