Pen-Blank Drilling Jig

 

For a Quick Tip

Quick tip: a level drill press
This drilling jig can ensure a perfect 90° hole in your pen blanks. However, because the jig registers to the table on your drill press, it can't do its job if the table isn't perpendicular to the drill bit. Instead of using a square to true up the table, a short length of coat-hanger wire will do the job quickly and accurately. Cut a length of wire approximately 6" long, and bend it at right angles in opposite directions about 1" from each end. Don't worry if your angles aren't exactly 90°. Chuck one end into the drill and tighten while the angle on the other end points down at the table. Now raise the table so it touches the wire. Slowly rotate the drill chuck 180° by hand so you can detect any high or low spots on the table and adjust accordingly.

--John Clark, Cuddebackville, N.Y.

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