pin vise and drill bits

[palmerit]

After another frustrating attempt to use the inexpensive Model Craft pin vise I had bought when I first started this hobby, I think I'm going to invest in a better one. The drill bits just keep slipping in that one.

 

Pin Vise Recommendations

 

I know the Starrett are highly recommended - I knew about Starrett well before I started on this hobby. This set has been recommended before (including recently in a related topic):

https://www.leevalley.com/en-us/shop/tools/workshop/workbenches/vises/67748-starrett-pin-vises?item=30N2760

 

It's a pricey set. And I'm not entirely sure if I need all four sizes. Maybe I do. Part of that uncertainty has to do with the uncertainty of different drill bit options. Are the differences in the four in the Starrett set based on the size of the bit (or other tool) you need to use?

 

Any other recommendations?

 

Drill Bit Recommendations

 

I'm still a novice when it comes to the kinds of tools used in this hobby and I don't come from a woodworking or model building background.

 

I've found two types of micro drill bits. One type have the body of the bit the same width as the working end of the bit, maybe a bit thicker for especially narrow bits like .5mm. I bought some of these and realized that my Model Craft pin vise would not hold a drill bit that narrow. I assume one of the Starretts in set of four have collets that get really narrow. Another type have a thick body with something like a 3/32 shank that's attached to a narrow working end. Those work in my current pin vise but they slip.

 

One problem I've had is that just about every time I've used a really narrow drill bit (like a .5mm), I've snapped the bit - a couple times with the bit end buried irretrievably in the wood, which causes a lot of problems. I don't have shaky hands and I'm trying to be careful, but the bits just snap. I don't know if that's just something that happens or if I need to be looking for drill bits made from different materials and pay more for them - especially for narrow (like .5mm) bits.

 

Any recommendations on kinds of bits I should look for?

 

Drill Bit Sources

 

The best source I've found so far for drill bits of particular sizes (in various quantities) is Otti Frei:

https://www.ottofrei.com/products/otto-frei-swiss-twist-drills-on-3-32-shanks-50mm-to-2-30mm

 

I'm hesitant to order from Amazon - and I order lots of things from Amazon - because they're usually from an alphabet soup of third party vendors, likely of questionable quality. 

 

Other sources? Other brands? Other materials?

 

Other Uses of Pin Vises

 

In a recent related topic, @wefalck suggested that pin vises can be used to hold tools other than small drill bits. I'm curious what else these might be useful for, what kinds of small tools or files, and where to find them? If I'm going to order a new pin vise, I might order a few other tools that I can use with it/them.

 

Suggestions?

[Kenchington]

The pin vise that came with my Model Shipways combo was almost useless but I baulked at the price of the Starrett. I picked up a much cheaper one at my local hobby store and it has not let me down yet. I'm not certain but I think it is the Excel one -- $20 Canadian here and probably available for much less where you are.

 

I can't offer any advice on drill bits, though I see that Otto Frei sell them in packs of six of the same size. They must expect their customers to break bits frequently!

 

Trevor

[palmerit]

Oh yeah, I got the one from Model Shipways combo and at first just tossed it in my tool case. After being frustrated with the one I bought I tried the one that came with the MS combo kit and quickly threw that one in the trash.

[Diver]

2 minutes ago, Kenchington said:

The pin vise that came with my Model Shipways combo was almost useless but I baulked at the price of the Starrett. I picked up a much cheaper one at my local hobby store and it has not let me down yet. I'm not certain but I think it is the Excel one -- $20 Canadian here and probably available for much less where you are.

 

I can't offer any advice on drill bits, though I see that Otto Frei sell them in packs of six of the same size. They must expect their customers to break bits frequently!

 

Trevor

I purchased my pin vise from Lee Valley tools along with a set of micro drill bits.  They have worked well for me so far.  The Pin Vise also has a tube of drill bits stored in the Main body.  I think I paid around $50.00 Canadian for both.

[palmerit]

A source for drill bits I found poking around here some more is this company:

https://www.mcmaster.com/number-drill-bits/

 

But the sheer variety of option on that site has my head spinning.

[clarkt]

The best source for numbered , very small bits I've found is Pan American Tool Corp. (https://www.panamericantool.com/?srsltid=AfmBOoplf2XnA9dfRlNIRURelQxlEWf62EiS9mcYw94EGpbstN0N6A4)  

But I mostly use the carbide bits from the electronics industry, available from Amazon and others, in the Dremel flexshaft and drill press.   It's true they break easily, but they don't cost very much, work better than the ordinary bits and don't wobble when mounted in the drill press  That set of pin vises seems pretty expensive.   Rio Grande, https://www.riogrande.com/?srsltid=AfmBOopFq7WQdEg-QU2eeaqm3EfZdG7B5DlhxjtTsZD61lKD-Zv2c5Ni  has several for a lot less.     As for other tools,  a broken bit can be ground on an angle and mounted in the pin vise to make a mini chisel, great for forming the sheave on a small block.  a broken carbide bit can be used in the same way to make a reamer. 

[Billpitts]

4 hours ago, palmerit said:

Drill Bit Sources

Have you tried McMaster Carr or Grainger?  The selection is enormous as they cater to industry as well as private folks like us.

Bill

[palmerit]

I just discovered McMaster Carr. Crazy selection. I’ll check them out. 

Edited 8 hours ago by palmerit

[AON]

I had bought my pin vises (2) and number drill bits from McMaster-Carr.

I bought two pin vices because they came with a reversible chuck (larger shaft/small shaft) so I could have one set for each.

That ended up being a waste of money as they are easily reversed.

I bought a few bits that came in multiple quantities in envelops. The smallest of which are quite delicate and snap with the slightest side pressure (flex) if you do not choke up on them with the pin vise chuck.