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Rice Harbor Series: Installing benchwork alignment pins
Drill the pin clearance hole before fitting the female side . This will prevent damage to the male locating hole with the drill. Thanks for a great video series.
Dave:
This is absolutely uncanny. I was trying to work out a solution to the very problem your video addresses. This is very helpful and could not have come along at a better time. I also found the pattern-makers pins at Station Road Baseboards. (This pin/dowel gig seems to be a very British thing!) The pattern-maker’s pins sold there are brass but i suspect this is not critical. http://www.stationroadbaseboards.co.uk/
They also sell cabinet maker’s dowels and all manner of other useful stuff.
This is welcome information; late last year the NMRA Magazine had an article by a German author that called for these pattern maker pins as part of a layout bridge (instead of a duck under) but then it was learned that Station Road Baseboards, the listed supplier, refuses to supply them to the North American market because their business liability insurer would refuse coverage if they did. Another triumph for the US legal system I suppose, although it is hard to see what the actual concern is. All this has been detailed in the Mail Car column of the NMRA Magazine, November 2013 issue. Thus David’s mention of C&L FInescale as an alternative source is great to hear.
And I gotta get me one of those Ryobi drills!
Those pins are a great idea. It looks like it takes a lot longer to do the careful initial alignment than to actually install the pins.
Hi David, As soon as this video hit Facebook this morning I headed straight to C&L Finscale to look at ordering these. They were sold out. I also checked the site Andrew mentioned but they don’t ship to the US or Canada. You talked about using these in a clinic in Atlanta this summer and I told you they are out. Must be snake-bit. As soon as you mention them they are sold out. 
As usual David, a clear and well presented demonstration.
I love these “how to” videos guys! It is such a help to us noobs! You make the hobby more enjoyable because we dont have to ask for directions!
Just curious - is the alignment between the pins ever affected by wood shrinking/contracting due to humidity? I live in a very humid area, and if I use this technique on modules that are transported in a trailer, would the wood shrinkage/contraction/ warpage be enough to affect alignment? Thanx!
It would be nice if he mentioned the price for those pins. Also, he does more work than necessary. Once you are ready to insert the pins, you don’t need to mark the screw holes before drilling. Just insert the plate and rill one hole. Insert the first screw hand tight, and then drill the remaining 2 hole and insert the 2 screws. Then tighten all 3 as desired.
Very informative , thanks . When I do work like that I use a second power drill for the holes . It’s better than changing all the time the bits . It could be a cheap one for the holes as you don’t even have to reverse .
Hi all, another great informative video David.
I use “T nuts” (used for screw fitted furniture legs and castors) for my baseboard joins. I drill out one side to reduce the thread but still leave a snug fit on the bolt. I ensure the tops are level and then tighten the bolt which pulls the T Nut into the end timber. I use ply for my baseboards (12mm for joins and 9mm for L girder sides, cross supports and top) and to date have had no issues with misalignment of track or boards. Living in SE Queensland, we get some good extremes in humidity and temperatures through the year.
There are hex drive drill bits available that allow you to swap the bit without undoing the chuck. Then change to the screwdriver to screw things together. Just ensure you get a firm fit between the bit and the holder or the bit will wobble and cause oval or oversize holes. The first holder I bought was short and caused so many problems. The longer one works great.
Thank you for the Rice Harbor Series: Installing bench work alignment pins video. I would like to buy the pins and went to there site. I guess they are selling for 8 pounds? Can I buy them here in America? Vincent.
C & L Finescale no longer ships to North America so it is quite difficult to find these exact alignment pins. It is a shame because David shows us how easy they are to install and accurate in aligning.
freeman manufacturing in Ohio makes them here in the US, but good luck finding a price for they sell in bulk only. but for needed 8 of them for my next layout, I’m going to try to find cheaper then $36 + s&h from across the pond.