Drill sets

If you have numbered and fractional drill set you can divide mm by 25.4 to get decimal fraction.  There are online charts showing decimal  fractions for drills 80 -60.  Use nearest larger numbered drill.  I think Micro Mark may have metric drills.

I bought two sets of kinda junky (dull-ish) metric drills, but they are used a lot because they are in 0.05 mm increments.  They are super helpful in getting that perfect hole size.

I’ll take a pic tonight.

For several years I have been using a no-brand clone of the ones in the blue and clear case. I was using one of them yesterday and it was cutting awfully slow in a pinvise.  I had just bought a new set of super cheaters, and looked at the point (this is a new set and the first time I had ever used this drill). It was awful!!  I tuned it up with my mini hand grinder and a stone, and it cut better.  But I don't want to do that to  every point.  I think I will buy the more expensive ones next time, and examine the points. If they are not better than the cheap ones I'll send them back.

Don Stauffer

For several years I have been using a no-brand clone of the ones in the blue and clear case. I was using one of them yesterday and it was cutting awfully slow in a pinvise.  I had just bought a new set of super cheaters, and looked at the point (this is a new set and the first time I had ever used this drill). It was awful!!  I tuned it up with my mini hand grinder and a stone, and it cut better.  But I don't want to do that to  every point.  I think I will buy the more expensive ones next time, and examine the points. If they are not better than the cheap ones I'll send them back. 

I've got a similar or the same set, and I agree, Don.  I picked it up from a tool liquidator at a woodworking show-the guy who's got tables and tables, and tarps spread on the floor, with loose tools, and packages from closeouts and bankruptcies.  Some good deals, but it's hit-or-miss.  When I need to get more bits, I'm going to spend the money for better quality.

If you have access to a Harbor Freight store or can order on line, they sell a set of 30  micro bits in ten increments from .5mm to 3.0mm. The bits are high speed steel and certainly sharp enough for modelling, although I doubt that they will stay sharp for long if you're drilling brass or aluminum. At $3.99 a set, I don't mind replacing them.

The brand is Warrior, item #61526.

https://www.harborfreight.com/high-speed-steel-micro-drill-bit-set-30-pc-61526.html?_br_psugg_q=micro+drill+bits

the Baron

 

 

Don Stauffer

For several years I have been using a no-brand clone of the ones in the blue and clear case. I was using one of them yesterday and it was cutting awfully slow in a pinvise.  I had just bought a new set of super cheaters, and looked at the point (this is a new set and the first time I had ever used this drill). It was awful!!  I tuned it up with my mini hand grinder and a stone, and it cut better.  But I don't want to do that to  every point.  I think I will buy the more expensive ones next time, and examine the points. If they are not better than the cheap ones I'll send them back. 

 

 

 

I've got a similar or the same set, and I agree, Don. 

 

I picked up these from a tool vendor at one of the IPMS National Conventions.

It's a no-namo brand, and not very sharp.  Made in China of course.  BUT the drills are in 0.05mm increments from 1.05mm to 3.0mm.  They are very useful in reaming out Bandai snap fit sockets to allow slip fit assembly.

Hi;

   I have four sets .Two of which are Metric. I bought them at Hobby Town U.S.A. In San Antonio.One was a standard Rogers set in the little bubble that's been around for ages. Then there's the "flat set" of which I have both standard and Metric. I got the latest " Flat Set" from Harbor Freight. It is okay. But I learned one thing.

     What I like about the "Flat Set" is this, One-they seem durable and very sharp, and Two- they are packaged in a sliding top box which has a little hole in it. When you align the hole with your bit it slides right out. and you don't wind up with a handfull of bits you don't want! And the bit number is printed right above it's slot. It goes from Numbers 61 to 80

     This is very important too. You get, in drill sets what you pay for. I have one set that is like the last one's pictured. I bought them at our last-(Seems Like Forever) Train Show. they cost me 45.00 bucks

     I don't know what the brand is! But,I have drilled brass tubing with them. Both annealed and straight out of the package. They have performed admirably Except this. Do NOT put excessive pressure on them. I broke one off Thankfully, at the chuck. I had enought of the base sticking out I can still use them but it was scary.

      Drilling with a machine is do-able But, I don't recommend it. I use a ball handled Micro Pin Vise and drill, stop, back out, stop, drill, ETC. It takes longer but the result is worth it! 

      Why Scary? Well, the Museum is closed by My Executive order and unless the Mayor and Health Department say so, It doesn't look like the Museum is going to  re-open soon and we'll wind up having no Train Show in the Fall. So No More goodies for a while. Hobby Town has been closed for almost three years now.

I agree with TB on the no name blue flat sets. I've had one set for probably 10 years. It's not in perfect shape, but most of the bits are still there and work just fine. It's not my go-to set, which is a newer no name flat box, but it's useable. I also have the sets that Real G posted. Another nice, cheap, serviceable set of bits.