Diamondwood drill bit speed

[Hank Walczak]

When I drill Diamondwood pen blanks, I have trouble keeping the bit from wandering. I don't seem to have this problem with any of my other hardwood blanks. I'm not sure what the optimum drill press speed/feed rate should be. I try to make sure the bit doesn't overheat and remove the chips as much as possible. Suggestions??

[Randy Meijer]

Are you using a brad point or bullet point bit???

[Hank Walczak]

I use a bullet type drill.

[Pat Salter]

Brad point might be better. also, do you have your wood/stock clamped down so it doesn't move??? I also move the bed of my drillpress up so there is only about a 1/2" between the drill point and the stock. Just some things to concider.

[Randy Meijer]

I have never drilled DYMONDWOOD and have used only brad point bits; so I'm not of much help. I do read a lot and bullet point bits seem to be the favored configuration for difficult drilling situations. Why don't you take this question to penturners.org and see what they have to say??

[Dale Thompson]

Hank,
It is apparent that you are using the proper techniques in drilling these plasticized materials. The word is slow speed and slow feed with frequent bit cleaning. :) In addition to that, I use a syringe to inject water into the hole. Cooling is REALLY important with that stuff. It "melts" at a very low temperature. :( I also inject water when I am drilling blanks for antler pens.

This may fly in the face of commonly accepted practice. However, when I have had problems with drilling certain exotic woods and synthetic materials, I have regressed to the old basic "twist drills". :cool: For some reason, they have worked for ME! :confused:

Don't ask me why they work but, if you are really frustrated, they may be worth a try. It may just be that God has asigned a "Special" Guardian Angel to watch over me in the shop. :D I can't say that I argue with His logic. ;)

Dale T.