mrblanche Posted October 20, 2006 Report Share Posted October 20, 2006 I've just read the tutorial on drilling for inlay marker dots made from guitar picks. There was one weakness in the instructions, and I'd like to make a suggestion to remedy that. The author (Brian Johnson?) suggests using a 1/4 inch drill bit to make the hole for the dot, and then says to be careful not to drill too deep! Here's a way to control the depth of the hole you drill. Get a piece of 1/4 inch ID hose, such as vacuum hose from an auto supply store, and slip it over the drill bit. Leave only as much bit exposed as the depth you want to drill. In fact, leave a little less exposed, because the hose tends to compress a little. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
verhoevenc Posted October 20, 2006 Report Share Posted October 20, 2006 Or just wrap a piece of tape to mark how deep you want to go, and watch, and drill until the tape hits the wood.... Chris Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ryanb Posted October 21, 2006 Report Share Posted October 21, 2006 Yeah, use the tape trick or get a proper depth stop. The hose is just going to move and you will drill too deep. Better yet, use a drill press and set the depth stop. The holes will be a lot more accurate and uniform. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Desopolis Posted October 21, 2006 Report Share Posted October 21, 2006 i use tape as well.. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Maiden69 Posted October 21, 2006 Report Share Posted October 21, 2006 The tape thing work, but don't use a regular drill bit, use a forstener or a brad tip. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jammy Posted October 21, 2006 Report Share Posted October 21, 2006 When doing dots it's always wise to drill right through the board with a very small bit first, it not only helps with accuracy (giving the larger bit something to line up on) but allows you to add a little super glue from the back of the board to hold the dot in place - nice and neat Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mrblanche Posted October 21, 2006 Author Report Share Posted October 21, 2006 Or just wrap a piece of tape to mark how deep you want to go, and watch, and drill until the tape hits the wood.... Chris Well, the problem with the tape is that it moves, too, and in addition tends to get messed up after drilling a hole, and can't be re-used. The hose needs to be cut the entire length of the bit, fromt he chuck to the point on the bit where you want to stop drilling. Maybe I didn't make that clear. The other tips are good, too. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PunkRockerLuke Posted October 21, 2006 Report Share Posted October 21, 2006 use electrical tape I've used for the same thing excepot not for inlays but youy can reuse it a couple times Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
leeranya Posted October 21, 2006 Report Share Posted October 21, 2006 the tape doesn't move for me when I use that method... just make sure you use something that will be visible when the drill is spinning Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GregP Posted October 21, 2006 Report Share Posted October 21, 2006 +1 for tape +1 for forstner/brad (I used forstner) As long as your dots are of at least a passable thickness, err the drilled hole on the side of "too shallow" and then just sand flush. You should have plenty of control to just eyeball in conjunction with the piece of tape, though. My drill's depth stop is a dodgy piece of crap and the tape is far more reliable for me. People with better gear will have better luck. Greg Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MP63 Posted October 21, 2006 Report Share Posted October 21, 2006 I use tape and also use my hand powered drill. I grab the wheel and slowly move it back and forth. That is the best control you will have. It will not wonder and will not get away from you. Not had a problem yet. It just like the first drill in the link. http://www.traditionalwoodworker.com/produ...sCsid=4d8da0c62 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cknowles Posted October 23, 2006 Report Share Posted October 23, 2006 Drill press with depth stop adjustment and brad point bits? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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