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I have also used a pin vice many times, they work better than you would think.
I've been using this micro chuck in a small electric screwdriver. It's much more controllable than a Dremel or full size drill and uses normal style drill bits.
Edited by - euler357 on 07/30/2024 03:23:35
I have a variable speed foot pedal I can plug things into -that gives them speed control control--there are dremel chucks--
I am thinking Earl mentioned using a dremel on inlays--not to argue screwdriver vs dremel--I don't have an electric scre driver only a screw drill
For what it's worth: .8 mm = .031 inches = #68 number drill bit.
A #68 number drill bit should be available at your local hardware store.
How you drill is up to you.
An elec screwdriver sounds like a good idea --- lower RPMS w/ less chance of more hole than u want , whether too deep &/or not concentric .
with a chuck installed and my dremel plugged into the foot petal that is what I would have--off topic this foot pedal works great for bringing circular and body grinders with carving discs under control--I really need to get back into some wood butchering--but yes when my bits come in-------- there will be several trial runs in some old neck or ebony piece--the failures I will probably forget to mention ha ha
Edited by - Tractor1 on 07/30/2024 06:14:19
quote:
Originally posted by desert roseDont use a dremel bit use the proper micro drill, the only way to do it with precision
I'll throw in my spiking preference.
I chuck up a cheap 1/16" bit in a hand drill and spin it on its side on a piece of 220 sandpaper until it "sights" smaller than the spike when they are held up together.
You are done sanding down the drill bit when you see the spike peeking out past the drill bit sides.
Decide on the depth and paint a "stop mark" on the bit.Drill the spike hole up to the stop mark.Job done after tapping the spike down onto an 11 or 12 feeler gauge blade.
I wouldn't get a Dremel tool anywhere near spike intallation.
This way doesn't use glue.It's an interference fit.
Edited by - steve davis on 07/31/2024 06:21:04
The way of a lobster person , --- sounds good Steve . A small pc of masking can make a good stop mark too .
I can't stand the idea of drilling my nice new banjo neck and after giving it some though I cut a small piece of popsicle stick and filed two slots in it, each about 1/64 deep. On one side the slot is at 90degrees to the slot on the other side so that one slot fits on the fret and the 5th string sits in the other. This mini mobile capo, for that is what it is, can be moved wherever you like on the 5th string and it takes about five minutes to make another one if you lose it.
I've used an alligator clip on the string for a 5th string capo.
I use a 1/32" drill bit in a micro chuck which is in turn put in the chuck on my cordless drill. About $20 for the bits and the chuck on eBay. I run it at full speed, as that tends to work better with small bits. I started using solid carbide bits that I had gotten very cheaply, but they were very brittle and broke too easily. HSS drill bits can flex a bit without breaking.
Get a cheap micro drill set with hand drill. Don't try using power tools for this unless you are experienced at it. It's real easy to drill right through the neck that way or bust off the very tiny drill bits in the fingerboard. Much more control by hand. Use a micrometer to measure the spike diameter and choose a drill bit just slightly smaller. I use dry bar soap to make the spike slide in easily. Then use a feeler guage to get the proper gap. You can use a small nail set and hammer to install. To do it right takes a good eye, careful measuring and patience.
Edited by - banjoez on 08/05/2024 13:25:00
btw-- remember for me I just asked for the size--I already knew how to do it---been there done that many times--but carry on with the in depth discussion --that is a good understandable thread drift with good ways to get there
My favorite hand drill for spikes is a cheap little rechargeable Black and Decker.
I never liked this drill for carpentry purposes because it is weak and short-lived on its charge,but for a few spikes it's just right.Slow and small.
I recommend getting a set of bits used to clean welding equipment parts. It comes with many differently sized tiny bits. I have used it to install all of my spikes. Ebony is very easily drilled, so be careful. The picture on the right actually has about a dozen differently sized bits clumped together.
Edited by - Slapstick_inc on 08/17/2024 14:03:59
A video is worth a thousand words. Both Banjo Ben and Richie Dotson have good videos on U Tube for installing spikes. Including what diameter bits they use to drill the holes. 
Good to know.
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