Newbie

[Guest]

Hi all, I've not done a model since I was about 15 ish which is now a very long time (36 years). My wife kindly bought me my favourite plane, the airfix English electric lighting 1/48 scale for valentine’s day.

As I’m new and trying to get my skills back which weren’t very good in the first place, the model requires some drilling and I just need to know what I should use to do this without ruining the model?

Thank in anticipation

[Guest]

Hi Michael & welcome to the forum, for drilling small hols i use a finger twist drill, it gose from as thin as a hair to about 3mm.

Some one will give you a link to find one or maybe John can help.

All the best in your new build

John

[peterairfix]

Welcome to the forum sorry i can't help you on your plane(i don't build many)but there are many here that but enjoy yourself and have a good look around.

Peter t

[ojays]

Welcome on board, plenty of very knowledgeable people on here to help you out.

[spanner570]

Welcome from me too Michael..

Sorry, my knowledge of precise drilling is zero......But what I do know is, you will have your question answered not only by John H, but others who will be along soon to chip in with plenty of advice.

Don't forget, should you require any help, whatever it is, don't be afraid - or shy! - to ask.

Enjoy your time with us and join in the fun......

Ron

[Alan 45]

Welcome Michael I would use the tip of scalpel to make a tiny hole where you need it then use the tip of a circular needle file to widen the hole to your needs then do the same again on the other side

[The Migrant]

Hi Michael, welcome to the forum. You'll need some micro drill bits, probably ranging from .5mm to 1.2mm. They can be bought individually or in sets from hobby shops. In most cases when drilling through styrene you can get away with just twisting the bits between your fingers, but you can also mount the bit in a pin-vise to make things easier.

[monica]

Hi Michael & welcome to the forum,think this type off thing you need can pickup cheap off ebay

https://www.google.com.au/search?q=pin+vice&newwindow=1&source=univ&tbm=shop &tbo=u&sa=X&ei=qjMWU-XrIYn4lAW1x4CQBg&ved=0CD8Qsxg&biw=1906&bih=936

[Gern]

Here you go Michael. This is what you need:

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/20PC-Micro-Twist-Drill-Pro-Swivel-Head-Pin-Vice-Suit-Airfix-Revel-Model-Etc-/371015306573?pt=UK_ToysGames_ModelKits_ModelKits_J N&hash=item56623c4d4d

Gern

PS Welcome aboard.

[downscale model art]

welcome michael.... i use a small hand held archimedes drill similar to a pin vice. then a micro drill bit . all available from hobbycraft. or....ive also seen them on those budget tool market stalls you get in most towns. you could try a needle heated up over a candle but pierce it and pull out quickly, otherwise the plastic melts around the needle and its abugger to get out

[Guest]

As some of the others have mentioned, a Pin Vice and Micro Drills will do the trick and they're not too expensive (see Gern's post above).

[Guest]

Here you go Michael. This is what you need:http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/20PC-Micro-Twist-Drill-Pro-Swivel-Head-Pin-Vice-Suit-Airfix-Revel-Model-Etc-/371015306573?pt=UK_ToysGames_ModelKits_ModelKits_J N&hash=item56623c4d4d

Gern

PS Welcome aboard.

I bought this pin vice and drill bit set. The seller is gingernuts. The pin vice jammed when rotated (it had a swivelling end), the centre of the chucks that gripped the drill bits was off-centre, and the drill bits themselves were very flimsy. I asked the seller for a refund but got no reply. I complained to ebay and they replied within an hour saying that the seller had now agreed to refund. I got it about three weeks later (but of course I had to pay for returning the goods). I have nothing against this seller, I just speak as I find.

[eddiesolo]

As already said a pin-vice and micro-drills, just go nice and steady, too hard and you will slip or even bend the drill bit, mark the model etc. Welcome to the forum by the way.

Si

[Gern]

I bought this pin vice and drill bit set. The seller is gingernuts. The pin vice jammed when rotated (it had a swivelling end), the centre of the chucks that gripped the drill bits was off-centre, and the drill bits themselves were very flimsy. I asked the seller for a refund but got no reply. I complained to ebay and they replied within an hour saying that the seller had now agreed to refund. I got it about three weeks later (but of course I had to pay for returning the goods). I have nothing against this seller, I just speak as I find.

Sorry to hear about your problems with this seller Steve. I wasn't trying to endorse the company - although I have used them for other items with no problems - it was just the first one I found when looking for a pin vice.

Michael - I hope Steve's poor experience has not put you off. I still think that's the right sort of tool for you.

Gern

[Guest]

Sorry to hear about your problems with this seller Steve. I wasn't trying to endorse the company - although I have used them for other items with no problems - it was just the first one I found when looking for a pin vice.Michael - I hope Steve's poor experience has not put you off. I still think that's the right sort of tool for you.

Gern

That's OK. I agree that the tool is just the job. I bought another one from another seller at the Telford show and it is fine. I was able to check it first.