An “Accurate” Drill Location Tool

[rgsparber]

I can scribe a line on a piece of flat stock with decent accuracy. Placing a punch mark on that line isn't all that hard either. But getting a drill bit to center on the mark often returns poor results. I just can't visually line up the point of the drill with that mark.

This article presents a tool that enables me to line up a drill with enough accuracy that the imperfections in the drill dominate.

Experienced lathe operators only need to read the first two pages. Those new to lathe operation can read the detailed instructions.

If you are interested, please see

https://rick.sparber.org/3spuds.pdf

Your comments are welcome. All of us are smarter than any one of us.


Thanks,

Rick

[mklotz]

One of my first jobs after getting the mill was to make a spud so I can strongly endorse Rick's project and the utility it provides.

My first one was made from CRS and had a dead sharp point. The problem was that such a sharp point was weak and a bit too much pressure distorted it easily. So I switched to drill rod and a slightly blunted point which I hardened.

I didn't bother with the steps but they're a very good idea, especially if you're using the spud with collets. An example thereof would be "drilling" a flat-bottomed hole with an endmill. Endmills should never be held in a drill chuck; the chuck can't get a grip on the hardened shaft of the tool.

Make some. You'll find them very useful.

[suther51]

The wise guy in me has to ask if all your drill bits are left hand or was the picture flipped? Like the idea, thanks.
Eric

[rgsparber]

Eric,

Good catch! Yes, I flipped the picture.

Rick

[DIYer]

Thanks Rick! We've added your Drill Location Tool to our
Measuring and Marking category, as well as to your builder page: Rick's Homemade Tools. Your receipt:

Drill Location Tool by Rick Sparber

tags: drilling

[Sleykin]

I like the idea, but I have sets of transfer punches that come in both Metric and fractional sizes. They already have a center point and are hardened and ground. They work great for spuds as well as centering stock in the drill press vise. Precise Transfer Punch Sets - Precision/Matched - Penn Tool Co., Inc