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Quality 1/16 drill bits

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Well I got some bits ordered from McMasterCarr. Seemed to be the most recommended so went with that. Got some cobalt bits. Once I get them I will try to perfect my technique as well, seemed most figured it the operator, not the bits. I'll check the press to see if it can be set any faster and also try some lube on the bits. Thanks all for the suggestions.
 
When drilling long gun , barrel tenons , Make sure you aren't inadvertently deflecting the tip of the 1/16" bit , off the bottom flat of the barrel. That's almost a guaranteed broken bit most times. Drill 'em straight into the tenon web. I use a plane electric hand drill w/ a bubble level in the body of the drill motor , to keep the drill bit parallel with the barrel flat. Keep everything level and square , insures a straight pin hole. .....oldwood
 
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Track's .093 pins are fantastic.

They are hard as a rock.

You'll wear out hacksaw blades cutting through them.

They look great when installed, not too big and .093 bits don't fracture like .062 bits do.
Tracks .093, (3/32") pins are music wire. You can buy it in 12", to 36" long in most hardware stores. Same as 1/16", 5/64". I find 3/32" a bit larger than needed for longrifles.
 
Since some of the pins on several of my long guns were soft and buggered on the ends, I replaced the pins in mine with drill rod which is harder than piano wire off the shelf. We had A2 drill rods on hand at the shop so it made sense to use it. You can buy it through tool and die supply companies and it is usually $3 to $4 for a 36" stick. A 36" stick will make a lot of pins.
 
Just got done checking the press setting and the belts are setup for 1900 RPM, so most likely not running the bit quite fast enough. Hopefully with new bits, some lube, and a faster speed all will go better.
 
Well got the lugs drilled and barrel pinned, all the tips here worked perfect. Got my new cobalt bits, cranked the drill press to the maximum RPM, and lubed the bit with tap fluid and it cut like a hot knife through butter. Thanks to everyone for the advice. Guess I just didn't have enough experience with that small of a bit.
 
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