Where can I find sets of wire gage bits with expanded shanks?

[jonogt]

I've been wanting to find a set like this for quite a long time.  The only time I've actually seen one is in a jewelry class I took in high school.  Another student brought it in from home to work on something specific... I think it was bit #'s 60 through 80, and each one was set in a precision formed 1/4" shank.  They weren't hex shanks, just cylindrical. 

I've needed bits like this when I want to drill and tap holes for 0-80 and 1-72 screws... the drill chuck on our press and mill are both too large to hold such a small bit as precisely as I'd like when drilling said holes in numerous quantities.


Can anyone point me in the right direction?  I've looked online quite a lot and just can't find what I want.

Thanks,
-Jon

[bogstandard]

Hi Jon,

Maybe the way to solve your dilemma might be to buy a PIN CHUCK, don't confuse it with a PIN VICE. They are very similar, only pin vices are for hand holding small drills.

A pin chuck allows you to accurately hold very small drills, and then put it into your normal drill chuck for use.

This is an English site, but I am sure you will be able to find a US one. Do a Google search for PIN CHUCK, or Amazon usually has them.

PIN CHUCK

http://www.axminster.co.uk/product-Axminster-Pin-Chuck-Set-33442.htm

PIN VICE

http://www.axminster.co.uk/product-Axminster-Pin-Vice-Set-33440.htm


John

[PTsideshow]

I have to agree with bog, as the drills you speak inspire to much confidence in their ability to do the job. I had a couple of them and they all broke. Due to, to much force used, to much speed etc.
Most any tool supplier should have an assortment of styles and prices.
glen

[jonogt]

Well I dunno how I reached 21 years of age without discovering such a tool, but that is a MUCH BETTER solution than what I came here seeking     I've broken a handful of these, mostly in the #60 to #80 range, so the idea of permanently mounting fragile ~$0.40 bits in individual ~$1.50 shanks did seem pretty off kilter, but the set that I saw in class was so elegant and perfect (atleast while in the fine hardwood case  ) that it became the answer to drilling small holes and I never gave it any more thought.

I will be purchasing one of these in the very near future    Thanks very much for the advice.

-Jon

[Bernd]

Jon,

Here's a couple of places to look at in the US.

http://www.smallparts.com/b/256264011?searchRank=salesrank

http://www.micromark.com/

http://www.victornet.com/cgi-bin/victor/subdepartments.html?did=90&id=GszGmUen

http://www.wttool.com/category-exec/category_id/20554/nm/Drill_Bits

Here's a couple for bigger items for machining.

http://www1.mscdirect.com/cgi/nnsrhm

http://www.use-enco.com/CGI/INSRHM

That ought to keep you busy for a few hours.

Bernd