Official Luthiers Forum!
http://www.luthiersforum.com/forum/

brad point tooling advice please
http://www.luthiersforum.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=10101&t=33752		 Page 1 of 1
Author:  Corky Long [ Mon Oct 03, 2011 9:54 pm ]
Post subject:  brad point tooling advice please
So I boutght some very nice mother of pearl side dots - labelled as 2.35 mm - at the ASIA conference. Looking for the proper brad point bit for it. Looks like 3/32" is 2.38 mm - hmm - I've found that when drilling holes the hole is always just a skoshe (thanks, Robbie) bigger than the measurement of the bit. .03 mm doesn't sound like much but is 3/32" the right size for the drill bit for these dots? And if so, where would you suggest I get them? Thanks.
Author:  Heath Blair [ Tue Oct 04, 2011 12:18 am ]
Post subject:  Re: brad point tooling advice please
the first thing i would do is measure the side dots to see if they are sized as labeled. as you pointed out, .03 mm is not much at all, about .001" actually. LMI carries brad point bits in 3/32", but theres probably a much cheaper route. the brad point bit set that i have doesnt actually have a brad point on the smallest sizes. what a rip off, right?
Author:  Daniel Minard [ Tue Oct 04, 2011 1:58 am ]
Post subject:  Re: brad point tooling advice please
You shouldn't need to use a brad point bit. A standard twist bit does a fine job, if you make a good centre divot to start the bit.
I use a sharp (# 11 blade) X-Acto knife to make my centres. I spin it by hand 'till I have a fairly deep hole. You have to go gently, or you'll break the tip off.
This is the only way I have found to perfectly place the side markers.
Author:  bluescreek [ Tue Oct 04, 2011 5:42 am ]
Post subject:  Re: brad point tooling advice please
here I use standard twist bits they are just fine
Author:  Alex Kleon [ Tue Oct 04, 2011 7:01 am ]
Post subject:  Re: brad point tooling advice please
Lee Valley sells individual BP bits. These are really nice quality. http://www.leevalley.com/en/wood/page.a ... ,180,42240

Alex
Author:  truckjohn [ Tue Oct 04, 2011 7:08 am ]
Post subject:  Re: brad point tooling advice please
Many woodworking supply stores (Woodcraft, Rockler, etc.) carry brad point drills of various quality levels....

The usual caveats apply about getting what one pays for... There's a perfectly good reason that you can buy a huge box of drill bits for $19.99... or 1 high quality USA/German made drill bit for $19.99..... I got the $19.99 for a giant pile of nitride coated brad point bits made in China - and they are dull out of the box.... Wish I would have sprung for the German bits....

On your question of the right size... I would try drilling a test hole in scrap and see how the inlay dot fits.... It will also give you a good idea of how clean your drill bit cuts holes.... You really don't want a bunch of chipout around inlay dots... It just makes for about 10x more work.

Thanks
Author:  SteveSmith [ Tue Oct 04, 2011 7:46 am ]
Post subject:  Re: brad point tooling advice please
Fillipo just passed along a gem. If you didn't catch it here it is - get two sets of drill bits. Use the good set for good stuff only and it will last almost forever. Keep some cheaper utility sets around for when precision is not needed, replace/sharpen as necessary. I've done this for years with brad point, forstner, and standard twist drill bits.
Author:  Tom West [ Tue Oct 04, 2011 10:09 am ]
Post subject:  Re: brad point tooling advice please
Besides a set of fractional drills...........1/16"-1/2"........a set of number drills 1-60 are an awful nice thing to have. They fill in a lot of gaps. They are also a once in a lifetime buy unless you are extreamly busy drilling.
Tom
Author:  Corky Long [ Fri Oct 07, 2011 9:38 am ]
Post subject:  Re: brad point tooling advice please
Thanks all, for the really great advice. I'll probably get two sets of brad points - one for keeps, the other for less precise work.
Page 1 of 1 All times are UTC - 5 hours
Powered by phpBB® Forum Software © phpBB Group
http://www.phpbb.com/