Stoic Raptor Posted February 14, 2015 Share Posted February 14, 2015 Hi folks, I just recently acquired a Citadel pin vise drill, before this I was using an X-Acto type with a knurled handle but no palm rest (one end had a smaller chuck and the other end was larger). I've just started magnetizing my models and was preparing to magnetize some Terminators using 3mm magnets. However, I have come to discover that the 3mm drill bit (and the 4.75mm one I use for Dreadnoughts) will not fit into either of the chucks on the Citadel drill. I do not want to use a rotary tool to do this drilling, because it doesn't seem wise to do so with small parts like Terminator arms and torsos. Can anyone recommend what I can obtain or use to hold these drill bits to allow me to comfortably drill the holes manually? Link to comment https://bolterandchainsword.com/topic/303503-what-to-use-for-drilling-holes-for-magnetizing/ Share on other sites More sharing options...
Grotsmasha Posted February 14, 2015 Share Posted February 14, 2015 Do you have the metal pin vice or the rubber handled one? The metal one has a second chuck in the base of the handle which will take a 3mm drill bit with a little....encouragement. Cheers, Jono Link to comment https://bolterandchainsword.com/topic/303503-what-to-use-for-drilling-holes-for-magnetizing/#findComment-3951281 Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lucien Eilam Posted February 14, 2015 Share Posted February 14, 2015 Starrett make a 2.9 - 4.8mm pin vice, model number 162D. Link to comment https://bolterandchainsword.com/topic/303503-what-to-use-for-drilling-holes-for-magnetizing/#findComment-3951327 Share on other sites More sharing options...
JeffTibbetts Posted February 14, 2015 Share Posted February 14, 2015 Do you have the metal pin vice or the rubber handled one? The metal one has a second chuck in the base of the handle which will take a 3mm drill bit with a little....encouragement. Cheers, Jono That's what I use when I need to use the larger magnets. It's a tight fit, but it works. I don't have the newer burgundy Citadel drill, so I don't know if that has the extra chuck or not. At any rate, I've seen some fairly inexpensive hand drills at places like Hobby Lobby here in the States. I think most have the extra chuck, but it should say on the packaging. Link to comment https://bolterandchainsword.com/topic/303503-what-to-use-for-drilling-holes-for-magnetizing/#findComment-3951328 Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stercus Posted February 14, 2015 Share Posted February 14, 2015 I have an old hand crank driven wood drill that works for most larger sized bits. Emperor only knows where it came from, but I've had it for a quarter century. Most hardware stores should offer something similar. Main disadvantage is that you need a clamp or vice to hold the model in as it takes two hands to operate. Link to comment https://bolterandchainsword.com/topic/303503-what-to-use-for-drilling-holes-for-magnetizing/#findComment-3951333 Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stoic Raptor Posted February 15, 2015 Author Share Posted February 15, 2015 Do you have the metal pin vice or the rubber handled one? The metal one has a second chuck in the base of the handle which will take a 3mm drill bit with a little....encouragement. I have the one with the hexagonal plastic handle. I guess it's a burgundy-brownish color. I know that the chuck has two ends, one larger than the other - but neither is nearly large enough for a 3mm bit. I unscrewed the other part (between the palm rest and the Citadel logo) but there's nothing in there. Starrett make a 2.9 - 4.8mm pin vice, model number 162D. Thanks. That appears to be exactly what I'll need. Not nearly as comfortable, from the looks of it - I don't relish the thought of drilling bodies and an array of arms for 10 Terminators with a knurled aluminum handle like that - but it will certainly hold my larger bits securely. I will pick one up next payday. I appreciate the advice! Link to comment https://bolterandchainsword.com/topic/303503-what-to-use-for-drilling-holes-for-magnetizing/#findComment-3951392 Share on other sites More sharing options...
MedPig Posted February 15, 2015 Share Posted February 15, 2015 Ryobi makes a nice little 4v cordless screwdriver. I drill a pilot hole with the pin vise, then use a hex-shank drill bit in the correct size for the magnet. My most common sizes are 1/16, 1/8, and 1/4". I REALLY wise they made a 3/32" size, it would fit in several minis. K&J Magnetics has some great magnets, they're VERY close to me so turnaround is fast. Link to comment https://bolterandchainsword.com/topic/303503-what-to-use-for-drilling-holes-for-magnetizing/#findComment-3951718 Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stoic Raptor Posted February 15, 2015 Author Share Posted February 15, 2015 Indeed - a 3/32" bit would be ideal for the 2mm magnets, and a 3/16" bit would be perfect for the 4.75mm magnets. I'm sure such things exist somewhere, but finding them with a hex chuck might be more difficult. I suppose a hand-held cordless screwdriver might be OK, if it's variable speed. Unfortunately, the size of the bit needed isn't always proportional to the size of the part I'm drilling into. Link to comment https://bolterandchainsword.com/topic/303503-what-to-use-for-drilling-holes-for-magnetizing/#findComment-3951778 Share on other sites More sharing options...
