On Thu, 06 Jan 2005 22:43:09 GMT, "Doc"
wrote:

Looking for any tips/tricks for drilling a hole w/a drill press that's as
close to dead-center to a specified point as possible.

Here's what I've been doing - I have the position marked with graph paper
that's taped to the workpiece. With the help of a magnifying glass, I
painstakingly move the piece until the tip of the bit is aligned with the
conjoining lines. By aligning with the tip I mean I view the tip both from
the narrow or "pointy" persepective within the channel of the bit and then
turn it 90 deg and look at the the wider perspective, and view it from the
side and front to make sure I have it aligned with both the X and Y axis.
When I finally get it so the tip is as centered as I can make it whichever
way the bit is turned and in relation to both axis, I clamp the piece to the
plate of the drill press and drill the hole. However, on examination, the
hole comes out obviously not dead center in relation to the graph paper
lines.

I've also tried aliging it with the drill running, going visually by where
the "point" appears to be when the bit is spinning. I get somewhat better
results this way but wonder if there's a more precise and dependable way of
achieving a centered hole.

Thanks for any input.


Have you tried making a little hole where you want to drill with a
scratch awl first? You could set the bit right into the divot while
the press is off, then clamp the piece in place and go to town.

Aut inveniam viam aut faciam