Tip O' The Day

Category:

   Scratchbuilding

Submitted By:

   Andrew Gorman

Tip:

   A handy gadget I have been using a lot lately is a "fluted countersink", a drill/tool bit used to countersink holes for flathead screws. Basically, it is a short, stubby drill bit that cuts a 120 degree conical hole. With 5 or more flutes it cuts very smoothly- each cutting edge is not doing a whole lot of work. I just run it by hand to taper the ends of tubing that will mate up to a spherical surface, to bevel the open end of rocket engine bells, and to put a decorative taper on the edges of plain old round holes. Sometimes a beveled edge just looks better! Brand new they cost roughly $15.00 US for a 3/4 inch diameter, but do show up at yard sales, etc. Sometimes a huge 3 incher from a milling machine will show up in a box of junk. I think it beats trying to hog out a taper with an X-Acto any day!