forum.ww1aircraftmodels.com
WW1 Aircraft Modeling => Hints and Tips/Questions about modeling => Topic started by: Lou N on July 11, 2023, 08:21:57 AM
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All,
Can someone point me to a source for micro drill bits? I have some 0.13 monofilament that I want to use for rigging, but the smallest bit I have is a #79; it will work, but it really too large. Any tips for alternate methods to drill rigging holes would also be appreciated.
Thanks,
Lou
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Here you go Lou: https://drillbitsunlimited.com/ They used to offer a 10% discount to forum members, but I don't know if they still do.
Now, know this: those carbide bits will break if you look at them sideways. Don't ask me how I know, but they are very sharp, and drill a great hole, just know that if you put ANY side-to-side pressure on them they will snap.
Tamiya makes a some very fine drill bits (.5mm down to .2mm if memory serves.)
HTH!
Warren
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I would appreciate a discussion about drill bits too.
I hear of carbide, and I don't know what the alternative is. I'm not a metallurgist, so I don't know how to tell the material from which the bits are made. For many years, I have used the bits from X-Acto or later, Excel, that I found in the local hobby shop and they have worked fine for me. Only problem is I sometimes lose them in the bits of stretched sprue on my workbench.
And sizes: The smallest in my arsenal is #80, which translates to .0135" or .35mm. Does the size numbering system (like #80) go down to .2mm? And at sizes below that #80, doesn't the user's hand wobble increase the size of the hole anyway?
Rick in Seattle
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Rick,
The smallest I keep in stock is #83 which is a good fit for the line I use. ( I use Maxima Chamelion 2 pound test which is 0.12 mm diameter) As Warren points out their down fall is any lateral pressure results in failure. Drill bits unlimited is a great source at a very reasonable price. I tend to use them as is without a pin vice and practice makes a difference in the attrition rate. I buy them in bulk as they don't last long regardless. The discount was still valid when I last did an order about two years ago.
Cheers,
Lance
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I tend to use them as is without a pin vice and practice makes a difference in the attrition rate. I buy them in bulk as they don't last long regardless. The discount was still valid when I last did an order about two years ago.
Cheers,
Lance
Lance,
Do you mean you just spin the colored plastic collar with your fingertips? No wobble?
And are these the carbide drills or are they the other type?
Thanks!
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I just bought a set of "Yakamoz" micro-bits off Amazon for about US$9, 20 bits from 0.3 to 1.6 mm. They seem perfectly useable chucked down to about 1/4" in a pin vise in the smaller sizes, but I wouldn't try using them in a Dremel. If I'd searched a bit more diligently I could have gotten two sets for the same price; same product, different (absurd) brand-name... a fairly common phenomenon with Chinese manufacturers, it seems.
And as always, your mileage may vary.
Dave V.
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Another possibility are cobalt drill bits which I have heard are not as brittle as ones made from carbide. Here is a source.
https://www.ebay.com/itm/262570397648?hash=item3d226a4fd0:g:3NgAAOSwIgNXqhqB&amdata=enc%3AAQAIAAAA4G2G05TaVDABAVLBszaKe94E3LDFrPfWkpfsRZkwVvCQVYDsnvbjgHybC2B%2Fl%2BNFu7a0SBNNEQ9xb6gyyEOY0tDgg17EtE2zk%2BafvtYt5nUO%2FYHbnsC1FyIsqYpXKaiBkf94V8DOladQOLY4Zs7zSq0j7TdYEhpJM8lqk2u6ZTk3TkRcGxG%2FL89EZSsKyL%2Bs77YtqwFgJr7Iiel2MaMXfD%2BH9p1cgiuWkYZezA7zwzWVARWQAVHS9n2%2BXOB1b1TQFpUzAv0CQfvjHzOLeG%2BPVg9HeLad8ilZNZUVCHRfp%2BZv%7Ctkp%3ABFBMlr_P0ahi
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Thanks for the replies, and the discussion. I'll head over to drillbitsunlimited.com and see what they have.
Lou
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Using the usual pin vices I used to break drill bits all the time. I switched to the carbide bits that come with a shank and rubber collar to hold and spin bit, but still I broke them.
No matter how careful, I was introducing a shear pressure as I rotated the bit.
Then about 5 years ago, I bought a fairly inexpensive USB mini drill off ebay. I think it was about 12GBP but when I then bought one for my son, a year or two later, price had gone up to 18GBP or so. I haven't checked recently, but I'd pay twice as much if necessary.
The drill has variable speed settings and is light and easy to hold - like a paintbrush. One USB charge lasts me weeks.
