Pro-Body Jig in conjunction with Block/Silver Bullet?

[Vitamin K]

So, just in skimming a information on build techniques, I've noticed that some people advocate for using the Pro-Body jig to mark starter holes for axles (usually with a hand-tool) prior to putting the body on the Block/Bullet for actual drilling.

Is this highly recommended? Or just a time saver? I am considering buying a Block/Silver Bullet this year, but buying that in addition to the Pro-Body Jig would be nearly $100, and my budget for toys only goes so far.

Also, I've seen some people decry the use of starter holes altogether.

What do you guys prefer?

 

[Kinser Racing]

The Silver Bullet is all you need.

 

[txchemist]

To tackle the problem from another angle- even if it had some value, does it have the same value to every builder? Not likely- next is budget- it is better to think in these terms--that if I am going to spend less than $100, what should I buy. Not much after the silver bullet, some axles and prep stuff, and a good set of wheels. If you have a burning desire to make a starter hole- some have recommended a hole punch as a better use of your $$, you can always tap a nail with a hammer to mark a start for free.

 

[B_Regal Racing]

I have the Revell Axle Alignment Tool and the Silver Bullet. I can tell you from having used both that you will have far better results with the Bullet, and with a good drill press / drill bit, I do not see a need to drill a pilot hole when using the Bullet. The Revell Axle Alignment Tool does come in handy when transfering the front to back drill point from one side of the car to the other (seriously), if you have $15 that you have no other absolute use for.

 

[DerbyDad4Hire]

As long as you have a good carbide drill bit you are fine.

 

[LightninBoy]

So, just in skimming a information on build techniques, I've noticed that some people advocate for using the Pro-Body jig to mark starter holes for axles (usually with a hand-tool) prior to putting the body on the Block/Bullet for actual drilling.

Is this highly recommended? Or just a time saver? I am considering buying a Block/Silver Bullet this year, but buying that in addition to the Pro-Body Jig would be nearly $100, and my budget for toys only goes so far.

Also, I've seen some people decry the use of starter holes altogether.

What do you guys prefer?

My position is that if you already have a Pro-body jig laying around then there is no harm in using it to mark axle holes. Its one of a many valid ways to do it.

However, I do not advocate buying a Pro-body jig just for that purpose. That's too much money spent for what it does. So in your case I agree with everyone else - just get the silver bullet.

 

[The Iceman]

My position is that if you already have a Pro-body jig laying around then there is no harm in using it to mark axle holes. Its one of a many valid ways to do it.

However, I do not advocate buying a Pro-body jig just for that purpose. That's too much money spent for what it does. So in your case I agree with everyone else - just get the silver bullet.

Very well said!! However someone should come up with a cheaper version for just marking!! I spent a ton of time verifying and reverifying the marks before I remembered I had one in possession.

 

[Vitamin K]

Well, B-Regal did mention the Revell tool, which is probably flimsy, but hopefully still has the holes in the right place. If you have a 40% coupon for Michael's, you might be able to score one for a song. Not quite as nifty as the Pro-Axle jig, but probably easier than squinting at the t-square.

My position is that if you already have a Pro-body jig laying around then there is no harm in using it to mark axle holes. Its one of a many valid ways to do it.

However, I do not advocate buying a Pro-body jig just for that purpose. That's too much money spent for what it does. So in your case I agree with everyone else - just get the silver bullet.

Very well said!! However someone should come up with a cheaper version for just marking!! I spent a ton of time verifying and reverifying the marks before I remembered I had one in possession.

 

[The Iceman]

Ohh my todo list I need to grind a Pin (matching axle hole size) to a nice point for marking the holes with the Jig. A perfectly depressed mark will make it easy to use and see!

 

[Quicktimederby]

Here's a post on how to get perfect drilled axle holes, using the Silver Bullet.
http://www.pinewoodderbyonline.com/post/axle-hole-measurement-alignment-6203764?pid=1276933375#post1276933375

 

[ngyoung]

If you know how to use a ruler and a pencil you don't need to go out and get another jig to mark holes. You can also just take a piece of card stock or thin piece of scrap wood and make your own template to mark both sides. Bottom line is that you can accomplish the same task you described with stuff lying around the house/shop. Like Lightning Boy said, I think the ones that say they are using it are doing so because they already had the tool.

 

[Guest]

Here's a post on how to get perfect drilled axle holes, using the Silver Bullet.
http://www.pinewoodderbyonline.com/post/axle-hole-measurement-alignment-6203764?pid=1276933375#post1276933375

i I had missed the subtle bluntness of this technique when I first read it. Thanks so much! Yep. That should do it. It makes me wanna look into those Inca rulers somebody posted about a while back.

 

[GravityX]

Here's a post on how to get perfect drilled axle holes, using the Silver Bullet.
http://www.pinewoodderbyonline.com/post/axle-hole-measurement-alignment-6203764?pid=1276933375#post1276933375

I had missed the subtle bluntness of this technique when I first read it. Thanks so much! Yep. That should do it. It makes me wanna look into those Inca rulers somebody posted about a while back.

Joe,
Here is the set that I use for marking out the block. I use it for complete layout of the block and precise measurement and location of the drill points. I prefer the tiny 3" T-Rule. These are some handy tools. Should be in your tool arsenal.

 

[GravityX]

I just came across this solid aluminum one piece T-Square, looks awesome!

Here is a picture of it in action. Is he laying out a pinewood car... Naw it couldn't be. Enjoy.

 

[JCovert]

Doesn't it seem antiquated to be marking and then trying to line up your bit or laser to the mark?

 

[Rocket car]

I just came across this solid aluminum one piece T-Square, looks awesome!

Here is a picture of it in action. Is he laying out a pinewood car... Naw it couldn't be. Enjoy.

With a piece of oak it would be SLOW!!

 

[Kinser Racing]

I'd really make use of that TS-3. That's a nice tool.

 

[GravityX]

I'd really make use of that TS-3. That's a nice tool.

These tools are one-runs, limited production. Place your order by October 20th, per the website. Delivery in February 2015. 17 days to think about it.

 

[GravityX]

With a piece of oak it would be SLOW!!

It would be SOLID though...