drill bits

[Richard Brekne]

I would suggest if you feel you got the time, to (as you thought about)
first drill out with a smaller bit,  just a bit smaller then the size you
need for the final drill. This doesnt really take much extra time and makes
keeping the bit cool enough to an easy task. When doing this by hand you
find all sorts of methods. A round buble level set on the top of the drill
at the right angle is one I see a lot. A couple fellow I know take three
rounds of drilling. First with a very small bit.. 3mm or so., then with a
6mm and again with a 6.5 to finish. Overkill perhaps,, but it guarentees a
fine job. Different kinds of bits for different kinds of wood,, tho I dont
know the specifics on that, I have only dealt in delignant so far so I
havent gotten into all that kinda stuff yet. Good luck Greg... just take
your time and all will go well enough.

Greg Newell wrote:

> Greetings folks,
>     I'm about to begin replacing my first pin block and although I've
> watched it done before and read about it a fair amount I'd like to ask a
> question. It seems to me that a fair amount of the problems incurred
> when drilling a pin block are from the heat generated in the process.
> How am I doing so far? Well, I was thinking the other day while plunking
> out a tuning for a rather mediocre upright that it might be a good idea
> to pre drill the hole with a smaller size drill first. It would seem
> that this would be more time consuming but might yield more consistent
> results. If your removing only half the material or less at a time
> wouldn't that naturally reduce the heat generated? If the final step
> only removed say 1/3 or less of the total amount it seems that the bit
> would be easy to cool and perhaps never even reach a level that would
> alter the bore diameter. Does this make any sense at all? What might
> some of the dangers be in this plan?
>     My second question is one that was asked before. Do any of you have
> a favorite source or type for the drill bits needed? While glancing
> through Schaff's supply catalogue yesterday my eye didn't seem to fall
> on them. Are there different types one might use and do some types work
> better than others? If I were to try out my theory, would that affect
> the type of bit I would use? Are there bit coatings I should use? Are
> better bit manufactured using coatings?
>     Thanks again in advance for your willingness to help.
>
> Greg Newell

--
Richard Brekne
Associate PTG, N.P.T.F.
Bergen, Norway