priest3131 Posted November 26, 2012 Share Posted November 26, 2012 Not sure if this will help but I found that a set of torch cleaning drill bits work really well for drilling small holes and they are super cheap. Picked my set up at the local hardware store for less that 6 bucks. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Harry P. Posted November 26, 2012 Share Posted November 26, 2012 What are torch cleaning drill bits and how are they different from regular drill bits, which are available in dozens of sizes? I guess what I'm asking is... there are already normal drill bits available in almost every size imaginable, so why would "torch cleaning bits" be any better? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Art Anderson Posted November 27, 2012 Share Posted November 27, 2012 What are torch cleaning drill bits and how are they different from regular drill bits, which are available in dozens of sizes? I guess what I'm asking is... there are already normal drill bits available in almost every size imaginable, so why would "torch cleaning bits" be any better? The normally available (in the hobby anyway) "numbered drills" come in US wire sizes, which are expressed in decimals (thousandths) of an inch. For really small metric drills, it might well be better to have a set of those tip-cleaning drill bits. Art Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Craig Irwin Posted November 27, 2012 Share Posted November 27, 2012 What are torch cleaning drill bits and how are they different from regular drill bits, which are available in dozens of sizes? Torch cleaners are really files, not drills. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pandamonium2112 Posted December 3, 2012 Share Posted December 3, 2012 I bought my first pin vise (holds small drill bits) and found a small set of bits made by "Dremel" at the same time, Years later i found the torch drill set also, bought 2 sets because they break so easy. They have been so much fun.. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pete J. Posted December 3, 2012 Share Posted December 3, 2012 I had forgotten about tourch cleaning bits. It has been years since I've had them. Harry, they are tapered and you use them for cleaning the tips of acetylene torches. They get a carbon buildup and you have to lightly ream them. They could be useful in model building. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ace-Garageguy Posted December 3, 2012 Share Posted December 3, 2012 (edited) Torch tip cleaners are different from torch tip drills. The drills are actually steel twist-drills in sizes from about .022" to .065". They are used with a pin-vise, and are marketed in sets appropriate to cleaning oxy-acetylene welding and cutting tips. Torch tip cleaners are very small round files in the same diameters, with a straight pilot-shank to start them in the torch-tip hole, and they typically come in a fold-up gang holder/handle to keep them protected but handy. I have several sets, and they are sometimes useful for modeling to enlarge a small hole without drilling. A good set of Huot (still American made, I believe) micro-drills from .0135" to.039 (80-61 number drills) lives on my model bench. Real, decent drills, require a pin-vise, and available here, cheap: http://www.amazon.com/Huot-metal-drill-index-sizes/dp/B00018A1Y6 The Chinee no-name ones tend to snap or go dull the first time you use them. What a deal. Edited December 3, 2012 by Ace-Garageguy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
scalenut Posted December 20, 2012 Share Posted December 20, 2012 (edited) Torch tip cleaners are different from torch tip drills. The drills are actually steel twist-drills in sizes from about .022" to .065". They are used with a pin-vise, and are marketed in sets appropriate to cleaning oxy-acetylene welding and cutting tips. Torch tip cleaners are very small round files in the same diameters, with a straight pilot-shank to start them in the torch-tip hole, and they typically come in a fold-up gang holder/handle to keep them protected but handy. I have several sets, and they are sometimes useful for modeling to enlarge a small hole without drilling. A good set of Huot (still American made, I believe) micro-drills from .0135" to.039 (80-61 number drills) lives on my model bench. Real, decent drills, require a pin-vise, and available here, cheap: http://www.amazon.com/Huot-metal-drill-index-sizes/dp/B00018A1Y6 The Chinee no-name ones tend to snap or go dull the first time you use them. What a deal. * note the product link is only for the case ... does not include the bits Edited December 21, 2012 by scalenut Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
southpier Posted December 20, 2012 Share Posted December 20, 2012 i've had good luck here: http://drillcity.stores.yahoo.net/index.html and couldn't get by without these: http://www.micromark.com/micro-size-precision-reamers-set-of-6,6759.html Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
