Question for a machinist

[Spooled-up]

I am trying to drill straight into the center of a steel dowel from the end.



How do I get the hole consistently in the very center of the end of the dowel? Is there a tool to locate the center? I have standard tools such as a drill press, drill press vise, and a center punch, and I use a metal cutting bandsaw to get nice square cuts on the dowel.



Any advice would be appreciated.

 

[jkeyes]

Depending on how hard the pin is. Some of those pins can be extremely hard, like 55+ Rc. If the pin is hardened your best bet is with a "Hiigh rock" drill. if it is not hardened you can just use a spot or center drill. To locate to the exact center of the dowel pin you will need a test/finger indicator. You can PM me with the size of drill and the depth that you will be using and I can give you the proper speed to run the tools as well as some methods to help you get a straight hole through it.



-J-

 

[RonA]

If you have a number of them to do. Find someone to make a cap that goes over the end of the dowell with a counterbore the size of the dowell and a through hole the size of the drill. If you aren't in a hurry I could make you one tomorrow and ship it too you. Part would be free, just pay shipping.

 

[WCPoe]

Spooled up, this is normally a good type job for a lathe. I am in the same situation as you. It will take a fairly elaborate setup with the type of press and typical drill vise like I have using something to locate the dowel center and repeat the process if you have more than 1 dowel. A vee block to lay the dowel in clamped up againist the fixed back vise jaw and a stop to locate the vee block horizontally may do the trick. You may be able to chuck the dowel if its not to large to position the vise, vee block and stop. Wish I could be of more help.

 

[Spooled-up]

Thanks for all the info guys. It's amazing the wealth of experience that is present on this board. Any question I have posted has been met with great info.