Knowledge You Can Build On — Est. 1998
Drilling Tool Handles
Bill Esposito, NH
>Hi Folks,
So what's the best way to drill a tool handle, both a blank and one already shttp://www.exfactory.com/photos/LC/01049901.JPGhaped?
I was thinking a larger version of my pen blank fixture for a square blank but how would I drill this ash handle I bought a while ago and keep it square?
Thanks
Bill
Re: Drilling Tool Handles
Ron in Drums PA
>Place a drill chuck in the headstock, then rest the bottom end of the handle on the tail stock.(No center needed) While holding the handle in your left hand, center the tool end of the handle to the drill bit. Now turn the handle on the tail stock with your right hand and start drilling.
Re: Drilling Tool Handles
Don Evans
>Bill:
Mark the center of the square blank first with a center finder. Drill the blank just like pen blank, then use a cone shaped (turn one if you have too) that will fit you tailstock live center. If you have the oneway live center one came with it. Anyway, place the cone into the drilled hole and then turn the handle. Hole will be centered.
Don
Re: Drilling Tool Handles
Barry Irby
>I have not tried this method, but I think I will. I have some drill bits that have a morse taper on them, so I don't even need the chuck.
What I have done in the past is to turn the handle and elave the center mark on the end where I want the hole. I carefully set the table on my drill press so that the hole in the table is centered under the bit and at the right height. Then I just set the handle in the hole and drill it. Usually works great, but sometimes the bit follows the grain (?) and the tool is slightly crooked. Not enough to bother the function of the tool, but enough to bother my "turner's" eye. Wonder if brad point bits would work better? I have been using regular metal cutting twist drill bits.
Doing it on the lathe would be easier. Wouldn't have to fiddle with the drill press table. Just a case of thinking the drill press was for drilling tha the lathe was for lathing. Got to knock at least one side out of the box.
Barry Irby.
