Thread: Drilling scales with a Dremel?

Thanks guys. Lots to think about. I quite like the idea of doing everything by hand if super precision is not necessary. I make mistakes more slowly with hand tools.

Originally Posted by CMOT

Thanks guys. Lots to think about. I quite like the idea of doing everything by hand if super precision is not necessary. I make mistakes more slowly with hand tools.

You need to be very accurate when drilling pivot holes.not so much so when removing old pins by hand.

Found this inexpensive drill guide. Works like a champ for me.

Drill Guide Attachment for 1/4-Inch or 3/8-Inch Drills



http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00..._detailpages00

I would suggest not getting that Dremel drill press. I got one thinking it would be a fine middle ground.
There are pros and cons we could go through, if you want I could list them, but for now I just gotta say that after using it EVERY TIME I WISHED I HAD SAVED THE MONEY AND GOT A REAL DRILL PRESS.
I'm sorry for the caps.. just really had to get that off my chest.. wow okay I feel a bit better now
It's so great to have a real one, I saved and searched and finally got one the quality is way better.
It's good to have the Dremel press, I'm sure I'll use it for something.. haven't yet, but will, I think. but just should've got that proper tool from the begging...

I find the Dremel drill press set very versatile for many a str8 project.
I have used mine on scale materials as a mini mill, thicknesses, inlay cutter, pivot hole borer on old str8s, and for drilling scale pins new and old.

You must be aware though that the drill is not true and vertical or square to the base.
Well mine definitely isn't anyway
If you allow for this all is good.
I drill press would definitely be better for this and drilling holes bigger than 1/16"

Originally Posted by CMOT

Looking to start making scales and I'm wondering if a Dremel in a stand would be accurate enough to drill holes in scales. I'm not really wanting to buy a bench mounted drill as I'm not planning to do all that many (famous last words!) Would the Dremel be good enough to get going? I don't think drilling by hand would work for me, I'm not that skilful.

Thanks

Simon

Yup, accurate "enough" is a good choice of words. It's not super sturdy & a lot of plastic in it allows some movement but if you centre punch the job & go easy it'll work fine. I've used one since 2009 for restores & am on my second set of motor brushes. Not having a lot of workspace I've found my Dremel invaluable.

To each their own! At my age i am planning ahead to where I will be in an apartment situation with a tarp on the floor and Dremel stuff to do everything that I may need to on razors.

I've got a small machine shop in my basement all the common stuff. mill, lathe, band saws, scroll saws, small circle saw, belt sanders, drill presses, home made special fer razors machines, wet grinders, couple buffers, hand power tools,flex shafts, sandblast cabinet, compressors, torches, layout stuff; and a buddy or two that have what I don't.

And I still use my Dremel stuff/ accessories a lot. I know what I can do with Dremels and have had a lot of practice.
I use what I have that works for me as the best tool for a particular job at hand.
~Richard

Originally Posted by Geezer

To each their own! At my age i am planning ahead to where I will be in an apartment situation with a tarp on the floor and Dremel stuff to do everything that I may need to on razors.
~Richard

Good point, to each his own, depending in situation and use, and what you like.
I don't use my Dremel "drill press" but I use my Dremel in other ways a lot. For drilling accurate holes, if space is not an issue, I would save and get a better one, i found the Dremel drill press lacking. But it has other uses too besides just a drill press so...?
A whole bunch of ideas about it good luck.

A dremel can do this Job, I have do it man Times on that way. But beter is spent some more $ and buy good tools, it works so easyer.

If can fix alot with duct tape and coat hangers. But it aint pretty.
I used a dremmel for a press and it works.
A drill press is the right tool for the job....IF you have the money and space for it.
First time I used my drill press. I was sad because the job was done so fast and it was perfect, no stress.
Dremmel has a place.
I say I hate restores, I refuse to make anymore scales.....
I have at least 5 sitting around my faux shop. Cant beat good tools.