Drilling

Hello jewellery fanatics, just wondered if anyone has any advice on tools/ drills for drilling holes in material up to 1.2mm thick.
I currently use this hand held tool and I must admit it always feels a bit hit and miss to start off with but I manage OK most of the time. I have been meaning to sort something else out but haven't gotten round to it as I don't tend to offer many pieces that need holes drilling in them but I have some new designs I want to do which will involve drilling holes...
I've got a foredom motor on the way and just seen that Cooksons do a drill press where you can fit the flex shaft into the press - this might be an option for me. Just wondered if anyone had any recommendations of their own for drilling with a bit of precision?
Thanks so much!

It's money money money.
You definitely need a drill press, and if funds are short, adapting your Foredom is fine. The trouble is that if you are busy (or impatient) changing your handpiece back and forth is a real pain. If you can get a small Proxxon, it will always be on standby to use.
https://www.google.com/search?client...+drill+tbm+220

You would also benefit from the optional three jaw chuck to save faffing around with collets, and a level piece of thick wood under your work, to reduce the spinning effect when drilling right through.

Lastly, ditch the centre punch, and instead use a small ball burr in your new Foredom to make your starting mark. Dennis.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Dennis

It's money money money.
You definitely need a drill press, and if funds are short, adapting your Foredom is fine. The trouble is that if you are busy (or impatient) changing your handpiece back and forth is a real pain. If you can get a small Proxxon, it will always be on standby to use.
https://www.google.com/search?client...+drill+tbm+220

You would also benefit from the optional three jaw chuck to save faffing around with collets, and a level piece of thick wood under your work, to reduce the spinning effect when drilling right through.

Lastly, ditch the centre punch, and instead use a small ball burr in your new Foredom to make your starting mark. Dennis.

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I love my proxxon as I’d drilled by hand for years. It seems more expensive than it used to be but it’s a valuable tool and the 3 jaw chuck is a must as the different chucks that come with the drill are fiddly and not very good. The multi chuck means that all you need to do is change the drill. It’s a dinky wee drill and doesn’t take up much space.

Thanks Dennis, that's really helpful!

Thanks for your help Caroline!