Shopsmith Forums

drl wrote:What you posted at 3:49 yesterday is the setup I use and have found to be the best at getting centered holes in a pen blank for me. I just finished a run of 27 pens using the above methold with great results. I have found that 7 mm bits can wander in hardwood blanks with crazy grain running through them. Use sharp bits, higher speed, feed slow, and clear the chips often.

Regards,
Dwight

Post # 8.


Do realize several time zones(around the world) are represented here.

Regarding the drill bits.....

Consider buying a Fisch (specifically for pens as Ed shows) or a Colt. It is pricey at $10 or more per bit, however, their design makes them work very well on hard woods and especially plastics. A regular split tip bit wanders too easily and fluting is a compromise.

Fisch has a 4 point tip that acts similar to a Forstner in regards to staying on course. Colt has a similar (appears exactly the same to me) tip, however I think the flutes are sharper on the Colt. That observation may be just my imagination.

I do understand you can purchase a whole set of bits for the price of one Fisch / Colt (there are probably others out there also). I prefer the simple reduction in frustration using the better bit. A nice side benefit is fewer blowouts.

Anyway, just my 2 cents.

Be well,
Ben

Thanks for the drill bit suggestion.
and JPG: It was the only post at 3:49 which did equal #8. I'll look more closely next time.

Regards,
Dwight

drl wrote:Thanks for the drill bit suggestion.
and JPG: It was the only post at 3:49 which did equal #8. I'll look more closely next time.

Regards,
Dwight

The problem with using the "time posted" as a reference is that the board displays that time converted to the viewers time zone. People logged on in a different time zone will see a different number. ie here in the Pacific time zone post #8 displays as being posted at 09-30-2014, 01:49 PM.

best wishes

Ron

I was not aware that the time would change with the time zone. 100% smarter now.
Regards,
Dwight