Brad Point Drill Bits.

[Captain Chaos]

G'day,
Does any one know if it is possible to purchase either an 29/64" or 11.5mm brad point drill bit? I'm trying my hand at pen making & have purchased a pair of Cat. Pen-JR-R pen kits & require this size drill bit for the tube.
Any info would be greatly appreciated.
Regards,
Barry.

[martrix]

Hi Barry, don't know where in particular apart from the usual outlets, but if you get yourself a 3mm thick grinding wheel for your bench grinder, you can grind the brad point yourself in any normal drill bit. Does the drill bit need to be particularly long?

[Captain Chaos]

Hello Matrix,I've checked in the Carba-Tec catalogue & also had a look in Bunnies & Mitre 10 & could only find 11.0mm & 12.0mm bits. It looks like I'll be grinding my own drills as you suggested. I've just got to track down a 3mm grinding wheel now. That should be fun. A Monday job there I reckon.
Thanks for your feedback Matrix.
Regards,
Barry.

[Ian007]

Why does it need to be brad point?
why not just use a normal drill bit and clear it often?

Cheers Ian :)

[Captain Chaos]

Hello Ian, I will have a go with an ordinary drill bit. It was suggested to me to use a brad point drill bit by a person who has made a fair few pens as opposed to me, score- 0. This is my first attempt at pen turning so anything could happen. :-)
Thanks for your help Ian
Regards,
Barry

[martrix]

Why does it need to be brad point?
why not just use a normal drill bit and clear it often?

Cheers Ian :)
Brad point drill bits are more accurate and tend to stay on course much more than a normal drill bit, that's why they are used for dowellinghttp://www.woodworkforums.ubeaut.com.au/images/icons/icon14.gif

[Babytoolman]

Hi Chaos,

I use a standard drill bit for these pens. It works fine here is a picture of mine.

What did you pay for yours? I was wondering if they have dropped in price. I like these pens and some people are really interested in buying them but they are a bit pricey. Can get them for 9.90 US dollars.

Regards

Roger

[Captain Chaos]

Hello Rodger, That is a very nice pen. What is the wood? Looks like silky oak.
I'll have a go with a standard drill bit & see what happens. Should be ok if I go steady. I Paid $25.00 for the ballpoint pen & $35.00 for the fountain pen - gasp - ooohh, I feel weak , perhaps I'll sit down. :-()
What is the price landed in Australia. It would still be better than local prices eh?
Regards,
Barry.

[Ian007]

Brad point drill bits are more accurate and tend to stay on course much more than a normal drill bit, that's why they are used for dowellinghttp://www.woodworkforums.ubeaut.com.au/images/icons/icon14.gif

Having made, given away and sold hundreds of pens I dont beleive for a second that it matters what type of drill bit you use for drilling pen blanks.
having said that i should point out that i make sure mine are sharp, held in a vise and drilled on the drill press.


cheers Ian :)

[barryr]

Mik international on Magill Rd have sets with 3mm to 13mm in 0.5mm incriments advertised in their catalogue , not sure if they have them in singles but you could ring them on 08 8363 4666 .

[Captain Chaos]

Thanks Barry, good name that eh? I'll give them a call asap & see if they have them in stock. Failing that I've found out that Lee Valley In Canada have the 29/64" brad point bits sold individually.
Many thanks,
Barry. (Chaos)