[TheForge] Drilling holes in rods

[knight fish]

Since it is for spokes I'll assume that you are drilling on the round
(not through the end), and throw $0.02 worth of information which I
recently read on the rec.crafts.metalworking news group (you might
want to follow up on the thread from last week for more
clarification).

To find the center of the cylinder use a metal ruler and a pointy
object (like a drill bit) in the press:  Chuck up the drill, and
eye-ball it such that it looks pretty close to hitting the center of
the round.  Next, put the ruler on the top of the round aligned
perpendicular(ly) to the long axis of the round (i.e. if the round is
running across the drill press (left-right), the ruler will come out
toward your stomach).  Lower the drill such that it pinches the ruler
against the round.  The amount of tilt in the ruler will indicate how
far off you are from center, with a large tilt indicating you are out
"a lot".  Fiddle with the forward/backward position of the round until
the ruler is horizontal when pinched between the drill and the round. 
Horizonal indicates that you are in the dead center.   It's probably
best to (without moving the round relative to the press) file a bit of
a flat spot for the drill to start (I don't know how you could punch
it while in the press) so it doesn't wonder too much on start.

Sounds great in theory!

Don
On Apr 4, 2005 6:20 AM, PlumDon at aol.com <PlumDon at aol.com> wrote:
> Looking for a technique or jig design to drill  multiple 1/8" holes
> accurately
> through the center of 3/8" round. This is for 1/8" spokes  for a 6" wheel. I
> could
> drill before shaping into a wheel or after  bending to a circle. ( I
> recognize
> I would have to re-drill after  bending). I only have drill press  and hand
> drills available to do the  job. Any suggestions much appreciated.
> 
> Regards
> 
> Don   Plummer
> Plummer Design Works
> 392 Hallman Mill Road
> Phoenixville,  PA  19460
> 610-495-5058
> 
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