saltydawg Posted February 11, 2004 Report Share Posted February 11, 2004 Anyone have any tips for drilling holes in balsa for 3-D eyes that won't rip the wood surrounding the hole? I don't use holes the size of the molded eye, rather I like a small impression like people have into which the eye will fit. Is there a dremel head that would work? My "hole" or impressions are often asymetrical and the grain rips. Thanks, DE Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
out2llunge Posted February 11, 2004 Report Share Posted February 11, 2004 How about a forstner bit with a really slow feed rate? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RiverMan Posted February 11, 2004 Report Share Posted February 11, 2004 I was dealing with this exact problem last night. I had two identical baits that needed eyes. One I drilled with a standard drill and yes it did rip the grain a bit but not so bad it's noticeable with the eyes in place. The other I just glued the eyes on and they stick out a bit. I put Devcon over the top of both baits including the eyes and to be honest one looks as good as the other. I think it would be best to have the eyes recessed a bit but they do look fine either way. Jed Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
whittler Posted February 11, 2004 Report Share Posted February 11, 2004 Go to a hobby store and get some brass tubing the diameter you need, then cut of about 3"- 4" piece. In this tube insert a piece of wooden dowel to stiffen it when chucked into a drill, and epoxy it in place. Now your ready to chuck it in the drill press and at fairly high speed use it to burn a circular ring where the eye is placed then you can drill inside the burned area and no more tearing. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mylures Posted February 11, 2004 Report Share Posted February 11, 2004 Hi there, I first drill a very small hole where the eye should be. Once I know the location of the eye socket I put a rounded bottom single cut router bit in my drill press. I think it works awesome and I have not had any problems drilling eye sockets in maple or pine or basswood. I just run the bit at a normal drilling speed. Give it a try. These are just HS steel router bits and aren't expensive. If you lock your drill press head to a certain depth then every socket will be the same. As with anything done with drill presses, use caution and good luck. Ken Schmitz Mylures Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BaitMaker Posted February 12, 2004 Report Share Posted February 12, 2004 I have been using this method for awhile if you care to try it. I use either a dremel, drill, or press. Go to any local shop that carries dremel type bits. Find the one that is a round ball on the end of the shaft. That ball is either a rasp of different coarsenesses, or even better, a sanding ball. The sanding ball is best but the rasp, if fine enough, works quicker with less plugging. If you get the sanding ball, then also get yourself a gum rubber erasing stick. They are used to clean sanding discs and belt sanders. Using the eraser gives you 5-10 times the life out of any sanding surface. Been using one for 20yrs. and wouldn't be without it. Rick Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
