Thread: What are you working on?

Agreed, CA is a pain. If you don't have a well ventilated work area and a respirator it is not worth dealing with the fumes. I did a set before I had a respirator and I won't be doing that again. While it looks really good it is a harder finish on top of the wood so scratches really show.
Next time I make any wood scales I'm going to just try something like Tru Oil.

Here is a useful and cheap way to aid old eyes when drilling. Many "Dolla" stores have cheap battery operated book lights. These clip ons, are on a fairly stiff adjustable stalk making adjustment simple.


Yes, the Dremel is older than most of us. In the background is a Harbor Freight "Router Speed Control."
It works off a foot switch. Start with the dial on high and the onboard switch set to one side or the other. I think last time the double bar was the one for speed control. Slowly back the speed down to where you want it.
>>Note, Speed control is not for use with electronic built in speed controls!.<<
The foot switch is still a win!
~Richard

Good one, Richard! I have an old single-speed I run off a sewing machine pedal so speed can be varied with the foot.
You can still buy the old dremel 100's off the bay brand-new.
Your note about the built-in speed controls is spot-on.

Thanks for the dremel speed control Richard. I dont use a dremel much at all but i do have a sewing machine padal laying around here somewhere. Might be a nice option to try.

My drill press has a flex light built in but, another on the other side would be nice to get rid of the shadows. Your a welth of i formation and i thank you for sharing it with us! Now with the Dork Lord glasses, two lights, and if i can find a better drill bit, maybe i could drill a touch better.

As far as CA goes, i quit trying to use it as a finisher. Yes, it looks nice but a PITA too. I had a set of scales i did in CA and the finsh wasnt flexable enough and cracked the scales. Some folks have other issues too. I will stick to using it as a sealer on the inside of scales and use Tru-oil as a finish. Two coats on the inside and it dont mater how nice it looks. Easy and done!

Originally Posted by Gasman

...snip...Now with the Dork Lord glasses, two lights, and if i can find a better drill bit, maybe i could drill a touch better.

The best ones of any diameter/ size to buy for our use would be "Split Point" from machine supply sources.
The pointy end is relieved to allow the bit to center, drill straight, and remove chips more readily.
# 52 here: 0.065, a bit over 1/16th to allow a pin to slip in easier. Other sizes of spit point wire dill bits are available and used for larger pins holes. the cheap ones are as good as the expensive ones for us.
https:term=Split+point+number+drills&
Buy enough ( i buy a half dozen of the small sizes.) of different ones to make the shipping value cheaper.


Gives sizes and lengths. Good info and the shorties are best for us.
Greenfield_Standard_Drill_Dimensions_Inch
Enjoy and keep the shiny side up and be careful of some snow on the highway.
~Richard

Ive been using 5/64. Do you find that too big Richard? Or do you just like that closer fit?

Cannot answer for Richard, But 5/64 will cut the collar loose, tapping the top, after you drill through with 1/16. Drilling on pins needs to have a slow speed. 240 or 300 RPMS.
Some oil (I use 3-in-one) on the bit every time.
I like 5/64 holes to pin 1/16 rod. Works swimmingly.

Originally Posted by Gasman

Ive been using 5/64. Do you find that too big Richard? Or do you just like that closer fit?

What you are using is working very well for you. My background is as a machinist and I have the number set. Still, whatever you like is available in split point. That was only one page of the catalog.
Clicking on the directory on the left of the page will get those in the size you want
Enjoy!

~Richard

The 1/16 split-tips are imperative to find center and drill down.

Notsomuch the 5/64 ones as I seem to typically not use the tip.
Just enlarge with them.

A drop of oil on the 1/16.......Makes them last longer.

There is a 'Jobber length' which cut's the price and gives you what you need. Burn-em out!

Thanks Richard and Tom. I will make an order in the next day or two. Thanks for the links richard. And i understand with a machinist background your probably a more exact person when it comes to this stuff. Not a bad thing for sure.

Sense i feel the nic/sil rod is a touch bigger i will put my caliper on it and check. Then order a couple of a few sizes. Thanks for the help. This should put in me better shape for drilling. After i find another light too.

Its my Friday.