Drills are one of the most commonly used tools and a
good drill index is essential to most scratchbuilding, kitbashing,
and layout construction work. Notice the baby drill index in the
upper right. These drills are really too small to be used in a
power drill, so a pin vice (laying across the drill index) is used
to hold and turn them.
If you are going to
tap threads in drilled holes or cut threads on rod stock, they
you'll need some taps, dies and the appropriate handles. The secret
to successful tapping is to go slow, go back a quarter turn for
every half turn forward and use plenty of cutting oil. There are
special oils formulated for cutting (usually containing a lot of
lard) but for most work on soft metals, you can get away with
ordinary light oil such as 3-in-1 oil or even motor oil.
© 1999 George Schreyer
Created Dec 4, 1999
Last Updated Dec 4, 1999