Small cuts?

[Anneh]

Hi al,
I'm busy trying to do the portrait of my grandkids (thanks for the pattern, Dan) and I just realized some of the lines (cuts) are smaller than even my smallest drill bit. They look like just a line. How do you get those cut? I'm sure it's on this board somewhere so if maybe someone could just point me in the right direction. Or have I bitten off more than I can chew?
Thanks
Anne

[Bill Wilson]

What size is your smallest bit? There is a whole range of small, numbered drill bits available at scrolling supply places on the Web. They will have charts that can help you match up the proper size bit with the size blade you are using.

Here is one example, but by no means the only one available.

Drill Bits

Depending on your drill chuck, you may have to get a mini chuck to accept these tiny bits.

[Burdez]

Anne:
How much bigger is the bit then the line if it isn't much you can do what I have done
on those lines use the smallest bit you have and drill your hole at the largest end of the line as most of them are rounded anyway and when you are cutting the line very gradually move back on to the line most of the time you can't even see the differance in the cut so only you will know [O] just a thought on what I do sometimes if I can't get a small enough bit
Erssel

[wjbclocks1]

You might try a local industral supply store a or MSC or Enco.websites'
I have beable to find a bit small enough for a #1and #0 blades.

[Andy]

If they just look like a line and need to be cut, treat them just like veining. Pick your smallest blade (or find the smallest puzzle blade and index bit from your supplier) and use the line on the pattern as a guide. Before you cut, be sure there's enough space around it that you won't destroy something else by cutting it, and just go to town. If your cut is larger than the line, just follow the line and you probably won't notice the difference when it's done. Good luck and let us know how it goes.

I see the Flying Dutchman NS series goes from .015" down to .008" That's pretty darn small!!

Andy

[tstagman]

At the moment, the smallest bit I have is a #60 and sometimes it's even too large for the veining lines. I just use the method that Erssel explained and it seems to work out OK.

[maurvz800@aol.com]

Many of the Better Hardware stores(TrueValue,Ace,etc)carry the numbered bits.They often come seperately or in sets.Sets intended for Dremel also often have the micro bits.In a pinch,I've also used Brad finishing nails chucked into a dremel. -Andy

[Anneh]

Thanks for all your great tips. We're going shopping tomorrow to see what new, smaller bits we can come up with. I think it's going to be okay if the lines are a tad wider than the pattern.
Thanks for all your help. Can't wait until I can post something!

[Gypsum]

Anne,
That line would be a veining cut. Bill's advice was correct. The bits are called mini drill bits and you will definitely need an adapter. The adapter goes into the drill press and the mini drill bit into the adapter. Follow the instructions with the adapter to reduce wobble.

If the cut is slightly wider than what's on the pattern, it's not a big deal. Think of the line on the pattern as a line in a pencil drawing. So long as it isn't overly big, it will be fine.

[drywasher]

Mikesworkshop carries the following size bits
No's 71, 68, 65, 63, 59, 57, 56, 55, 1/16 also when you look through his blades he also tells you what bit to use for each blade size. His prices are much better than most hardware stores

Hope this helps

Mike