Toolholding for small drills

[fpworks]

I have to drill a bunch of little holes. I already have the 0.032" drills (with same size shank), but I'd like another option in terms of how to clamp.

I found a Mitsubishi carbide version with a 3mm shank, but lead time is 1-2 weeks, which isn't going to work.

Next option was to direct clamp on the 0.032" diameter with a DNA conversion for my existing ER16 toolholders, but the collet from Techniks was about $100, then I also have to buy a nut, and spanner wrench. Kinda pricey.

Any other options?

[307startup]

Buy a pin vise, MSC cheapie all the way to Starret, and load the drill into it, then the pin vise into your collet. Absolutely easiest, most accurate method I have ever used. Of course finding the spindle speed necessary for such tiny drills and the ridiculously small peck depths is another matter.

examples:

http://www.ehobbytools.com/index.htm...tml&lang=en-us

http://www.king-tool.com/industrial.htm

http://www.widgetsupply.com/page/WS/...n-vise-jeweler

http://www.grainger.com/Grainger/items/4KY33

http://www.grainger.com/Grainger/items/4KY34

http://www.fastenal.com/web/products...ex?sku=0324856

I'm sure you get the idea...hope this helps!

I personally recommend Starret pin vises...catalog No. S240Z EDP 51140, the set runs from .010-.055", .025-.075", .045-.135", .110-.200"

[star-turn]

i second wyld's advice

[fpworks]

Thanks! I assume you clamp on the knurled portion? If so, what kind of run out on the tool do you get?

I've only got 12k rpm to work with, but thankfully, I only have to drill 0.080 deep.

[kreutz]

You can use carbide drills made for PCB work, they all have 1/8 shank.

http://www.drillbitcity.com/
http://www.thinktink.com/

Be carefull, runout on the collet will break the smaller ones.

[fpworks]

Thanks...that is what I tried to find, but none of the PCB specific drills have the required flute length. (that I could find)

If I can find something with a 1/8" or 3mm shank, that would be ideal...I can clamp those with a hydraulic toolholder with 1-2 microns of runout.

[kalmah]

I think that the Schunk Tribos tool holding system is the best for microtool

http://www.schunk-usa.com/schunk/sch...EN&lngCode2=EN

I've this system. The concentricity is always lower than 0.005mm. I've already drilled 0.016" in maraging steel. It works perfectly. I think it's impossible with other tool holder.

[vulcom1]

I am not sure what you are drilling or what tool you are using but I just drilled 8 holes 1/4" deep in brass and carbon fiber. The drill size was .8mm so it is in your range. I bought to try some carbide bits from Princess Auto in Canada but most cheaper outlets have them as they come in a little box and mine had different coloured plastic rings with the sizes on them. They are cheap and worked fine for me.
I broke a couple on my drill press but then thought I would try my mill/drill. The 1/8th inch shanks fit in the 1/2inch chuck and I ran it at top speed. With the part clamped it did not take long to peck through the material. I did the 8 holes with one bit. It looks funny with the little bit in the chuck but it also let me know it was running true.
This info may help.
John

[kreutz]

Originally Posted by fpworks Thanks...that is what I tried to find, but none of the PCB specific drills have the required flute length. (that I could find) If I can find something with a 1/8" or 3mm shank, that would be ideal...I can clamp those with a hydraulic toolholder with 1-2 microns of runout.

When drilling prototype PCBs I always drill 0.1" holes (depth) using those drill bits @ 30K rpm without problems.

[dfstrasser]

Mikron offers small drills up to 15XD in length. Look at the crazy drill at http://www.mikron.com/internet.nsf/id/tool-products_en . They are the best small drills on the market.