Drill bit too small?? Advice request

[TLowe2]

Hello all and good evening!

I recently began an order of 6 pens for a family member of a new kit I haven't yet tried but I am running into an issue. The kit is the Broadwell Nouveau Sceptre twist from Penn State industries. I am using epoxy/wood Burl blanks and after I drill them using the suggested 3/8" drill bit the brass tubes have an extremely tight fit. Some won't even go in all the way! I haven't tried glueing them yet as I don't want to screw it up.

Anyone know why the holes don't seem to be big enough? Is it because the blanks are Epoxy/wood?
Should I find a drill bit a tiny bit bigger?

Thanks in advance!
Travis

 

[bsshog40]

Is this the same kit?

 

[jttheclockman]

At times when drilling the heat of the bit can expand the material. If after it has cooled down and still does not fit, yes step up a small amount. Many times those bit sizes are suggestions.

https://www.pennstateind.com/library/PKDBNX_INS.pdf

 

[TLowe2]

Is this the same kit?

View attachment 382298

No, it is this one

Nouveau Sceptre Gold TN and Chrome Ballpoint Twist Pen Kit

Our popular Nouveau Sceptre design is now available in this easy to make, single tube, Gold TN and Chrome plated ballpoint twist style. Designed by accomplished pen designer David Broadwell, this pen comes to life with custom casted 3-D Art Nouveau design components and premium plating. Includes a

www.pennstateind.com

 

[TLowe2]

At times when drilling the heat of the bit can expand the material. If after it has cooled down and still does not fit, yes step up a small amount. Many times those bit sizes are suggestions.

https://www.pennstateind.com/library/PKDBNX_INS.pdf

Okay thank you, I figured something along those lines!

 

[randyrls]

The drill bit (DB) is the "commonly available drill bit size" not the best size. I often find the best fit is not the size on the instructions. I have a 115 DB and a Metric set as well as some "odd-ball" sizes like 12.3mm
I get bits from MSC fortunately their warehouse is about 30 minutes from my home. So I can place an order with a "will pick up" wait about two hours and go get it.

 

[keithbyrd]

I frequently experience "tight fit" when drilling wood. I keep a round file on my workbench and if they are too tight when I go to glue I simply make a few passes through the blank with the round file to slightly enlarge the hole and move on!

 

[egnald]

I made up a drill substitution chart for most of the pen kits that I use. It can come in really handy in those types of situations. For example:

Dave

 

[KenB259]

I always measure the tube and then choose an appropriate bit. I bought a 115 bit set along with a metric set years ago. I suggest you get something like that. You won't be sorry. Initially, I bought Harbor Frieght set, but there were so many bent bits that they were unusable. Buy once, cry once. I ended up with Norseman and couldn't be happier with them.

 

[jttheclockman]

I absolutely second what Ken said. Get yourself a complete set with metric and English and mine has letter bits too. You will not be sorry. Also get a better quality set because again when needed they last longer and all are straight. I have one in shop and one in my garage. This way you can easily sneak up to an appropriate size needed and not drill too big of a hole that renders the blank unusable. Good luck.

 

[howsitwork]

It's often worth getting some metric drills 0.1mm larger than the nominal kit size for difficult woods eg Lignum Vitae which close up after drilling.

one of the sets can be useful and replace frequently used ones with higher class bits . Provided they run straight the less frequently used ones can be used to ream the hole to the size you need

 

[leehljp]

Printing out a good drill bit chart comes in very handy. Here is the location for drill bit charts in the Library: https://www.penturners.org/resources/categories/references.18/

Here is a good color chart to download that is in the library and very helpful for finding the next size up, or down if needed.

Conversions - (Colored) MM Equivalents by Tenths, Fractions, Decimals, Number & Letter Drill Sizes

This Colored Conversion chart will print on (2) 8.5" x 11" sheets of paper or back to back, if your printer allows it. I've Laminated it also. It includes MM Equivalents by Tenths, Fractions, Decimals, Number & Letter Drill Sizes. Uploaded...

www.penturners.org

 

[WriteON]

At times when drilling the heat of the bit can expand the material. If after it has cooled down and still does not fit, yes step up a small amount. Many times those bit sizes are suggestions.

https://www.pennstateind.com/library/PKDBNX_INS.pdf

Or re-drill after the material cools down. I had that problem mostly with wood blanks.

 

[Todd in PA]

Check the tube for round. Does it roll smoothly, or teeter back and forth.

I also sometimes use a round file to get a slip fit of the tube before gluing.

 

[randyrls]

Or re-drill after the material cools down. I had that problem mostly with wood blanks.

With wood blanks there can be stresses in the wood built up by the drying process. Drilling the hole can change the stresses and make the blank "bend" or distort. A bull or bent drill bit will just follow the bend in the wood and the brass tube will not go in.