On Sat, 23 May 2009 17:06:05 -0700, "Michael Koblic"
wrote:

How do you drill cross holes in small cylinders (brass or steel). The
cylinders are 3/8 - 1/2" in diameter and often less than 1" in length. The
hole is 1/4"

Clamp the part in the mill vise with a parallel under it; pick the
height parallel so the top of the cylinder is slightly below the top
of the jaws. Pull the parallel out. Use an edgefinder on the jaws to
center the part under the spindle. Spot with a center or spotting
drill. (Double check to make sure you removed the parallel. g) Drill
to size.

If you're doing this on a drillpress, in place of using an edgfinder,
chuck a piece of the same diameter as the workpiece and lower it
between the jaws to center things up before clamping the vise.

--
Ned Simmons