I build /rebuild old freight cars in HO- including detailed brake and train line modeling- I cannot figure out what drills/tools to use to drill plastic much less metal (Dremel melts the plastic, hand drills don't hold the drill bits well.My drill press has no good way to hold these tiny pieces despite having two toolmakers vises.) Any input would really help. Does anyone manufacture the small brake system parts with holes indented to insert the tiny wires that I use to represent the 1 to 2 inch lines that the freights have? All the stuff I buy incl. Calscale etc have the pipes coming out of the castings for 2 or 3 mm - a pain to file off, then drill holes to insert wires. Or does someone make sleeves that I can glue between the protrusions and the wire? I am frustrated - really difficult in the old metal castings which are very brittle. Also anyone with good source of quality micro drils- all the ones I find are cheap and not good quality even the HSS. TY so much for any insights. BTW is ther a group anywhere that rebuild old modesl or old vintage kits- would lov eto learn ....
I use a hand-held pin vise to drill holes in both plastic and metal brake system parts; there are a number of good pin vises available from various companies. If there is a small extension in a brake part where the hole is supposed to be, I cut it off with a hobby knife - I prefer a chisel blade. I would think that if you want to use your drill press, the pin vise could be inserted into it. I haven't had any problem with miniature drill bits from the hobby shop as long as I insert them deeply into the pin vise so only the grooved part of the bit is showing - if the exposed part of the bit is too long, they break fairly easily. Hope my experience helps you.
Re small size drill bits - do an ebay search for AM-Tech - they do boxes of of them - usually 10 of each size from 0.4mm up to 3.2mm 150 pieces in a box about the size of a VHS cassette box These are they - although these are from Amazon UK Am-Tech 150pc Precision Drill Bit Set: Amazon.co.uk: DIY Tools
I use kerosene for drilling in metal. Saw that suggestion many years ago. There are other lubricants you can use. I have three pin vises. Good if you have different size bits for one project. Be advised, many bit sets on ebay are carbide bits and snap quite easily with any side pressure on the bit. Yes, they are good but understand their limitations. Never try to use a Dremel with the 60 to 80 sizes unless you have a very good slow speed control and steady hand. Some never realize you can easily find answers with a Internet search if you want an answer sooner. I do that a lot and has enhanced my modeling capabilites a lot since the Internet came into being. Rich
I like Widget Supply for drill bits (not to forget all the other cool stuff). Example, you can get 10pc #80 HSS drill bits for $2.39 ..
I have a miniature drill press-did not find Dremel stand adequate. Would carbide not be better for these tiny holes in metal? Also how do you avoid having the styrene melt when you drill?? Slow down the speed?? TY everybody for all the help
