I have a Dremel Model 395 variable speed tool plus a drill press
stand. I want to drill a series of very tiny holes using one of the
drill bits from my pin vise. I don’t see any collets in the Dremel
line which can hold very small drill bits. Where can I find such a
collet or is there some other way of securing the drill bit? Thanks.
Carlos
I have an adjustable chuck that will go down to #80 bits, you remove the collet and jam nut and it screws on. I think it’s a Dremel part, but I can’t remember exactly, I could have bought it from Micro Mark.
Boy…I’m not certain if that’s a good idea. I snap #80 drill bits REAL-L-L-L fast in my pin vise when I get in a hurry. But I suppose you could go for the record and break the entire stock on hand in a matter of minutes if you were to use a Dremel tool…
I understand the some projects require lots of holes drilled, but man, what a fast way to snap a drill bit. [2c]
I tried the chuck on my Dremel but the threads were wrong. The chuck is definitely the way to go. Just make sure it fits before you buy.
BB
I agree with (JohnT4804). It’s a real easy way to snap a drill bit. How many holes are you drilling? All of my bits are very sharp so there pretty effective doing it the manual way. Good luck. Joey
Micro-Mark sells some numbered bits with 1/8" shanks that will fit in the standard collet of rotary tolls including Dremel. You can see them here: http://www.ares-server.com/Ares/Ares.asp?MerchantID=RET01229&Action=Catalog&Type=Product&ID=60310
They also sell a 3 jaw chuck for rotary tools that can take bits as small as 1/64"
http://www.ares-server.com/Ares/Ares.asp?MerchantID=RET01229&Action=Catalog&Type=Product&ID=15264
Where’d you get the drill press stand? I’ve looked and according to what I’ve seen, they’re not going to be available until Jan., 2006. I’ve had no luck whatsoever at Lowe’s or Home Depot.
Andre
Tool speed is way too high for drilling small holes in plastic. The friction will just melt the plastic on the bit and make the hole oversized and probably break the bit. If you insist on using a power tool get one of the very small rechargeable screwdrivers and a chuck to go with it (Micromark) the speed is like 130 rpm or something. Even then go slow and keep the bit cool.
You guys must be a lot harder on bits than I am! [:D] I haven’t done much with an 80 bit, but I’ve drilled dozens of holes with a 72 bit into white metal and have had good luck. Yes, you do need to turn the speed waaay down- I run it to just where the Dremel starts to turn, and use a little cutting oil with light pressure and frequent cleaning. But the only times I’ve broken bits is when I do something stupid- get in a hurry, flex it just a bit, etc… Patience is the key!
Dremel 3 jaw chuck #4486 should do the trick
Whatever you use, be sure to get a lot of extra bits, because they won’t last long!
I have a Micro Mark pin vise that has a knurled shaft and a collar - pu***he collar down and the tool twists to drill a hole. Works real good with the smaller bits, and is a lot easier on the fingers than a standard pin vice. It was only about $6.00.
I have the smaller collet adapter for a rotary tool, but only use it for the larger bits that aren’t as prone to breakage.
I have a Dremel drill press, got it many years ago at the local Wal Mart. Might be worth checking out there to see if you can find one.
Bob Boudreau
Micro-Mark catalog number 81049 is a 3-Jaw Keyless Chuck for Dremel tools that works just like the chuck on a larger drill. Price is $12.25 plus shipping.
They also have assortments of wire-size drill bits so you can stock up on bits at the same time.
I have been using their chuck instead of the collett for several years now, and find it much easier and faster than having to fool around with a wrench.
Heaven forbid that you should visit an LHS and ask about chucks for your Dremel. The LHS guy might even have several different chucks made by Gyro (and several other companies) that fit right into a Dremel 1/8" collet.
Oh yeah, I forgot it’s not cool to do the LHS thing. Mail order, ah that’s where it at!
The 3 jaw chuck in my Dremel won’t go as small as a #80 bit!
I’m not sure, ( I haven’t tried it ) but would the collet from your pin vise maybe fit in the Dremel?
I agree with the general concensus, the Dremel, even on slow speed, is way to fast for the tiny drill bits! I have a fan speed control and an electrical outlet mounted in an electrical box, with an extension cord attached, that I use as a temp control for my soldering iron, that also works great to slow my power tools down if needed. That might help, if you are insistant about using the Dremel.
Rotor
Check these babies out. I use the heck out of 'em and they are awesome. A few things though. I would highly recommend using a press or have one heck of a steady hand. They break easily if flexed and make nice little projectiles so use safety glasses (you should use them anyhow if drilling with power tools). They cut through brass and white metal like a hot knife through butter. I use them freehand in extreme cases with a flexible shaft, but you might as well count that bit as a loss as soon as you get through what you are drilling. I would also recommend buying them at the Buy It Now price because proxy bidding usually drives the final price higher than the BIN.
http://search.ebay.com/_W0QQfrppZ25QQfsooZ1QQfsopZ1QQsassZpaswetlandQQsojsZ0
The electronic manufacturing industry regularly drills holes as small as 10mil, probably even 5mil theses days - all done using automated drilling tools and high speed… I don’t know how #80 compares to that, but an entire industry can’t have it wrong. Sure bits break, but the use of a stand greatly reduces the sheer force and likelihood of breaking.
I’d like to know where you got the drill press stand.
-Tom
[/quote]
The electronic manufacturing industry regularly drills holes as small as 10mil, probably even 5mil theses days - all done using automated drilling tools and high speed… I don’t know how #80 compares to that, but an entire industry can’t have it wrong. Sure bits break, but the use of a stand greatly reduces the sheer force and likelihood of breaking.
I’d like to know where you got the drill press stand.
-Tom
[/quote]
Those are the ones I mentioned above. When you buy them they tell you what sizes you are getting and the sizes are marked on the bit with a color coded plastic band.
The drill press stand is at Electronix Express(www.elexp.com).$58. Doesn’t say anything about not available yet.
I’ve looked all over the site and can’t find a drill press. do you have the direct link or search term that might get a hit (the obvious ones didn’t work).