To use it, I make a slight impression in the work with a steel pointy tool, then switch on drill at lowest speed and gently apply to the pre-marked spot. Since I am only holding the drill I am applying no sideways pressure whatsoever so no shear stress being applied to the bit. In it goes like a hot knife into butter and out again. There can be a little melted plastic on the bit afterwards and I carefully slice this off with a scalpel while bit is held flat on cutting mat (careful not to break bit here!)
Don't try to drill without the starter mark or drill will skid all over the place.
I don't think I've broken an HSS or carbide bit so far, on any work using this magic wee drill.
That's my tip for saving drill bits FWIW!
Sandy
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Sandy,
I just looked and there are dozens of small USB drills on the market. I'm a century behind!
Does yours use bits with a standard shank, or does it allow chucks to handle the small sizes?
Rick in seattle
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Hey Rick, this one comes with four chucks to accommodate a variety of bit gauges.
In the picture you press in the brass button to immobilise drill shaft while you unscrew the black drill cap, inside which is the chuck. Screwing cap back on tensions the chuck to hold the bit in place.
HTH
Sandy
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Sorry, I just noticed this reply. I use the carbide bits and spin the shaft with my fingertips, not a perfect technique however it works for me. As for a mini drill I recently bought the DSPIAE USB rechargeable model and hope to source an adjustable chuck for it as the permanently attached one will not accept the standard dimension shafts of American drill bits and Dremel accessories I had hoped to use with it. I have a set of the DSPIAE grinder bits that fit and really find them useful however the light weight and size of the tool deem it the perfect mini drill holder in my estimation.
Cheers,
Lance
I tend to use them as is without a pin vice and practice makes a difference in the attrition rate. I buy them in bulk as they don't last long regardless. The discount was still valid when I last did an order about two years ago.
Cheers,
Lance
Lance,
Do you mean you just spin the colored plastic collar with your fingertips? No wobble?
And are these the carbide drills or are they the other type?
Thanks!
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Lance,
I purchased an adjustable chuck for the DSPIAE drill off of evil-bay. I'm at work now, I'll try to remember to send you a link when I get home this evening. I do find that the chuck and the bit makes for a rather long tool, not sure how I like that as I can't hold it up close to the end like you can with a Dremel, etc. It'll take some getting used to for me.
Warren
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I purchased the cheap adjustable chuck from Ebay. The problem is that the shaft is actually .118 (3mm) instead of .125 (1/8th inch), This results in a slight wobble. Yesterday, I bought this 1/8th inch adapter. I will let you know how precise when I receive it.
https://www.ebay.com/itm/191457059630?_trkparms=amclksrc%3DITM%26aid%3D777008%26algo%3DPERSONAL.TOPIC%26ao%3D1%26asc%3D20221115143056%26meid%3Ddd62d08dc7544a93b01fd660d8947246%26pid%3D101612%26rk%3D1%26rkt%3D1%26itm%3D191457059630%26pmt%3D0%26noa%3D1%26pg%3D4375194%26algv%3DRecentlyViewedItemsV2%26brand%3DForedom&_trksid=p4375194.c101612.m4236&_trkparms=parentrq%3 A4f58aa9e1890ad91ddec8cd9ffffcf7a%7Cpageci%3A8b179102-217d-11ee-a5ca-42467cc8d96e%7Ciid%3A1%7Cvlpname%3Avlp_homepage
I received the 1/8th inch adapter. After using my Mitutoyo dial caliper to check the diameter of the cheap adjustable chuck, I discovered that shaft is actually .115 inch (which causes it to wobble. The 1/8th inch adapter's shaft is a bit oversize which I will modify by removing a few thousandths of an inch.
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Please let us know how that works out.
Warren
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Seems to be a lot of unnecessary heavy work here.
I saw the post about the DSPIAE tool somebody posted, but on inspection it seemed a lot dearer, heavier and unsuitable than the cheapo ebay grinder/drill tools I use.
As mentioned above, the model 201 is a dream to use, featherlight in weight, 15cm long to chuck, and with three variable speeds. I also have a model 202, which is a bit heavier and allows 5 speeds and is 16cm long.
Both drills come with multiple alternative chucks to accommodate pretty well all of the small drill bits I will use. Both have run perfectly true since I got them.
I tend to keep a 0.3 bit permanently in the 201, but vary larger drills in the 202 as required.
See pic below, which shows the box of accessories they come with.
Much easer than the DSP... thingie!
Why make life more complicated than it need be?
