What Size Drill bit?

Simple pot still distillation and construction with or without a thumper.

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Antler24
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What Size Drill bit?

Post by Antler24 »

Been super busy lately but finally getting a few hrs to work on the still upgrades, adding a thumper. Can someone tell me the OD of 1/2" type m, or the size drill bit I should use for a snug fit? I've got a piece of 1/8" copper plate, and some 1/3" tubing, trying to make my own ferrule for the inlet/outlet for thumper.
Swedish Pride wrote:
get a brix reading on said ball bearings and then you can find out how much fermentables are in there
OtisT
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Re: What Size Drill bit?

Post by OtisT »

The OD of 1/2" type M is 5/8". I use a 5/8" bit in a press with oil for a snug fit. If you are using a hand rig, be sure to keep it held solid and steady to keep things snug.
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Antler24
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Re: What Size Drill bit?

Post by Antler24 »

Thanks for the tip! I'm using a cordless drill, so maybe I'll get a 7/16" drill bit and see what happens
Swedish Pride wrote:
get a brix reading on said ball bearings and then you can find out how much fermentables are in there
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Bushman
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Re: What Size Drill bit?

Post by Bushman »

7/16 seems a bit small just pre tap the spot your drilling and hold the pipe in a vise.
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Re: What Size Drill bit?

Post by OtisT »

Agree with bushman, Use the correct size bit. Just use a center punch to set your spot, hold in a vice, and hold the drill motor steady. It should be tight with the 5/8, and solder will fill any minor gaps.

If you drill a 7/16 hole you'll just make a messsy out-of-round hole when you then try to drill a second, slightly bigger hole, that is the correct size. (Experience speaking ;-)
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jedneck
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Re: What Size Drill bit?

Post by jedneck »

Step bit and stop just shy of going through with the step you need. Then flare the burr out to get tight fit.
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Re: What Size Drill bit?

Post by still_stirrin »

jedneck wrote:Step bit and stop just shy of going through with the step you need. Then flare the burr out to get tight fit.
+1. Excellent advice.
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Re: What Size Drill bit?

Post by cob »

still_stirrin wrote:
jedneck wrote:Step bit and stop just shy of going through with the step you need. Then flare the burr out to get tight fit.
+1. Excellent advice.
+1 a 2 flute drill bit will not make a round hole in thin material even with a drill press,

that's why I use reamers.
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APD
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Re: What Size Drill bit?

Post by APD »

Appropriately sized stepper-drill ?
They always make nice round holes unlike the 2-flutes drill-bits that can end up making trefoil shaped holes in thin material.

Also, other thing that can help is to flare out/in an undersized hole a little and open it up ever so slightly with a drift or flaring tool to get a tolerance fit. (Makes for good soldered joints).
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Re: What Size Drill bit?

Post by Antler24 »

jedneck wrote:Step bit and stop just shy of going through with the step you need. Then flare the burr out to get tight fit.
This! Worked like a charm and held the tubes in place snugly for test fitting and soldering. All charged up for a vinegar run/leak test tomorrow!
Swedish Pride wrote:
get a brix reading on said ball bearings and then you can find out how much fermentables are in there
cob
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Re: What Size Drill bit?

Post by cob »

http://homedistiller.org/forum/viewtopi ... =2&t=21258 just another solution for joining small tube to large.

thanks to Zapata for finding this link.
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Re: What Size Drill bit?

Post by shadylane »

jedneck wrote:Step bit and stop just shy of going through with the step you need. Then flare the burr out to get tight fit.

+1 and if you drill the hole too big, A copper hole can be made smaller with hammer.
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Re: What Size Drill bit?

Post by Truckinbutch »

Learning to be a tinsmith is another interesting aspect of this hobby . DIY distilling opens a craftsman to so many levels of skills in several venues .
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