Thread: Re scale, no drill press

I'm making a set of scales, right now they're all glued together and sanded. I want to drill holes for the pins while they're still glued, but I don't have a drill press. Is there another method I could use, or should I make friends with someone with a drill press?

What do you have? can you accurately mark the hole on each side? If you're really worried you could drill undsersize to give a little wiggle room to make a correction.

I cant recall who posted the pages, but re-scaling is very possible with the most rudimentary tools.

Look Here

Very helpful!

I've used a dremel with a 2mm drill bit (3/32" ??).
That way it is a bit bigger then the pin, and you have a small margin of error.

Put the scales on top of each other, drill through the first one so that you touch the other one.
Then drill the second one on the mark that was made by drilling through the first one.
Practise on 2 pieces of wood first before trying it on your scales if you are not confident.
I've done this several times with good results.

Don't know whether it is worth the money for this application, but dremel has a drill press attachment and you can get drill press attachment to put on any standard drill.

I would very much suggest a drill press if you can find one or someone who has one. I know I have had alot of trouble drilling holes with a drill press. I would have "tossed" a lot more work without one.

Originally Posted by netsurfr

Don't know whether it is worth the money for this application, but dremel has a drill press attachment and you can get drill press attachment to put on any standard drill.

Dremel just went on the birthday wish list.

I use a regular variable speed hand held drill and I tape 2 small levels to it. As I drill I GO SLOW and be carefull to make sure both bubbles are in the middle. You can do this easier with 2 people where each of you look at one level and both of you are holding the drill.

Doug

with a drill you can put a speed square on the side and one on the end that will keep you square on both angles. that is how i do it with out a drill press.