Author Topic: touch hole drilling  (Read 1465 times)

Offline 2 shots

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touch hole drilling
« on: November 22, 2023, 02:48:15 AM »
 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

Offline Eric Kettenburg

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Re: touch hole drilling
« Reply #1 on: November 22, 2023, 03:18:23 AM »
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.
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Offline rich pierce

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Re: touch hole drilling
« Reply #2 on: November 22, 2023, 03:36:58 AM »
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.
Andover, Vermont

Offline Bill Raby

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Re: touch hole drilling
« Reply #3 on: November 22, 2023, 05:54:36 AM »
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.

Offline 2 shots

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Re: touch hole drilling
« Reply #4 on: November 22, 2023, 06:49:57 AM »
hi bill, cant seem to find a smaller center bit .. any ideas? thanks. mike

Offline Bill Raby

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Re: touch hole drilling
« Reply #5 on: November 22, 2023, 01:05:50 PM »

Offline Bill Raby

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Re: touch hole drilling
« Reply #6 on: November 22, 2023, 01:12:20 PM »

Offline bluenoser

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Re: touch hole drilling
« Reply #7 on: November 22, 2023, 04:31:30 PM »
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.

Offline Pukka Bundook

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Re: touch hole drilling
« Reply #8 on: November 22, 2023, 04:49:41 PM »
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.

Offline 2 shots

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Re: touch hole drilling
« Reply #9 on: November 22, 2023, 05:15:55 PM »
   thanks all, was wanting to use the center bit to drill and counter sink at the same time. thanks Bill for the link. mike
« Last Edit: November 22, 2023, 05:23:17 PM by 2 shots »

Offline Scota4570

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Re: touch hole drilling
« Reply #10 on: November 22, 2023, 07:30:44 PM »
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. 

Offline 2 shots

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Re: touch hole drilling
« Reply #11 on: November 22, 2023, 07:53:06 PM »
 yes im using a press. i chucked up the bit a little and will try again. ;)

Offline Daryl

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Re: touch hole drilling
« Reply #12 on: November 22, 2023, 09:38:26 PM »
Perhaps practice on another piece of steel first. Practice until you get it right.
Daryl

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Offline P.W.Berkuta

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Re: touch hole drilling
« Reply #13 on: November 22, 2023, 10:48:45 PM »
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.  :-\ ::)
"The person who says it cannot be done should not interrupt the person who is doing it." - Chinese proverb

Offline Dphariss

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Re: touch hole drilling
« Reply #14 on: November 22, 2023, 11:13:41 PM »
Dull drill?
MSCdirect dot com can furnish center drills of almost any size as will others but msd will get it to you faster.
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Offline 2 shots

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Re: touch hole drilling
« Reply #15 on: November 22, 2023, 11:59:34 PM »
 thanks all got it done