Yes it is. Slicker than snot on a glass doorknob.
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I usually use a combination of tools on any given pin. I always start with a file. Not just to flatten the pin, but also to remove the bulk of the material. After that, I'll start with a pin vice to get a nice centered hole. If it has collars, I'll hit it which a hand drill after I get it started. If it's collarless ivory I will do it all with the pin vice. Sometimes if I want to save the collars I'll Finish with the pin vice after using the hand drill.
Or there's always the flush cutters.
Just picked up one of these countersink bits. 5/64" and a lot more sturdy than a drill bit. Haven't tried it out yet but hoping it should help when drilling out pins.
Attachment 274875
Yep, those are a lot stronger. I have a couple. They come in handy if ya countersink a solid collar & then peen it where it looks smooth across the top of the pin.
That is mostlikely true as far as the patience part. My bit is fairly new. I tried choking up on the bit a little more and that helped but it still wandered just a tad.
I gave this a try and it worked well. I started with the smaller one (3/64) after taking a file to the top of the pin to flatten it some. Center punch then the smaller one to get a nice hole in the pin. Then went with the 5/64 and it drilled intill the washer started spinning. Found it was drilled out just enough and the scale damn near fell off. Now the hole in the scale is a touch bigger so pinning will be easier and I think this is going to work for me.
YMMV.
I will be tool shopping soon enough. I have an upcoming trip to the mainland.