rljohn56 Posted May 30, 2018 Report Share Posted May 30, 2018 ok, here is a project i just finished cutting. my question involves starting holes. how do i work around drilling holes when i'm just cutting a single kerf? there are no drill bits out there smaller than the width of any scroll saw blade. I corrected the issue and will show you that in my next post, but the question still is out there. Thanks again for all the wise tips and advice i always get from the family. ray johnson OCtoolguy 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NC Scroller Posted May 30, 2018 Report Share Posted May 30, 2018 (edited) First there are drill bits out there that small but you won't find them at Lowes, HD or your local hardware store. Most places that sell scrollsaw blades carry what are called "Number bits". Here is one example: https://mikesworkshop.com/collections/accessories/products/miniature-twist-drill-bits What I like to do is find a bit close to my blade width (kerf) and drill a starter hole at both ends. It tends to give a more balanced and deliberate appearance. Edited May 30, 2018 by NC Scroller Joe W., OCtoolguy, lawson56 and 2 others 4 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kmmcrafts Posted May 30, 2018 Report Share Posted May 30, 2018 Menards is the only local place i've found the numbered bits.. Not sure that all Menards carries them but if you have a local Menards and need the small numbered bits.. give them a try.. I always bought online.. but one day I broke the last bit I had and searched every store in town LOL.. Menards was my life saver that day LOL OCtoolguy 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jim McDonald Posted May 30, 2018 Report Share Posted May 30, 2018 (edited) I have a "mom and pop" hardware store that does sell numbered bits, but they are expensive when buying them singly. Best bet is to get a few different numbers from Mike's or Sloan's and keep them on hand. Edited May 30, 2018 by Jim McDonald OCtoolguy 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WayneMahler Posted May 30, 2018 Report Share Posted May 30, 2018 Mikes workshop and The Wooden Teddy Bear have the numbered bits at reasonable prices. SCROLLSAW703 and OCtoolguy 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JTTHECLOCKMAN Posted May 30, 2018 Report Share Posted May 30, 2018 I bought mine from Mikes as well. We too had a Mom and Pop hardware store that sold all number bits and use to buy from him but Home Depot put them out of business as they usually do. They were one of those places where you could find the most obscure item you were looking for. I miss them. SCROLLSAW703 and OCtoolguy 1 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
edward Posted May 30, 2018 Report Share Posted May 30, 2018 The wooden teddy Bear sells them! SCROLLSAW703 and OCtoolguy 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NC Scroller Posted May 30, 2018 Report Share Posted May 30, 2018 This has been post on SSV before but if you look there is a column labeled Pilot Hole. It shows the proper hole to drill for all the major brand/type blades. It is the best reference of it's type I have seen in my 20 years of scrolling. http://www.hawkwoodworkingtools.com/ScrollSaw/ScrollSawParts/SS_BLADE_CHART_2-22-2013.pdf danny and OCtoolguy 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
heppnerguy Posted May 30, 2018 Report Share Posted May 30, 2018 1 hour ago, NC Scroller said: This has been post on SSV before but if you look there is a column labeled Pilot Hole. It shows the proper hole to drill for all the major brand/type blades. It is the best reference of it's type I have seen in my 20 years of scrolling. http://www.hawkwoodworkingtools.com/ScrollSaw/ScrollSawParts/SS_BLADE_CHART_2-22-2013.pdf That is a great chart. Learning about pilot holes is in the process one gets to as they attempt to push their envelop and make something new.. It quickly become apparent that one needs to find an answer to solve the 'big drill hole' problem. Dick heppnerguy OCtoolguy and SCROLLSAW703 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
OCtoolguy Posted May 30, 2018 Report Share Posted May 30, 2018 Another source that I have used both for blades and drill bits is Otto Frei. They specialize in watchmaker/jewelers tools. When I was first exposed to marquetry the instructor told us about his source, Otto Frei, and the prices were good. Ottofrei.com. WayneMahler, SCROLLSAW703 and heppnerguy 1 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rljohn56 Posted June 1, 2018 Author Report Share Posted June 1, 2018 first off i actually have #ed bits but only goes to #60 so thanks for letting me know about even smaller ones. This is how i solved my hole issue. i went back with my wood burner pen and masked them out by outlining everything. I think it came out rather well. thanks for the advice about putting holes on both ends for a balance look. OCtoolguy and NC Scroller 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fredfret Posted June 1, 2018 Report Share Posted June 1, 2018 Good idea!! I use the saw to make a teardrop shape to blend the hole into the line. Fredfret OCtoolguy and SCROLLSAW703 1 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
OCtoolguy Posted June 1, 2018 Report Share Posted June 1, 2018 On the subject of "wood burners", what brand, type, model # do most of you use? I have looked into buying one and I get just as confused as I do when looking at scroll saw blades. R SCROLLSAW703 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fredfret Posted June 1, 2018 Report Share Posted June 1, 2018 I have a Colwood detailer basic kit I think I paid 150 for it in a plastic carrying box. Most wood carving companies carry colwood or razortip both very good tools. Fredfret OCtoolguy and SCROLLSAW703 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rljohn56 Posted June 1, 2018 Author Report Share Posted June 1, 2018 the wood burning tool is just a basic Walnut Hollow brand for about $15.00. i also bought a set of tips for another $10 on Amazon, but i haven't even come close to using any of them so that probably was an unnecessary purchase. Right now my son and his teenage friends are helping me come up with a background color other than the traditional black that i see all of the time. OCtoolguy 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rljohn56 Posted June 3, 2018 Author Report Share Posted June 3, 2018 finished! it turned out even better than i had hoped! OCtoolguy 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.
Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible.