How to drill straight without a drill press ?
 

Do you have any tips to share ?

Thanks !

RE: How to drill straight without a drill press ?
 

There was a recent thread on that very subject last month, I believe. I'll try to find it and provide a link.

CGr.

RE: How to drill straight without a drill press ?
 

Well, maybe not. I'll look more later.

CGr.

RE: How to drill straight without a drill press ?
 

I use finger drill's. You can buy one at Sears. I find that I get much more accurate in Balsa. Great for hinges and such. For harder wood all I can say is go slow. Use low pressure on your drill to stay accurate.

RE: How to drill straight without a drill press ?
 

If the surface that you are drilling is large enough, try the following:

Find a flat plate of Al sheet metal (thickness doesn't matter) and drill a slightly oversized hole in it.

Put it on the surface you want to drill with the hole aligned with the hole you want to drill.

Align the drill until the bit appears to be straight with the reflection of the bit. Do this from two directions. When the reflection appears straight, you are perpendicular to the surface.

RE: How to drill straight without a drill press ?
 

A simple method is to make a "V" block [if you have room]. You will need an accurat saw, preferrably a table say or band saw. Then you just use the "V" bolck as a guide for the drill bit. If you have an accurate miter box this will work ok.

Sorry for the poor quality sketch.

Gary

RE: How to drill straight without a drill press ?
 

I made a drilling jig from a small block of hardwood about 1" thick, with a hole drilled slightly larger than the hole being drilled. Howeverm the hole in the jig should be drilled with a drill press, however once drilled, it can be used numerous times. I found this method works well when drilling 1/4" holes through the wing and hold down blocks for the hold down bolts.

DaveB

RE: How to drill straight without a drill press ?
 

Harry Higley makes a set of steel blocks (they look like big dice) that have varying holes for different size drill bits. Work great and keep the drill perpendicular to the surface. I also have two sets of finger drills and, for balsa and light ply, they are great. Available through Tower Hobbies or direct from Harry.

http://www3.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin...&P=WR&I=LXL780

http://pics.towerhobbies.com/image/h/higr1515.jpg

But I do love my drill press. Mine is a relatively inexpensive Skil 3320 and it is a much used item for way more than model building. I use it much more than my Dremel for the jobs that come along.

RE: How to drill straight without a drill press ?
 

I posted the same question about a month ago. Im assuming you need to drill straight holes for control horns. The key is to pick up a pin vise/ finger drill. I just did and its much easier as you can go slow and really eye the alignment. I just used one a week ago for the first time...and worked out great. Much better than using a drill as I had in the past.

RE: How to drill straight without a drill press ?
 

OK I'll bite, whats a finger drill???

Is it this???

http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_1...yword=Pin+Vice

RE: How to drill straight without a drill press ?
 

Yep, that's it.