Drilling Holes into Delrin rod for rod ends

[FDAapproved]

I am looking for a solution to tap some holes in the Delrin to make some links. I found JeepinDoug's Drill bushing, but the sizes aren't quite right. I was thinking maybe some sort of obscure gas pipe fitting could do the same job.

I have a drill press that I have been using, but it isn't accurate enough to the center of the 1/4" Delrin rod every time.

Does anyone else have a method of tapping 3mm holes into the center of 1/4" Delrin rod that doesn't involve crazy specialized machines?

 

[dpdsurf]

Here's Doug's solution for 1/4" . He may be able to hook you up, PM him.

http://www.rccrawler.com/forum/showpost.php?p=1586920&postcount=80

 

[FDAapproved]

Here's Doug's solution for 1/4" . He may be able to hook you up, PM him.

http://www.rccrawler.com/forum/showpost.php?p=1586920&postcount=80

It sounds like the 4mm hole is going to be a problem with that part. I need 3mm

 

[JohnRobHolmes]

He can probably make one for you.

 

[WarTrader]

I just ordered one of the standard drill bushings 5/16" centers for a 3mm bit/tap, and then wrap the 1/4" delrin in umm 3-5 wraps of elecrical tape (depends on the tape) if it is off center it may be by the thickness of a peice of electrical tape.

Works perfect I'm making my 4th set of links this weekend.

 

[Cave Dave]

If you don't have access to a lathe,try putting the rod in the chuck and the drill bit in your vise. First grab the bit in the drill chuck to get it perpendicular to the table, then while it's still in the chuck garb it with your vise and bolt or clamp the vise in place. Let the drill bit out of the chuck and put the rod in the drill chuck.You now effectivly have a lathe and can drill fairly close to center.Hope this helps.

 

[Offroader5]

Are you already in possession of the solid rod? If not...you could try delrin tube. It has a 1/16" ID and you can tap it directly to 3mm easily.

 

[JeepinDoug]

I like the tape idea, infact if I needed to drill some myself I'd try aluminum tape.
If I do make some it just won't be to my standards. It probably wouldn't have a flat bottom counterbore. I prefer the flat bottom so the chips string up and out of the fixture. If the guide has a drill point bottom the chips will collect there.
It doesn't change the quality of the guides performance though.
Let me get back to you tomorrow, maybe I'll play with my set-up.

 

[JeepinDoug]

Ok, here ya go.

1/4 x 3mm (#39 drill)
Click the link in my sig for buying info.

 

[WarTrader]

hrmm should I trade my tape in LOL

 

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