Thread: Drilling a perpendicular hole without a Drill press?

I don't own a drill press at this time. How would you guys drill a perpendicular hole with a hand-held drill?

I would eyeball it, look at it from a couple different angles, if it looks right it most likely is. Your eyeballs are better at measuring than you think they are.

TLAR engineering, that looks about right

I tend to go in a little from each side. If your layout is accurate they line up fairly easy. I also use a compass for layout, it idiot proofs it for me. I have a drill press but for little things I tend to hold them and push them against the turning bit, it seems easier to me.

Yea, eyeball it with a combination, speed or woodworking square standing next to, parallel to the drill bit, as a guide. Make a couple practice drills and ensure the table is level and the work piece clamped.

That is how it was done pre drill press days, with a brace. It still works, surprisingly well.

There is also an attachment you can add to a hand drill, that has a flat adjustable base 90 degrees to the bit. I have had one for years and it work very well when, you can’t bring the work to the drill press. I have seen them in swap meets, garage sales and thrift store for a couple bucks. Mine is similar to this one but made of metal.

I think there is a similar attachment for the Dremel.

Check out a drill press, from the money you saved buying the buffer.
Or check back with your friend who sold you the buffer and see if he has a drill press, or Harbor Freight.

Have someone check the angle from a distance a few times. Once you get the feel, it'll be pretty dang close then on.

Or set a Domino on end. Tape a cut piece of plastic straw to Domino and use it as a guide. At least you will be at a true 90.

And even if you get it wrong don't worry, the pin will still function.
It is the grip of the scales on the tang that keeps the razor centred, not the pin.

Originally Posted by MisterClean

I don't own a drill press at this time. How would you guys drill a perpendicular hole with a hand-held drill?

I eyeball the orientation of the drill bit with respect to the scales.
I have used a pin vise to drill holes with the scales on my bench. I have also done a pilot hole with my pin vise and then finished with my Dremel.
Both ways have worked for me for many razors. The process requires a true eye and a steady hand though.

They make a"drill press" for a dremel