by Ancient Order » Wed Mar 02, 2022 11:37 pm
So, I don't have a Dremel workstation. Almost did last night at the drawing, but had a 33% chance on the first spin and a 50% chance on the second spin. Lost both! Just wasn't meant to be. But, I do have a drill press and bench vise. I also have the 3 and 4mm brad point bits. So, I'm debating whether to use the drill press for the pin holes or the "freehand" Dremel method as in MGB's first pin hole video. The major difference between the two methods is bit speed and stability. Max RPM on the drill press is 3050 RPM vs my Dremel at 35,000 RPM. (I have a model 200 Dremel. Only 2 speeds, but variable between 15,000 and 35,000). Drill press is a little more effort to set up, but it {should} produce perfectly aligned holes. Dremel is easier and the bits may be more efficient at a higher speed, but more chance to drill a crooked hole. Any thoughts?
by Hawkeye » Wed Mar 09, 2022 6:05 pm
This is just me saying, but I would not use sandpaper in a plastic hole after drilling. The thought I have is, any sandpaper is course enough to take out tenths to thousands out without much effort. Once you get your pin holes close, a lapping compound is the safer way to go.
by ssgairborne187 » Tue Mar 08, 2022 10:33 pm If a drill press is what you got, use it, way better than free-hand and alot more accurate and repeatable.
by RAMjetta » Tue Mar 08, 2022 8:15 am
That's exactly what you should do (run the included bits through by hand) once you have drilled with the brad point bits. I generally don't use sand paper inside the holes but I guess 600 grit isn't really taking too much material away. Glad the drill press worked out for you. Can't wait to see the final product. JettaMan OUT!
by Ancient Order » Mon Mar 07, 2022 10:55 pm
After using the drill press and brad point bits (3 & 4mm), I got perfect holes. But they were SUPER tight. So, I measured the pins. Small pins were all exactly 3mm. Trigger pin was 3.98mm. Then I measured the drill bits. 3mm bit was 2.98mm. 4mm bit was 3.94mm. Then I measured the bits that came with the kit. 3mm bit was 2.99mm, 4mm bit was 3.96. So, I used the bits from the kit to chase out the holes by hand. Then I took some wet 600 grit paper rolled up tight enough to go through both holes with about an inch extended out each side. I grabbed each end of the paper and just spun the frame round and round. Not only did it clean up the holes really nice but it gave a nice snug fit. Whatever works. But I might try the lapping compound idea on the next one.
by Hawkeye » Fri Mar 04, 2022 7:55 pm
I use a workstation now but if I had a good quality drill press, I would use it, but I have experience with a drill press for a long time. I find the best way for me to get right on perfect pin holes is drill under size hole then go back over them by hand with 3- and 4-mm bits. After that the holes are really tight, so I put some old pins in a hand drill (slowly turning) with a 500-grit lapping compound to polish the hole to snug-push fit pins. This is how I have built my last 4 builds without any trouble.
by NosceVeritas » Thu Mar 03, 2022 11:36 am
First Time Quality is a mindset; not a specific set of tools . Drill press would be viable IF you take the time to properly set it up (especially as Miltonboro says -- adjust the depth stop you don't want to go straight through). My first frames were done with a hand drill, before I knew a better way. It worked but only because I took the time to ensure I was flat and level all around and took my time with the process. That said, the most efficient way to repeatedly achieve First Time Quality that I know is the Dremel Workstation way as shown by MGB ... Mineral oil, proper setup of equipment (RAM's guide is on the blog ). All is good .
by miltonboro » Thu Mar 03, 2022 8:31 am
I've drilled the pin holes of every one of my P80's with my benchtop drill press and they've all come out great. I used brad point bit's and applied mineral oil. Remember to set the depth stop so you just do one side at a time.