Side Fence - Drilling Axle Holes

[B_Regal Racing]

Using the Bullet to drill axle holes has arguably been the greatest single change in my builds to increase speed significantly. As I understood, the table does not have to be perfectly square and in using a fence, any errors in the square-ness of the table will be mitigated. In another thread, I read the following:

Set your side fence and don't move it. Flip the Silver Bullet over and use the same fence without any adjustment. The front to rear distance is the absolute most important the height is secondary to it, but not unimportant. You are never going to get those kinds of tolerance, it's not humanly possible.

Rather than derail that thread, I started a new one to explore this a bit more. I do try to keep the back wheels even front to back, but more for ascetics and weight placement; not because I thought it would directly affect the speed of the car. Does everybody use a side fence, and if so, what would be the purpose?

For the purposes of this question, assume the back fence is where the bullet rests against such that the bottom of the car is adjacent to the fence. Either the front or rear of the car would be adjacent to the side fence, depending on which side (left or right rear) is being drilled. I was thinking about proving this theory like I do with others, but I would hate to intentionally ruin a block; I do enough of that inadvertently already.

 

[Kinser Racing]

See PM.

 

[derbychip]

See PM.

No Pms, Many Of Us Would Like To Learn Too

 

[Kinser Racing]

The problem is, it's not just the slow guys who learn. It's the fast guys too. It's already hard enough to win and if you do win... well that's a thread for the Forbidden Room.

 

[HurriCrane Racing]

I understand but would also love to know how to better use my block. Maybe this will be in John's next video.

 

[Guest]

I understand but would also love to know how to better use my block. Maybe this will be in John's next video.

I would like to know more about the bullet in conjunction with and XY table.

).

However the pin and V groove along with a straight edge is all you need
to get proper height/ angle

The beauty in it, is it's simplicity

Someone mentioned that the older style of Block had a U channel rather than a V groove. This makes less sense to me geometrically.

 

[JCovert]

Looking for feedback on the subject to. I want to drill as close as I can, wouldn't I need three fences for the rears. I have a 8" table on my press so I am unable to put a fence at the outside of the block. I have the put a second fence adjacent to my bit, when I flip I would need a fence on the other side. I hope I've explained it so it can be understood. What am I missing? I am currently using two fences parrellel to the block and one perpendicular to the block. Otherwise I would have just mark the block and hope my bit finds the mark perfectly ??

 

[JCovert]

Hope this is how to upload a photo. This will better explain what I mean.

 

[JCovert]

Update: the above would never work. Assuming I'm not square by any margin of error I will only create the same angle in the opposite direction this way. As posts state the press doesn't have to be perfect because it will match the angle when flipped, unless it's drilled as I tried to set it up. I assume I will have to relocate the side fence after drilling the first rear but I can use the first hole as reference to set up the fence so the distance is correct. More to follow. Thanks.

 

[Guest]

Hi JC,
John made a video that he posted on YouTube describing the way to use the Bullet.
I probably watched it 20 times

 

[JCovert]

Thanks laser all I found so far was the Jewkes video I'll keep looking. I had a lot of luck using the block last year and I wanted to be more critical of my locations this year.

 

[Guest]

Oops. I meant the Block video.
Maybe I need to watch it a few more times.
Pinewood Derby Tool the Block
I developed a range of jigs to hold things on both sides and I think they worked pretty good.
Now I just copy the video almost to the letter.
A T-mag on one side works pretty good. The magnet sticks to the steel on the quick clamp. Then I put my force on holding it down, against the fence, and into the T-mag.

 

[Guest]

Update: the above would never work. Assuming I'm not square by any margin of error I will only create the same angle in the opposite direction this way. As posts state the press doesn't have to be perfect because it will match the angle when flipped, unless it's drilled as I tried to set it up. I assume I will have to relocate the side fence after drilling the first rear but I can use the first hole as reference to set up the fence so the distance is correct. More to follow. Thanks.

Wow JC,
You are very skilled at confusing the heck outta me.
Let's get together on our terms.
I only use 1 fence clamped to the drill press. (Ruler)
The T mag (or similar) is usually referred to as a "stop"

 

[PushcartDerby]

Hey Laser, how about you put those "link inserting" skills to work that you have been learning recently and find the video you are talking about and post the link.

 

[Guest]

Hey Laser, how about you put those "link inserting" skills to work that you have been learning recently and find the video you are talking about and post the link.

Lol!!!
Watching me work a computer is like observing a monkey with a Rubix cube.

 

[Crash Enburn]

Watching me work a computer is like observing a monkey with a Rubix cube.

In no time, it's covered in poo and being flung across the room?

 

[Guest]

Lol!!!

 

[cygnus]

[video]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jlwQfL0cOiE[/video]

 

[JCovert]

Ok so I viewed the video. Saw it last year very cool info. However john is using his laser and eyes to confirm his starting point. I want to use a fence and I just need to do more leg work to figure out how. I do not trust my eyes to hit the mark, otherwise I would not use any fences at all, just look and drill.
Sorry for not being more clear laser. I use the silver bullet to drill my block. I used one fence and a stop just like the video.

Laser have you seen Zoolander... "it's in the computer"...

 

[down4derby]

I've got an idea that might work!