8 replies to this topic

[priest3131]

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.

[Harry P.]

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?

[Art Anderson]

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

[Craig Irwin]

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.

[pandamonium2112]

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..

[Pete J.]

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.

[Ace-Garageguy]

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.co...s/dp/B00018A1Y6

 

 

The Chinee no-name ones tend to snap or go dull the first time you use them. What a deal.

Edited by Ace-Garageguy, 03 December 2012 - 11:29 AM.

[scalenut]

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.co...s/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 by scalenut, 21 December 2012 - 07:34 AM.

[southpier]

i've had good luck here: http://drillcity.sto....net/index.html

 

and couldn't get by without these:  http://www.micromark...-of-6,6759.html