Frametek - new drill bit ?

  • Thread starter Thread starter Cliff Wilson
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Cliff Wilson

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I saw these at the show and really don't need the stopping feature.

BUT, at last nights NEPPFA meeting someone said these were "made for plexi" (sic). So, my question is -- Are these taper pointed for acrylic drilling?
 
I don't know what the Frametec bits are, but we have used tapered drill bits in wood for over twenty years. We get ours from W L Fuller in Warwick, RI. Great stuff!
 
They are a high speed bit for wood. Used in conjunction with drilling holes through Rabbetspace which is made of mylar.
 
Scott, I am not sure we are talking about the same thing.

There is a bit for the Rabbetspace, but Greg just came out with a set of bits for #4, #6, and #8 (if memory serves corectly) screws with ajustable plastic (rubber?) stops for depth. The basic idea is you don't need to put masking tape on to tell you when to stop drilling, so you don't go through the face or the side of the moulding.

I jsut was wondering if the tips were tapered for acrylic, that's all.

P.S. I went to the web site, but info on the bits isn't there yet. Thought someone would know. If not, will drop him an email when I get a chance.

And, thanks Dave, you're right, my best bet is probably to get a set from a supply house.
 
Dave, just took a look at the site. Very interesting, but a different kind of taper and a different problem being solved. Very interesting, but not what I was after.

It is my understanding that acrylic can be drilled into best when the leading cutting edge of the bit is tapered more than typical for wood screws.

That is what I am looking for.
 
Oops, forgot about those. Greg showed them at the show but if you have ever gotten into a discussion with Greg you should be able to understand why I forgot.
The email address is: spacers@frametek.com
 
The pilot drills with adjustable stops from FramTek are high speed steel jobber drills. They are just the right diameters for the pilot holes for #4, #6, & #8 screws.

The adustable stops allow you to drill pilot holes quickly and accurately without worring about how deep you're drilling.

I didn't make these stops to be worse than the masking tape method. Just faster and safer.

The special drill bit I made for RabbetSpace drills the pilot hole into the frame and also drills a clearance hole through just the RabbetSpace to allow for expansion differences in the RabbetSpace and the frame to prevent buckling.

RabbetSpace is made from DR Acrylic (Damage Resistant) and passes the PAT test. Perfectly safe to use next to art.

To make a drill drill into acrylic without grabbing and cracking, grind the cutting edges of the drill bit flat so that it scrapes the hole rather than cuts the hole.
 
"To make a drill drill into acrylic without grabbing and cracking, grind the cutting edges of the drill bit flat so that it scrapes the hole rather than cuts the hole."

Now that's interesting. I was told by soemone else you want a very steep taper to the leading cutting edge.

Greg, if I understand you correctly, you are suggesting filling the tip flat. Is that correct?
 
This is hard to explain but I'll try.

Leave the point of the drill alone - it's not important for this.

To keep the drill from grabbing, grind the leading edge of each flute flat - paralell with the center line of the drill. Just flatten the sharp cutting edge a little.

I think an fingernail emory board held parallel with the drill and rubed against the cutting edge a few time will flatten and dull the sharp cutting edge enough.
 
Originally posted by Cliff Wilson:
I saw these at the show and really don't need the stopping feature....
You don't? Have you never drilled through a frame by accident? :eek: I have, which is why I love these drills with the sturdy stops. My framers and I appreciate the fact that we can drill to a precise depth with no fear of going too far, through the front of the frame.

For the cost of one frame ruined by a sneeze or distraction while drilling, we can buy a three-year supply of these handy drills. Maybe not a huge thing, but a big convenience and well worth the price.

PS: It was great to meet and talk with you at WCAF, Cliff.
 
Hi Jim, It was great meeting you too!!

"Have you never drilled through a frame by accident?"

no, actually, I haven't. I have a drill press which has adjustable height stops. The press bed moves left and right so "end" holes are not a problem either.
 
Jim Miller said
You don't? Have you never drilled through a frame by accident? [Eek!] I have, which is why I love these drills with the sturdy stops.
At our shop if you drill through the front of a frame your name becomes a verb. The act of drilling through the front would instantly become known as "jamesing" a frame.

It hasn't happened to me for a while but in the interest of keeping my name a noun I'm going to buy a set.

Peter Bowe
Saline Picture Frame Co.
 
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