need tiny drillbit/jig

hey guys so i ordered a set of gold medal brass details and they require super tiny jigs or drillbits to install on my locos...anyone got good recommendations on where to find these things? (i do have a dremel too but i dont think they go that small).

or if theres no need to get additional items, maybe someone can recommend me some homebrewed ways of creating those small holes? thanks!!

 

xxxxxxxxxxx

 

Not cheap but do the job New Carbide Micro Wire Size Drill Bits

 

searched drill on some train store and came up with good results...i should have tried there first before posting.

now how the heck do i know what size i need. need them for grab iron holes. ill double check the gold medal models packaging for details


holy cow those carbide stuff are expensive!!!! i suppose these things break easily thats why they come in packs

 

I use a #85 for windshield wipers, which so far, are the smallest size I have ever needed.

 

Get a pin vise - no way you want to use tiny bits in a Dremel. Get an assortment of #61-#80 bits, pretty reasonable - under $20 if you shop - and carbide is a waste, use HSS - much less expensive and less brittle.

You'll find you can drill for grabs fairly quickly, but do it with a light touch, bits can be expensive if you break a lot...

You might want to look at Micro-Mark, they're tool specialists...

 

You usually need a #80 bit for details. You can get one in a set of bits from Micro-Mark. At the same time, as the others have said, get a pin vise. BLMA has a jig for grab-irons, or you can use a piece of tape marked with pencil.

Now here's my advice to you. A lot of people complain that #80 bits are easy to break. There are some ways you can prevent this:

1. Get a pin vise that you turn by hand. It's slower than the kind that you pump up and down, but it's a lot easier on those fragile little bits.

2. Get the chuck tightened down a bit before you insert the bit. Insert the bit, tighten the chuck a little, and twist the bit 1/4 to 1/2 turn with your fingers. Tighten the chuck and twist the bit again. If you keep patiently repeating this, your bit will end up perfectly straight, and that helps keep it from breaking.

3. Drill slowly and very gently, letting the sharp edges of the bit do most of the work.

 

drillbitcity

This is where I get all my drill bits from, cause I do alot of loco detailing. Good prices, and they last quite a long time!
Here is a pic of a #80 I use.





Mike

 

Try www.micromark.com