Archie Zietman Posted July 8, 2009 Share Posted July 8, 2009 A lot. I just almost finished a pair of loop-welded spatula handles. Everything was perfect, and then I went to drill the holes. On a half inch thick piece of steel a millimeter offcenter makes a huge difference. Gonna cut the ends off and forge weld on a slightly thicker piece of stock to try again. I don;t want to throw away the handles if I don't absolutely have to. I really should get a drill press to drill at 90 degrees to the work. thanks for letting me mini-rant, a somewhat put out Archie Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
markb Posted July 8, 2009 Share Posted July 8, 2009 (edited) lay out precisely with scribe (knife handle) use spring assisted marking punch, go to hammered center punch, drill hole on drill press.....OFF CENTER where did I go wrong? arrrgha:mad: Edited July 8, 2009 by markb sp Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bryce Masuk Posted July 9, 2009 Share Posted July 9, 2009 mark Is the drill press table square to the bit? either that or there could have been something under it or your pushing to hard too quick with a small bit and its walking away from you, I screwed up one set of tongs I made (actually about the first 4 sets) eventually I heated them up with the torch and drifted the hole to center and used a larger rivet, it might work or maybe not at least you can try Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SGropp Posted July 9, 2009 Share Posted July 9, 2009 Put the piece in a drill press vise. Take a transfer punch that just fits between the jaws of the vise and punch the center. Do not remove the piece from the vise. Drill the hole using a drill press. A copper or aluminum shim on each side of the piece will help the vise grip an irregular [ forged ] piece. Transfer punches are really handy in a blacksmith shop. Even the cheap sets are well worth the money. When they get too dull they make great stock for forging a graduated set of drifts. Buy yourself a drill press. They are the most essential tool in any kind of metal shop IMHO Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Drewed Posted July 9, 2009 Share Posted July 9, 2009 Drill? Whats this drill you talk of? Heat it up and punch the hole in it. Nice thing about punching is you can "wiggle" it a bit if your slightly off. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ichudov Posted July 9, 2009 Share Posted July 9, 2009 You need 2 tools: a center punch and a center drill. Then the only frustration with a handheld drill is the amount of effort required. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Finnr Posted July 9, 2009 Share Posted July 9, 2009 Got three drill presses . Need a couple more! Finnr Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ichudov Posted July 9, 2009 Share Posted July 9, 2009 Got three drill presses . Need a couple more! Finnr I have a powermatic 1150 drill press for sale, variable speed, 3/4 HP, 115 volts. I no longer need it due to having acquired a Bridgeport mill.Powermatic 1150 Drill Press $500, Chicagoland. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
country boy Posted July 9, 2009 Share Posted July 9, 2009 A Drillpress is sure nice to use if you got the bread for it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Finnr Posted July 9, 2009 Share Posted July 9, 2009 Paid thirty bucks for my vintage hand cranked! The old critter will drill about anything Finnr Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nakedanvil - Grant Sarver Posted July 9, 2009 Share Posted July 9, 2009 I'm with Drewed. Why are you not punching the holes? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fe-Wood Posted July 9, 2009 Share Posted July 9, 2009 I'm with drewed too. Punching or drifting is SO much easier. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Archie Zietman Posted July 9, 2009 Author Share Posted July 9, 2009 I wasn't punching them because the area I was working was extremely small. Going to forge weld on a slightly larger piece of stock, and then I'm going to punch them. You are definitely right about punching being easier. It might seem like a drill is, but you are taking away all of the metal in the hole as opposed to relocating it, which can make it look bad much easier. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dragons lair Posted July 9, 2009 Share Posted July 9, 2009 Better? Probably. Easier? Not. Lets see 1" sq bar. Layout and center punch takes the same time. Light the forge,forge already lit. Heat bar, punch/drift hole.streighten/adjust hole. OR install drill bit,turn on,drill press,drill 6 perfectly streight holes in the same time True its not traditional, True there is material loss, However for me its easier and quicker. Ken Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sam Thompson Posted July 9, 2009 Share Posted July 9, 2009 Drill a small pilot hole first., it's more accurate because you don't need to push so hard. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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