What tool for making clean holes in balsa?
10-24-2021, 07:39 AM
#1
What tool for making clean holes in balsa?
I want to make holes in a bunch of 1/16 balsa ribs for carbon fiber rods. Over the years I've used drills, sharpened brass tubing and X-acto knives/files for this. None are totally satisfactory. Is there something I can stick in my drill press and drill clean perfect holes in a stack of ribs?
10-24-2021, 08:26 AM
#2
Brad tip aka brad point bits work pretty good for a clean edge,, Balsa is so soft it will probably rip the first piece a little so use a sacrificial piece on top and keep your stack tight,,, have something to back the last piece to to prevent blow out..
I use 5mm brad tips all the time in my cabinets I build
good luck
example with a pretty well used bit,, still getting some shredding,, but at least the holes are round and straight
I use 5mm brad tips all the time in my cabinets I build
good luck
example with a pretty well used bit,, still getting some shredding,, but at least the holes are round and straight
Last edited by scale only 4 me; 10-24-2021 at 08:39 AM.
10-24-2021, 05:19 PM
#7
I do have a 1/4 Forstner bit I'll test it out, I'd probably still go with the brad tip for balsa,, Forstners are great for ply and light ply though
Edit,,, This style small bit worked quite well,, back side didn't get as blow out as much either
Edit,,, This style small bit worked quite well,, back side didn't get as blow out as much either
Last edited by scale only 4 me; 10-24-2021 at 05:28 PM.
10-25-2021, 01:49 PM
#9
I agree on the suggestion of the sharpened brass tubing. But here's a source that is better. Break down the sections of an old 72mh transmitter antenna, and select the appropriate size for the desired hole. If you are lucky and have an a rat tail file that fits your final hole size, you can drill pilot holes, and then enlarge them with your round file in an electric drill, in REVERSE.
10-25-2021, 01:54 PM
#10
I probably should have said that whether you use brass tubing, or antenna sections you need to do more then just sharpening the cutting end. Fashion it into a circular saw with sharpened teeth. You might even put "set" into the teeth, where every other tooth is bent slightly in and out.
10-25-2021, 02:38 PM
#11
I agree on the suggestion of the sharpened brass tubing. But here's a source that is better. Break down the sections of an old 72mh transmitter antenna, and select the appropriate size for the desired hole. If you are lucky and have an a rat tail file that fits your final hole size, you can drill pilot holes, and then enlarge them with your round file in an electric drill, in REVERSE.
TH