Techmarine Harkus Posted February 15, 2015 Share Posted February 15, 2015 If you have other tools available, you could always modify your drill bits (assuming you don't mind making them useless in a normal chuck). Take a look at a tap and die set-up. The normal setup is for the cylindrical shaft to have one side flattened off so it can be held firmly by the tap handle. If you've got loads to do though, power tools are the way forward. I've used a dremel a few times and in plastic as long as you turn it down as slow as it goes and work carfully you get good results. Practice on some sprue to gain confidence if needs be. Link to comment https://bolterandchainsword.com/topic/303503-what-to-use-for-drilling-holes-for-magnetizing/#findComment-3951830 Share on other sites More sharing options...
JeffTibbetts Posted February 15, 2015 Share Posted February 15, 2015 If you have other tools available, you could always modify your drill bits (assuming you don't mind making them useless in a normal chuck). Take a look at a tap and die set-up. The normal setup is for the cylindrical shaft to have one side flattened off so it can be held firmly by the tap handle. If you've got loads to do though, power tools are the way forward. I've used a dremel a few times and in plastic as long as you turn it down as slow as it goes and work carfully you get good results. Practice on some sprue to gain confidence if needs be. I don't really see the point of the dremel, really. I don't mean to argue at all, but I've never had any trouble with fatigue or blisters or anything from using a pin vice hand drill. Maybe for some it's uncomfortable? Or do you use the dremel for other stuff and that's just one of them? Convince me, maybe I'm missing out. Link to comment https://bolterandchainsword.com/topic/303503-what-to-use-for-drilling-holes-for-magnetizing/#findComment-3952025 Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lucien Eilam Posted February 15, 2015 Share Posted February 15, 2015 I do most of my drilling with a pin vice. My Dremel gets more use for cutting and grinding. It's probably the tool I could most easily do without, but it makes a lot of jobs much faster and easier. Like neatly removing the rims from 200+ 25mm bases, or hollowing out Helbrecht's gorget so he can wear a helmet. I could have done that manually, but it would have been a real chore. Link to comment https://bolterandchainsword.com/topic/303503-what-to-use-for-drilling-holes-for-magnetizing/#findComment-3952359 Share on other sites More sharing options...
appiah4 Posted February 16, 2015 Share Posted February 16, 2015 Dremel. Best purchase ever. Link to comment https://bolterandchainsword.com/topic/303503-what-to-use-for-drilling-holes-for-magnetizing/#findComment-3952974 Share on other sites More sharing options...
Badaab Posted February 16, 2015 Share Posted February 16, 2015 A Dremel or other rotary tool with adjustable speeds is your friend. I'd also recommend one with AC power as opposed to battery power- you'll get more use out of it without waiting on a battery to charge.A pack of boring bits as well as engraving bits, plus some decent drill bits should be all you'll need, unless you're doing more than modeling with it- in which case, well, some of the starter kits can be a decent enough purchase. I use the Dremel in the garage on my car as often as I do on models. Link to comment https://bolterandchainsword.com/topic/303503-what-to-use-for-drilling-holes-for-magnetizing/#findComment-3952977 Share on other sites More sharing options...
JeffTibbetts Posted February 17, 2015 Share Posted February 17, 2015 I did a job last night where a dremel would have been nice. All the Storm Shields in my bits box were left handed (in fact I think they all are, period, right) and I wanted a right handed one. I had to snip out a wedge with clippers and then just go to town shaving it down with a hobby knife. With the concave interior, it was not an easy job. Link to comment https://bolterandchainsword.com/topic/303503-what-to-use-for-drilling-holes-for-magnetizing/#findComment-3954008 Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lucien Eilam Posted February 17, 2015 Share Posted February 17, 2015 All the Storm Shields in my bits box were left handed (in fact I think they all are, period, right) The old metal Terminator ones are flat backed. They used to do a Finecast bitz pack with them in, but I think it was discontinued when the new Vanguard Veterans were released. But yeah, that kind of job is a piece of cake with a Dremel Link to comment https://bolterandchainsword.com/topic/303503-what-to-use-for-drilling-holes-for-magnetizing/#findComment-3954070 Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stoic Raptor Posted February 17, 2015 Author Share Posted February 17, 2015 The TWC Storm Shields are not for either specific hand, as they affix to the back of the hand. But if you're shaving out a concave surface with a triangular hobby blade, you're insane. Use a curved blade instead, like a #10 or #12. Link to comment https://bolterandchainsword.com/topic/303503-what-to-use-for-drilling-holes-for-magnetizing/#findComment-3954179 Share on other sites More sharing options...
