Another project this week was the tap follower by Tubalcain
Fun little project, and many more learning moments. When I thought I had it almost done, boring (just drilling) and the pointer done, I found that despite measuring out ok, I could not get them together beyond about an inch. I do not have a boring bar small enough and with enough length to do 2 inches into a 3/8 hole. I tried sand paper on mandrel in a drill, lapping compound, files, etc but trying not to go oversize at the beginning of the hole. Not sure if it was not concentric or just too rough near the middle to bottom of the hole but she no go. Since I don't have any reamers, when I need a slip fit, I tend to drill the holes I need, and if need be, bore to final dimension. In this case, too small and deep for the boring option. I finally clued in that I have a lot of masonry bits in the shop and they are all tipped with carbide. I don't mind grinding one up so gave it a whirl. Worked out great! I was able to clean up the hole, all the way to the bottom and the pointer slipped right in nice!
I had some nice stainless rod in the shop and no drill rod so am trying the stainless for the pointer. I doubt it will be a problem.
So, if you need to clean up a deep, small hole, try a carbide tipped masonry bit. You are going to get a lot of flex of course, but we are only talking about cleaning something up.
Cheers,
Fun little project, and many more learning moments. When I thought I had it almost done, boring (just drilling) and the pointer done, I found that despite measuring out ok, I could not get them together beyond about an inch. I do not have a boring bar small enough and with enough length to do 2 inches into a 3/8 hole. I tried sand paper on mandrel in a drill, lapping compound, files, etc but trying not to go oversize at the beginning of the hole. Not sure if it was not concentric or just too rough near the middle to bottom of the hole but she no go. Since I don't have any reamers, when I need a slip fit, I tend to drill the holes I need, and if need be, bore to final dimension. In this case, too small and deep for the boring option. I finally clued in that I have a lot of masonry bits in the shop and they are all tipped with carbide. I don't mind grinding one up so gave it a whirl. Worked out great! I was able to clean up the hole, all the way to the bottom and the pointer slipped right in nice!
I had some nice stainless rod in the shop and no drill rod so am trying the stainless for the pointer. I doubt it will be a problem.
So, if you need to clean up a deep, small hole, try a carbide tipped masonry bit. You are going to get a lot of flex of course, but we are only talking about cleaning something up.
Cheers,
