touch hole drilling

[2 shots]

 hi all, since i cant seem to find a 1/16 short [ center] bit how do you  drill your vent holes [without a liner] im getting lots of flex even with a very light touch. any thoughts or ideas? thanks. mike

[Eric Kettenburg]

Can't you just choke the bit up inside the chuck?  I've always just used standard length bits, never had a problem provided you have a sharp center punch.

[rich pierce]

Might be you need a new drill bit? I’ve center punched and drilled it without issue in the past, then followed with internal coning.

[Bill Raby]

Start with a center drill smaller than 1/16 inch. Don't really matter much what size it is as long as it is smaller. Once you have that, go with a normal 1/16 inch drill bit. cut it shorter if you feel like it.

[2 shots]

hi bill, cant seem to find a smaller center bit .. any ideas? thanks. mike

[Bill Raby]

https://www.mscdirect.com/product/details/69318624

[Bill Raby]

Most sets will have sizes smaller than 1/16 inch. Trade size #1 is .0468 inch.

https://www.mscdirect.com/browse/tn/Holemaking/Center-Drills-Combination-Drill-Countersinks-Spotting-Drills/Center-Drills/Combination-Drill-Countersink-Sets?navid=2106135

[bluenoser]

You can also use a slightly larger center drill by just using the tip.  You only need to make an indent large enough to keep your 1/16" drill from walking.

[Pukka Bundook]

Just centre punch and drill with a 5/64", 2 shots.

Actually if you must use a 1/16" drill, a larger centre bit won't hurt. just use it lightly and it will take the sharp corner off the 1/16" hole. gives the flash a better lead in to the barrel.

[2 shots]

   thanks all, was wanting to use the center bit to drill and counter sink at the same time. thanks Bill for the link. mike

[Scota4570]

Use a drill press.  Mark the center.  Secure the part. Use a light touch and oil.  I would never try to freehand it, I'd break the bit for sure. 

[2 shots]

 yes im using a press. i chucked up the bit a little and will try again.

[Daryl]

Perhaps practice on another piece of steel first. Practice until you get it right.

[P.W.Berkuta]

It would be VERY EASY to break off that small diameter portion of a center drill if you are not careful - and not using a drill press. You might want to use a spotting drill instead. 

[Dphariss]

Dull drill?
MSCdirect dot com can furnish center drills of almost any size as will others but msd will get it to you faster.

[2 shots]

 thanks all got it done