JeffTibbetts Posted February 17, 2015 Share Posted February 17, 2015 The TWC Storm Shields are not for either specific hand, as they affix to the back of the hand. But if you're shaving out a concave surface with a triangular hobby blade, you're insane. Use a curved blade instead, like a #10 or #12. I think it's fair to say I'm insane. It's already done. :D Years of this sort of insanity have inured me to it. Link to comment https://bolterandchainsword.com/topic/303503-what-to-use-for-drilling-holes-for-magnetizing/#findComment-3954218 Share on other sites More sharing options...
JGeils81 Posted February 17, 2015 Share Posted February 17, 2015 I have two off brand ones... one fits bigger bits for the dread/armor magnets and for drilling out exhausts and heavy bolters the other one is tiny and I use it for smaller weapons and like hand/weapon magnets Link to comment https://bolterandchainsword.com/topic/303503-what-to-use-for-drilling-holes-for-magnetizing/#findComment-3954255 Share on other sites More sharing options...
asmodai650 Posted February 25, 2015 Share Posted February 25, 2015 Try looking at micromark.com. Also you can find drill bits in sizes from 0.05mm and up. You just have to look. Also for drilling holes for magnets, drill a shallow pilot hole, then finish it with a flat end drill bit called a end mill. Link to comment https://bolterandchainsword.com/topic/303503-what-to-use-for-drilling-holes-for-magnetizing/#findComment-3961308 Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stoic Raptor Posted February 25, 2015 Author Share Posted February 25, 2015 Thanks, I'll give them a look. For now, I've got the shaft of the 3mm bit wrapped in tape and chucked into a large X-Acto knife handle. The trick is finding a pin vise with a swivel head like the Citadel drill, that will accommodate a 3/16"/4.75mm bit. I think they might have something suitable. Link to comment https://bolterandchainsword.com/topic/303503-what-to-use-for-drilling-holes-for-magnetizing/#findComment-3961329 Share on other sites More sharing options...
Carlson793 Posted February 25, 2015 Share Posted February 25, 2015 Honestly, if I know a bit's not going back into my home repair kit, I just wrap the unthreaded end with tape so I can get enough of a grip without a drill or pin vice and add it to the hobby kit. Link to comment https://bolterandchainsword.com/topic/303503-what-to-use-for-drilling-holes-for-magnetizing/#findComment-3961394 Share on other sites More sharing options...
Acebaur Posted February 26, 2015 Share Posted February 26, 2015 If you want to drill a hole for a magnet, and you want to use something like a dremmel, I would highly suggest that you drill a pilot hole with a pin vise first. Dremmel's have so much RPM, even on low setting that getting it to grip accurately in the exact spot you want can be difficult. It can also rip the mini out of your hand which never a good thing. The magnets I use for just about anything short of a large piece for a vehicle are these http://www.rare-earth-magnets.com/p-6-nsn0566.aspx They are really strong and very multipurpose for 40K scale stuff. Too drill a hole for them I use a 1/8" drill bit For wrists I use these magnets http://www.rare-earth-magnets.com/p-23-nsn0591.aspx. I'll have to check the bit size for them but it's one of the ones that came with my pin vise Link to comment https://bolterandchainsword.com/topic/303503-what-to-use-for-drilling-holes-for-magnetizing/#findComment-3962682 Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stoic Raptor Posted February 26, 2015 Author Share Posted February 26, 2015 For smaller magnets, the Citadel drill does nicely. But it can't accommodate a 1/8" (3mm) bit which is what I use for arms and other general-purpose applications - or 4.75mm bits which I use for Dreadnought weaponry. I was worried that the Dremel might cause me to lose a safe grip on a small part line an arm or backpack, so a manual tool would seem to be a better application. I get similarly-sized magnets at my local hobby store, but that's a good price at the site youmentioned. Link to comment https://bolterandchainsword.com/topic/303503-what-to-use-for-drilling-holes-for-magnetizing/#findComment-3962700 Share on other sites More sharing options...
Acebaur Posted February 26, 2015 Share Posted February 26, 2015 The Citadel tools are way overpriced IMO, but I can't comment on their quality. My pin vise also cannot accommodate the 1/8 bit so typically I use the bit by hand unless it's metal Link to comment https://bolterandchainsword.com/topic/303503-what-to-use-for-drilling-holes-for-magnetizing/#findComment-3962770 Share on other sites More sharing options...
Grotsmasha Posted February 28, 2015 Share Posted February 28, 2015 For smaller magnets, the Citadel drill does nicely. But it can't accommodate a 1/8" (3mm) bit which is what I use for arms and other general-purpose applications - or 4.75mm bits which I use for Dreadnought weaponry. I was worried that the Dremel might cause me to lose a safe grip on a small part line an arm or backpack, so a manual tool would seem to be a better application. I get similarly-sized magnets at my local hobby store, but that's a good price at the site youmentioned. There must be a way to get the chuck, I have one that takes a 3mm drill bit, so they exist. Finding one though...... Link to comment https://bolterandchainsword.com/topic/303503-what-to-use-for-drilling-holes-for-magnetizing/#findComment-3964178 Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Archived
This topic is now archived and is closed to further replies.