Sandy
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For those wishing to obtain a model 201 cordless drill, here is one for sale at $14.77 USD including shipping.
https://www.ebay.com/itm/394533696464?_trkparms=amclksrc%3DITM%26aid%3D777008%26algo%3DPERSONAL.TOPIC%26ao%3D1%26asc%3D20221115143056%26meid%3D6567f001fc894f10bc8e69fe16b493c0%26pid%3D101612%26rk%3D1%26rkt%3D1%26itm%3D394533696464%26pmt%3D1%26noa%3D1%26pg%3D4375194%26algv%3DRecentlyViewedItemsV2%26brand%3DUnbranded&_trksid=p4375194.c101612.m4236&_trkparms=parentrq%3A5f811c321890a8d29cd8b89ffffe32cb%7Cpageci%3Ab6ed6ed4-23f4-11ee-9957-46881e03d30d%7Ciid%3A1%7Cvlpname%3Avlp_homepage
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Unfortunately it does not "ship to Canada" (same for the chuck I wanted for the DSPIAE) for some reason. I found one for a similar price on Amazon and it's ordered, this thread was very useful in solving my problem of locating a compromise, many thanks Guys, I'll let you know what I think of it once it arrives.
Cheers,
Lance
For those wishing to obtain a model 201 cordless drill, here is one for sale at $14.77 USD including shipping.
https://www.ebay.com/itm/394533696464?_trkparms=amclksrc%3DITM%26aid%3D777008%26algo%3DPERSONAL.TOPIC%26ao%3D1%26asc%3D20221115143056%26meid%3D6567f001fc894f10bc8e69fe16b493c0%26pid%3D101612%26rk%3D1%26rkt%3D1%26itm%3D394533696464%26pmt%3D1%26noa%3D1%26pg%3D4375194%26algv%3DRecentlyViewedItemsV2%26brand%3DUnbranded&_trksid=p4375194.c101612.m4236&_trkparms=parentrq%3A5f811c321890a8d29cd8b89ffffe32cb%7Cpageci%3Ab6ed6ed4-23f4-11ee-9957-46881e03d30d%7Ciid%3A1%7Cvlpname%3Avlp_homepage
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Anybody know the discount code for Drill Bits Unlimited?
Thanks,
Lou
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Anybody know the discount code for Drill Bits Unlimited?
Thanks,
Lou
Lou,
I can't remember. I'd advise you to just email the vendor and enquire about the discount code.
Warren
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Further to Berman's post, I checked Amazon UK and was surprised to see they too are now offering the 201 drill/grinder (although I bought mine from ebay) .
Anyway if anyone is interested its ridiculously cheap at under 8.00GBP, (using the discount code), on the UK site, although the postage is an extra 5.99GBP.
Sandy
https://www.amazon.co.uk/SDYGDB-Adjustable-Rechargeable-Engraving-Accessories/dp/B0BFQ9VLXX/?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_w=IlLrX&content-id=amzn1.sym.72fa84e5-4730-4039-9e38-3a9afc8c18e9%3Aamzn1.symc.adba8a53-36db-43df-a081-77d28e1b71e6&pf_rd_p=72fa84e5-4730-4039-9e38-3a9afc8c18e9&pf_rd_r=C3X3AD91XDARB0ZZYYV0&pd_rd_wg=D5iFM&pd_rd_r=cb73032d-76ef-4ccf-b429-271025619a41&ref_=pd_gw_ci_mcx_mr_hp_atf_m
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Hmm, [uk ebay, link in post just above] says currently unavailable here. Odd.
Thanks for recommending though, have been looking for something like that.
On bits, I find it difficult to get good drill bits: last time I ordered from a Hong Kong-based firm and got garbage: no tip on the bits, as if they had all snapped. Should stick to expensive local stuff, I guess, but I break quite many bits… (0.2 and 0.3mm).
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My "cloned" version of the 201 Grinder arrived yesterday. Four days from ordering!) I found it at Amazon Canada for the princely sum of $23 Canadian, postage included. I've tried it and am most impressed, it is light, easily balanced, and drills perfectly. The five speeds are a great feature and the assorted collets (6 sizes included) open the door to using the numerous bits and grinders etc. I've collected over the years.
(https://i.imgur.com/5DQMHJQ.jpg)
This is not at all an heirloom tool I'll be passing on to my Grandsons but for the price and assuming it will last just a couple of years I am pleased with it! Thanks for sharing this little treasure Sandy!
Cheers,
Lance
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Glad you got one, Lance, Cheers - and that is an excellent little drill - but that is the 202 you've got there, with the 5 speeds.
It's an excellent wee drill, but the 201 (with 3 speeds) is smaller again, and even much lighter.
When I saw the AmazonUK price of 8.00GBP for a 201 the other day, I ordered another, just to have preloaded with another size of bit - at that price its probably cheaper than another pin vice!
All good!
Sandy
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You people are bad for my wallet, and my decal/kit/book budget. ;) ;) ;)
Warren