I have learned to despise paddle bits. Some hears back I was building some flag holders for the Girl Scout troop and when using a drill press to drill the hole in the stand using a paddle bit, it caught and the entire flag stand began to spin. Worried about my wife's car parked close by, I tried to stop the spinning with my hand, a really stupid move. I wasn't cut, but my hand and forearm hurt like heck. I felt like I'd hit my funny bone and the sensation took a week to subside. Since then, I always clamp workpieces to the drill press table and I don't think I've used a paddle bit since.
I use them. But then, I still have one of these, and still use it. It's slow and more than a little like work. But all I have to do is think "stop" and it stops. It has no momentum at all. It stops on a dime and gives me nine cents change. I also skip the ear protection. Yes, I've been known to grunt when I get exercise, but I'm not that loud.
I'ld never use a spade bit in a press. You don't get to feel it before IT happens. And letting a 1/2" electric spin is safer. I ripped the cord off though.
@acptulsa Love! It! Ya, I used one from my father's father' for many years. My wondrous wife ruined it by buying one of those new fangled cordless electrics. Argh! Now I have a big one and a small one. Sigh.
I have an old manual hand drill too. I had planned to convert it to use as a winder, when I was into free flight model planes. I'll break it out every now and again when I need to drill one or two quick holes. Especially if it's early, and the family is still sleeping.
Those cordless sure are nice. My first, 6 years ago, a 3/8" with case it was followed by two 1/4". The 3/8" now needs a new battery. I'm very gratful to still have the 1/2", 3/8" and 1/4" corded. Along with little cranker and a bit brace. Because the new battery costs $125. $45 more than I payed for the whole thing.
I wish I'd have kept my Dad's rotary hand drill like @acptulsa 's and his push drill too, but in all of the estate sale preparation, I overlooked setting them aside.
Yep, always a fine choice. Mine are low quality, are getting dull from use and I've been replacing them with better quality as needed. Brad point bits work pretty well too with their outside cutting edges and centering point.
Glad to see this posted. I had been thinking about getting a set of these, and every time I am near a hardware store, I forget. It is now noted on my shopping list.
I've got one brad point. 1/4" is all I've needed so far. When I start building a layout I will get more. When I lived in Milwaukee I could get them and any others sharpened. A lot of business for that stuff. Not so up here in cow, wine and sausage land.
I’m not sure about sharpening bits and blades anymore, I think it’s becoming a lost art. I used to get my blades sharpened but have not been happy with the results. Now I use the thin kerf blades with decent results. I even picked up a carbide blade from Harbor for some not so precision cutting, I was impressed with the cuts that made.
Would a magnet have worked? I keep them and flashlights handy. Do *not* use the white foam from 'Flat Packs' - Unless: 1) You know what you are doing 2) It is for very small areas 3) It didn't cost you anything, (don't buy it) 4) You are prepared for a messy mess, (have a vacume handy) 5) 'Seal' it with white acrylic. At least a light coat to help hold it together 6) Do not use it for structural integrity. Never use beaded foam from craft stores. Well, maybe the balls for some purpose. Never let an infant within arms reach of the layout. You will inevitably turn your head and they wil grab your favorite car attached to a train and well, you know the rest. I love my grandson.
I have had a few close calls over the years. I finally decided I had to do something about it. I had a 3 pound sledge hammer, with a broken handle. I cut it off where it fit into the head and inserted a soldering iron holder into the remaining handle. The only problem I have now, is the damn thing is heavy. Glenn
Include the Family Let them name places. Name places after them, 'Robert's Farm', Pettiford Peak, Adam's Park, Let them 'choose' scenery, (if possibly). My wife wants a farm. The 12yo grandson wants a Kung Fu studio. The step-daughter wants a 'singing bridge' and a best friend was an island. The 11 month old wants a 'smiley factory'. Wait, all he wants is a bottle, stack of blocks to knock down and my favorite freight car to play with. He is *getting* a smiley factory. Put names / messages on Storage Tanks or Billboards. #1 Step-daughter was actually on a billboard for an IPhone ad. That will be on the layout. I will be posting 'templates' for freight cars you can put messages on and swap out or remove.
For your first layout consider: Painting your base first so you don't spend time staring at pink / blue foam. Having a 'practice' area of scenery 1/2" foam is flexible and can be used for 'ramps / grades'.
I learned just last night that if you secure the roadbed and the track, but forget to secure said foamboard and your 3/8 inch 2' x 4' base to frame, when you lean it over to wire, bad things happen Live & Learn!
I like to use hot glue to hold wires in place. Just a little spot about nine inches apart on long runs does the trick. Also my layout's overhead LED lights are held by zip ties attached to the bottom of valance with hot glue. Joe
While building my layout, I discovered the virtues of No More Nails glue. That's what's holding the foamboard to the base. Among other things.\ Call it the duct tape of glues. It even keeps my stick on the ice... *groan*