Thommo Posted September 11, 2017 Share Posted September 11, 2017 I need to use tiny diameter drill bits for my scratching, often just 0.1-0.2mm. I've been buying these cheap sets off Ebay - http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/10PCS-0-1-1-0MM-Carbide-Micro-Mini-Drill-Bit-Tungsten-Steel-Dremel-Rotary-Tools-/132086438226?var=&hash=item1ec0f71952:m:mZecVym484XnpFWubs-8UlA But they snap soooooo easily (lucky they are cheap!). Is there a better option out there for these fine drills which a clutz like me can't break so often, or is it just the nature of the beast? I use the really fine ones to drill holes in the end of small Evergreen rods. Perhaps there is another way to do this that does not involve drills that I don't know about? cheers Quote Link to post Share on other sites
K2Pete Posted September 11, 2017 Share Posted September 11, 2017 Yup ... I snap the fine bits too. They're so-o-o fragile that it just takes, for me, a split second of distraction and the pin vise binds and ... PING!! I've got 4 sets with no fine bits ... I don't think you're going to hear of another solution to drilling tiny holes ... just keep a good stash of drill bits! Pete Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Janissary Posted September 11, 2017 Share Posted September 11, 2017 If you keep the bit as short as possible out of the vise that would help for sure. But it doesn't always work if the vise is clamping on the flute and you're drilling something hard. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
crackerjazz Posted September 11, 2017 Share Posted September 11, 2017 I try my best to keep the bit as perpendicular to the hole as possible while I turn, but, yeah, we need a 1/48 scale drill press. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
MoFo Posted September 11, 2017 Share Posted September 11, 2017 Carbide is brittle, and prone to breakage. High speed steel is more robust, but they usually only go down to .3mm. So ultimately, it's either 'use a bigger bit' or 'put up with the breakage'. You can alleviate some of the problems by mounting the bits in a drill press, since that's how they're designed to be used (well, in a mill, but close enough). They're reasonably robust under direct, vertical load; it's when you get any lateral load that they'll snap, so if you can drill straight down and straight up, you'll do better. And since they've got a standard 1/8" shank, they're easy to mount. But with a .1mm bit, basically *any* lateral load will snap the bit, so even in a drill press, you'll still break them frequently. So again, you're back to either putting up with it, or using a larger HSS bit. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Chris L Posted September 11, 2017 Share Posted September 11, 2017 I am going to recommend this business . http://www.drillbitcity.com/catalogue/10_piece.asp The phone # is at the web site and this man is very helpful . He can provide whatever you need and can also counsel you on procedures . Reasonable prices and great service . Highly recommended . I think this place is a one deep business . Yes, carbide bits do not bend and they are brittle but there are alternative materials . Cheers, Christian Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Thommo Posted September 11, 2017 Author Share Posted September 11, 2017 I should add, I use those drill bits in my fingers hanging onto the little coloured plastic bit, not in a pin vice or anything. I also have 3 sets with the smallest two bits broken. I have pondered if heating up a fine wire might be a better alternative for drilling small shallow holes? Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Chris L Posted September 11, 2017 Share Posted September 11, 2017 Sorry , did not consider your whereabouts . I used heated wire many years ago. Not a very good method . Steel bits are not as sharp but are more flexible the carbide ones ...Just a thought . Cheers, Christian Quote Link to post Share on other sites
crackerjazz Posted September 11, 2017 Share Posted September 11, 2017 Yes heated wire will create craters along the surface. Also, when it cools off it gets stuck. I gather you don't use a pin vise? It will give you leverage to twist the drill bit more slowly and with even pressure but it's still a challenge to keep it perpendicular to the surface. Maybe something like this would help: http://musicmedic.com/plastic-handled-rotating-pin-vise.html Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Thommo Posted September 12, 2017 Author Share Posted September 12, 2017 I'd probably do a bit better if I got a small vice to hold steady the bit I'm drilling also. I just hold it in my hand, and use the fingers of the other hand to rotate the tiny fragile drill bit. As you say, the wife asks me something mid-drill, I turn my head = sideways movement of hands = snapped drill bit. Maybe I just need to ban my wife from talking during drilling to solve the problem Quote Link to post Share on other sites
crackerjazz Posted September 12, 2017 Share Posted September 12, 2017 Ah yes, my wife does that, too. Whenever I'm drilling, painting and gluing. Especially gluing. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Roberto123 Posted October 6, 2017 Share Posted October 6, 2017 Here's another link for micro drill bits. http://drillbitsunlimited.com/Default.aspx Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Chris L Posted October 6, 2017 Share Posted October 6, 2017 Some side note on how to use the the carbide bits without breaking them . Do not bend them sideways Don't insist on drilling straight through the first time. Instead, back them and clear the flutes before going further . That seems to lessen the amount of torque needed to do the job . These bits are very aggresive in the way they self feed through the materials. I do still manage to break some occasionaly so keep some spares. Cheers, Christian Quote Link to post Share on other sites
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