orangetubeglue Posted March 15, 2013 Share Posted March 15, 2013 Hi fellas. was wondering does this set of bits have the right sizes to drill out distributors? http://www.horizonhobby.com/products/drill-set-61-80-ZON37150 and will this pin vise hold the small bits? or does it have to be one of those twist drills? http://www.horizonhobby.com/products/swivel-head-pin-vise-ZON37140 thanks Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Yahshu Posted March 15, 2013 Share Posted March 15, 2013 yes & yes Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Swamp Dog Posted March 15, 2013 Share Posted March 15, 2013 yes --yes... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
orangetubeglue Posted March 15, 2013 Share Posted March 15, 2013 awesome thanks guys! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
my80malibu Posted March 15, 2013 Share Posted March 15, 2013 The drill bits look good. I have the same Pin vise and I dont think it comes with the small enough holder for the bits. The Zona brand #37-120 could work better for you. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
orangetubeglue Posted March 15, 2013 Share Posted March 15, 2013 it says it will work with 0in. to 3/32in, does #80 and smaller bits fit in to those inches? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
my80malibu Posted March 16, 2013 Share Posted March 16, 2013 Yes it says it will work with 0in. to 3/32in, does #80 and smaller bits fit in to those inches? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Art Anderson Posted March 16, 2013 Share Posted March 16, 2013 it says it will work with 0in. to 3/32in, does #80 and smaller bits fit in to those inches? Every pin vise I've ever had, and the ones I use today, have one collet (chuck if you will) that will close down to "infinity" (completely closed), which will work with any of the smallest drill bits you will ever use. While the drill sets sold by Xacto, Micro-Mark etc. are great, particularly for their drill index storage cases, individual drill bits from them are expensive. A few years back, when doing some pretty serious model car machining (yeah, I have a lathe and vertical mill here), I went looking online, and settled on http://www.discount-tools.com/CATALOG.htm which is an online tool jobber, who will sell to us ordinary mortals, as well as to industry. They sell those same numbered twist drills that come in the hobby oriented drill sets, in packs of a dozen of any one size, for very reasonable prices (around $3 per dozen). They sell online, and their delivery is prompt (small packages such as those are shipped via USPS). Given that those very small high-speed steel (HSS) drill bits are fragile (they break very easily), this makes it very easy to keep a stock of your favorite sizes handy. (very satisfied Discount Tools Company customer here!). Art Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
southpier Posted March 16, 2013 Share Posted March 16, 2013 (edited) Drillspot.com also has bits from #81 - 90 something. they are made with a bigger body so you can either finger twist or chuck them. the sets have multiples of the same size; they're prone to breakage via radial thrust. i know someone will correct my explanation; that's the fun of posting! Edited March 16, 2013 by southpier Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CrazyGirl Posted March 27, 2013 Share Posted March 27, 2013 sorry for all the questions guys but this one is important , i bought a set of 61 - 80 bits , and they are junk ,, can you guys recommend a top quality set , machine shop quality , not el-cheapo Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest G Holding Posted March 27, 2013 Share Posted March 27, 2013 (edited) Why are they junk Anne....dull? breakage? where did you get them, and the brand ? I have a exacto set for a dozen years, very few replaced as I only do plastics now Edited March 27, 2013 by G Holding Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CrazyGirl Posted March 27, 2013 Share Posted March 27, 2013 i got a cheap 5 dollar set from Amazon , and 15 wont cut , bad grinding job , you get what you pay for ,,,,, i'll try the exacto set , Thanks !! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JunkPile Posted March 27, 2013 Share Posted March 27, 2013 Harbor Freight has a set of micro bits for around $8. They cut very well but are very brittle and break easily. I think any bits as tiny as the smallest in this set will break easy too. Consumables. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Swamp Dog Posted March 28, 2013 Share Posted March 28, 2013 micro mart has a good set.... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
crazyjim Posted March 28, 2013 Share Posted March 28, 2013 DON'T BUY CHEAP TOOLS. Walters makes a pretty decent set and there's a place that I think is called Drillmaster.com or Drillbits.com. They have the tiny bits with larger shanks and are supposed to be excellent. Do yourself a favor and take a look at Dremel's cordless drill. I use it all the time for starter holes. Get an extra battery and charger for it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
1930fordpickup Posted March 28, 2013 Share Posted March 28, 2013 www.mscdirect.com You could try this site Anne they are not cheap. They have many tools and other things . www.HarborFreight.com they carry cheaper tools . www.micromark.com is a great store. They have a ton of good stuff. This is a hobby related store. As for the questions ask away . Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.
Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible.