Locating pins

[NOBLNG]

I made some beefier locating pins for the frame out of .050” round evergreen. The closest drill bit I have is .052” which worked, but I had to be careful to keep the pins from leaning over slightly. It doesn’t seem easy to find a bit this size (.050”) or any bits that match tiny evergreen or plastruct sizes.  1/16” would likely be the smallest size evergreen that would align with a common drill bit size. That is a little large for some applications. Anybody have a better way?

 

 

Edited April 8, 2020 by NOBLNG

[Ace-Garageguy]

I routinely use sections of brass or steel straight-pins, or brass or ferrous wire. No problem finding small number drills that correspond to those sizes.

[stitchdup]

1 hour ago, NOBLNG said:

I made some beefier locating pins for the frame out of .050” round evergreen. The closest drill bit I have is .052” which worked, but I had to be careful to keep the pins from leaning over slightly. It doesn’t seem easy to find a bit this size (.050”) or any bits that match tiny evergreen or plastruct sizes.  1/16” would likely be the smallest size evergreen that would align with a common drill bit size. That is a little large for some applications. Anybody have a better way?

 

 

if you have a set of micro drills, one size will be the same as paperclips and they are much cheaper than styrene

[peteski]

I also usually use 0.020 or 0.032"  brass rod for pinning.  In 1:43 scale kits I also use thinner brass pins (like 0.010").

[935k3]

Brass is better for small diameter or size parts. It will give a little without  breaking part. I pin allot , it gives strength and makes assembly easier.

[NOBLNG]

I guess you would use CA to glue the metal pins in place?

[peteski]

10 minutes ago, NOBLNG said:

I guess you would use CA to glue the metal pins in place?

That's what I  use. 

I actually use more CA and epoxy than liquid or tube styrene cements when I build by kits.

You could say that I'm addicted to CA (and accelerator).

Edited April 9, 2020 by peteski

[High octane]

I would use Devcon 5-Minute Epoxy to glue the pins in place.

[espo]

If the chassis mounting pins are going to be visible the Brass or paper clip ideas might work best. Should this be only for strength and not be seen often just a portion of a staple from a normal desk top stapler might serve the same purpose and they can easily be bent a little if need be to align the mounting. 

[stitchdup]

If your using paperclips sand them a little before you glue them, some off them dont seem to stay stuck if you dont

[Deathgoblin]

I usually pin things together with flower wrapping wire.  Got a bit the exact size of the wire. 

[Chariots of Fire]

If you want some really sharp but equally brittle small drill bits for pinning try Drill Bits Unlimited.  He has all sorts of sizes right down to hair size.  I say brittle because they will break if you put any out of line stress on them but they are the greatest small bits ever.  It just takes getting used to.  #72 and #74 are good sizes for common pins and small brass wire.

[peteski]

Once I discovered the Tungsten-Carbide PC board drill bits, I use them almost exclusively for everything. Not  only they are super hard, they have split point which bites into the material faster, and doesn't wonder.  The common 1/8" shaft is also super handy (no need to keep changing collets in the pin vise, and easier to chuck into drill chucks.  Yes, they are very brittle, but one can get used to be careful with them. Plus if you order bunch of extra bits, a broken bit does not stop you in your tracks.  I used to get them on eBay, but nowadays you can pick them up from online vendors (like Charlie mentioned).

[Chariots of Fire]

On 5/3/2020 at 9:13 PM, peteski said:

Once I discovered the Tungsten-Carbide PC board drill bits, I use them almost exclusively for everything. Not  only they are super hard, they have split point which bites into the material faster, and doesn't wonder.  The common 1/8" shaft is also super handy (no need to keep changing collets in the pin vise, and easier to chuck into drill chucks.  Yes, they are very brittle, but one can get used to be careful with them. Plus if you order bunch of extra bits, a broken bit does not stop you in your tracks.  I used to get them on eBay, but nowadays you can pick them up from online vendors (like Charlie mentioned).

From the vendor I mentioned you can order individual bits or make up a pack of 10 with your favorites.  I usually get 5 of each.  They come in a nice plastic box with the bit sizes on the label.

[peteski]

34 minutes ago, Chariots of Fire said:

From the vendor I mentioned you can order individual bits or make up a pack of 10 with your favorites.  I usually get 5 of each.  They come in a nice plastic box with the bit sizes on the label.

I usually look for bargains on eBay. I look for boxes of 50 for less than $20/box.  Those bargains are out there, and I know that I will eventually brake those bits, so couple dozen  spares is always nice to have.