"Drilling Aid?" Topic

I don't own a drill press, and it would probably be too large for my use anyway.

I need to drill some very small holes in resin parts, with a pin vise (most likely), and/or a Dremel tool, but would like to make sure they stay as vertical as possible.

Are there any small tools, or aids that you can suggest to assist with that?

I'm thinking about 1/32" diameter holes, or something close to that, most likely. Perhaps up to 1/16", maximum in diameter.

I was thinking about making some sort of a guide system to aid that, but am at a loss as to how to do it, especially without the aid of a drill press to make the guide itself, and keep the hole vertical in both the x and y axis at the same time.

I'd prefer to just use a pin vise, so I have better control over the rate of drilling, if at all possible, since that just seems easier, and safer.

Thoughts?

Dremel makes a drill press attachment.

link

Have a friend with a drill press?

If you are drilling a lot of holes, consider a press for a Dremel:

link

You can make a jig for drilling straight holes, but need a saw to make accurate cuts. Cut an L shaped notch in a piece of 1/2" thick wood. Position the corner of the notch where you want the hole and use the sides as a guide for the bit. You may have to build some kind of stand or pile of books to rest the jig on at the right hight.

I have an old (20+ years) Dremel drill press – not one of the ones pictured in tima113 and Cold Steel's links, a much older version, although the basic concept is the same – and I highly recommend it. Still works great.

A third for the Dremel press I have just purchased one.

VR
James Mattes

Thanks for the suggestions.

Looks like the way forward.

Your best bet is to start a pilot hole with an awl or a pin.
One of the most frustrating problems with drilling is having the bit wander. Start a small pilot hole and drilling with a pin vise is easier.
It is also good to start with smaller holes than you need, and then use larger bits.

A drill press can be purchased for around $70 USD, at Harbor Freight: link.

You may discover non-mini's related uses for it, if you do any handywork around the house. I bought a similar model, from a different vendor. I love having it in the garage, but I do use it for non-mini's related applications, mostly. Cheers!

A jeweller's bench peg is another alternative

See:

Although the picture shows the setup posed for use with a saw, I've used the same approach with drilling very successfully