Drilling smaller than 1/16"

[JohnR48]

Need some help on how to drill smaller than 1/16" as a lot of times it's just too large.

Tried 1/32" using a pin vice in my drill press, but with no success.  Was a bit for metal and the wood just clogged the flutes.

 

Thanks in advance.

John

 

Thanks guys.  Makes me feel stupid for not thinking that myself.

Live and learn.

Edited October 4, 2015 by JohnR48

[amazingkevin]

Need some help on how to drill smaller than 1/16" as a lot of times it's just too large.

Tried 1/32" using a pin vice in my drill press, but with no success.  Was a bit for metal and the wood just clogged the flutes.

 

Thanks in advance.

John

I've been there too many times and just enlarge patterns so i can stay using the 1/16" drill bit .Less problems of broken bits ,needing a special chuck to hold tiny bits and just over all easy of what ever using the 1/16" bit.Sorry i didn't help with what you wanted to do.

[DWSUDEKUM]

John see if you can get yourself a #58 drill bit.  it is much smaller than a 1/16" but still is large enough to fit a #9.  The #58 drill bit should chuck up directly without the need for a pin vice.

 

 

DW

[EarltheScroller]

Dremel has bits that go much smaller and a device that turns the Dremel into a sort of stationary drill. I've use it but usually just do as Kevin does and make do with 1/16".

[ike]

I use a dremel routeer plunge cast abiyr #30 at kiwes.

[KurtP]

I use the Flying Dutchman Miniature Twist Drill Bits from Mikes Workshop. You will need the Mini Drill Chuck with 4 Collets as well

http://www.mikesworkshop.com/newprod.htm

 

 

[Scrappile]

I use the mini bits from Mike's workshop.  I use #63, #65, #70 most often.  My drill press chuck will hold them.  I have to drill a little, raise the bit out of the hole and clean the flutes.  I do this while the bit is turning with my finger nail.

[Sparkey]

I also use the bits from Mikes Workshop. I tried a lot of different ways to drill and for me the easiest is to use a Dremmel hand held. I stack cut a lot and it seems to be the easiest even on the very small areas.

[Sparkey]

I usually use the number 54 bits.

[Lucky2]

John, when I need to use the small index drill bits, I use my full size drill press, the chuck will hold even the smallest size bits. The best way to use these small drill bits, is to only leave enough of the drill bit protruding out of the chuck to drill through the wood cleanly. You will not break as many bits, if you do it this way. The bit gets better support from the chuck, and it doesn't allow the bit to wobble which could cause it to break.

Len

[NC Scroller]

Small bits like #54, #58 etc break because they tend to flex and not drill a vertical hole.  You can eliminate that by only leaving only about 1/4" extending from the chuck...drill to make a starter hole and then extend the bit to the required length and finish drilling. 

[ONELUNG]

Mikes woodshop is no longer     He retired in case you all didn t  know   sold out to   Wooden teddy Bear

      Phone is 888-762-9149

[NC Scroller]

Mikes woodshop is no longer     He retired in case you all didn t  know   sold out to   Wooden teddy Bear

      Phone is 888-762-9149

Yes but the Mike's Woodshop website is still active it is just run by Wooden Teddy Bear.

[wjbclocks1]

 I use drills #72 in my Craftsman Drill prerss. and  I order my blades from  Enco industral  supply.

  You canalso buy a snalldrillchuch  to use in a recular drilll press.

[oneleggimp]

Small bits like #54, #58 etc break because they tend to flex and not drill a vertical hole.  You can eliminate that by only leaving only about 1/4" extending from the chuck...drill to make a starter hole and then extend the bit to the required length and finish drilling. 

On tiny bits like that I use a pin vise and drill by hand.  Start with just 1/4" of the bit sticking out of the pin vise and drill till the pin vise jaws meet the work piece, then pull the drill bit out of the hole (VERY gently) and extend the drill bit another 1/4" and extend the depth of the hole.  In twoor three goes, the hole is through.  A little picky but generally the drill bit survives the encounter.  Pin vises, laddy - that's the ticket.

[Mabel H.]

I have worked with all types of materiel and drilled some very small holes. I use a small Jacobs chuck that I can chuck in a larger chuck. The main thing is to peck your way through, making sure to clear your chips. I also have some small pin vices that I have used and just spin them between my fingers on softer materiel.

[WayneMahler]

I have been using the bits from Mike's Workshop too. I also have the adapter to fit my drill press. 

[woodknots]

I use the scrollers drill from seyco here is the link.(http://www.seyco.com/category/sdrill.html). I've had for 3 or 4 yrs know and love it. It is a little pricey but to me it was worth it. Its made just for the small bits and i think it can go up to either 1/16" or 1/8" drill bits. hope this helps.

[ike]

you might try and peck drill- that is drill a little deep and pull out  and do it again till you get thru the material. I worked in a machine shop and the CNC lathe use a .1/64 drill thru metal by drilling .01 deep  at a time. the only problem with wood the grain has different hardness, but it is worth a try.