[TheForge] 2 things

[Bruce Freeman]

Mark,

I see lots of suggestions to use a lathe.  I suggest use your drill
press AS a lathe.  For side pressure, a drill press is no good, but
it's perfect for end drilling.  Of course, you need a chuck that will
handle your 1/2" rod.  If you mean round rod, probably not a problem.
Clamp a drill bit into your vise and have at it.

I'd be inclined to let the vise float free so the drill self-centers.
Put a stop (e.g., a bolt) through the table so the bit can't grab and
spin the vise.  Maybe using a centerpunch and/or a centerdrill first
would help.

I should point out that I'm not a machinist.  I'm a hobbyist limping
by with inadequate machinery, always inventing new ways to use them.

Bruce
NJ

On Wed, Apr 30, 2008 at 4:50 PM, Mark Novak <mark at fireworkspdx.com> wrote:
> 1. Anyone know a place that sells only lefty welding/kevlar/work gloves?
>
>  2. What tool options are out there that would help me drill a centered hole
> into the end of mild steel rod (besides a punch to make a starter dent)? I
> have a drill press and a drill press vise, but I'm trying to make a single
> hole in many inch long sections of half-inch rod and don't want to have to
> set each one in the vise, trying to get it lined up each time with the bit
> and the starter dent, etc... Help!
>
>  Thanks,
>
>  Mark Novak
>  www.fireworkspdx.com
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-- 
Bruce
NJ