I have been using 80 gauge wire bits (TiN-Coated High Speed and Carbon) on my die cast loco. I am using a pin vise to drill. No matter how careful or slowly I try to go, I end up breaking them! To anyone using this size drill, please share some tips if you have any. Thanks
I only have used #73 as the smallest so far. Perhaps you could use a carbide scribe as a "drill set" to get a small dent in the material. Then coat the drill with WD40 or similar lube. As a an alternate, perhaps use the scribe, then a larger drill near the same size to start the hole. then finish with the #80. This may not be as suitable if appearance or room is important. good luck.
If possible, insert as much of the bit into your pin vise as practical. Lessening the bit's exposed length will reduce its want to flex and reduce breaking.
Hardcoaler got to it before I did. Bang on correct. The less of the bit exposed, the less it flexes, the less prone to break. Gentle pressure, minimize lateral movement, the basics. Just have a supply of spares, because even with these tips, they still break. Drilling metal makes it even harder to drill without breakage.
well, there are several things that you can do ... first of all, reduce the exposed portion of the bit as previously mentioned, secondly, resharpen to a neutral angle to reduce 'grab' when it exits, or hits a thin spot .. also known as a 'brass' angle ... lastly, consider a powered holder, less lateral force on the bit itself, and a consistent speed
I've gone with a 5 volt drill as mentioned above. The smallest bit I've used is a #67 so don't know if this will help or not but ... .... maybe pick up a 5 volt drill like above off the internet and give it a try. I'm using one with good success on throwbars at the moment. You can't start the hole with it as it will wander but start with the pinvise just to get a starting place for the powered drill bit. More info on it here... http://1fatgmc.com/RailRoad/Trackwork/page-9.html Sumner
Good advise. When using something that small, I always take a straight pin and impress a starting dimple. That at least gets me in the right place. Also, I have used bee's wax or cake soap on the bit and wipe it off before starting. I drill a little, back it out, clean it off, drill some more. This has always worked with me. Also, I have quite a few tasks where an 80 is recommended and I've used #79's. They of course are still fragile, but I've found #80's will break if you stare at them too hard. Slow and patient will get it done.
