Silver Bullet extreme drill bit?

[Dldoug]

i ordered the silver Bullet extreme and have a question about drill bit size. I know it is set up to use a #43 drill bit but what if I am using this for my Cub Scout pack. Can it be used with a #44 drill bit and have success or will it have too much play? I did not see this question anywhere else so figured I would ask in advance of receiving my new jig. Thanks in advance
Doug

 

[Ballistic Racing]

You can use the #43 for scout axles, they’ll still fit a little snug. You won’t get a good drill using the #42

 

[HurriCrane Racing]

I wouldn't recommend a 44 drill bit for the drill jig. You will sacrifice accuracy which would defeat the purpose of the drill jig.

 

[Dldoug]

Hurricane, thanks I was thinking that, so how would you adapt it so the BSA axle won’t slide out. I have thrown away blocks that I drilled on a drill press using the Block from Jewkes using the #43 carbide bit. Do you add a drop of water or do I drill a hole under the body to add glue? In the past it just did not hold snug enough for more than one run.

Edit. I may answer my own question here now that I think about it. Using the silver bullet and using a pin vise might allow it to be snug enough. I used a drill press with the block.

Thanks
Doug

 

[HurriCrane Racing]

I typically will put a drop of wood glue in the axle holes with a tooth pick.
This is enough to firmly hold the axles. You can still easily remove the axles if you cut tuning grooves in the head of the axle.

 

[B_Regal Racing]

A little dental floss works wonders...

 

[Dldoug]

I am always scared of glue near wheels, but maybe the toothpick is the ticket to push it down a tad and not put much in there.
Dental floss seems tricky but would work if you could keep it in place.
Thanks
Doug

 

[Pinewood Outlaw]

I am always scared of glue near wheels, but maybe the toothpick is the ticket to push it down a tad and not put much in there.
Dental floss seems tricky but would work if you could keep it in place.
Thanks
Doug

A tiny....I mean tiny piece of tacy clay(used to hang up pictures) on very tip of axle inserted into hole will hold a loose axle good and easy to remove later.

 

[Dldoug]

Here I am thinking ahead of issues that might not even be an issue, but thanks for the insight. I am currently deployed with the military so I am still worrying about this over here. Lol. I look forward to getting home and doing some RnD.

Thx
Doug

 

[Thinkin'Bout Racin]

Here I am thinking ahead of issues that might not even be an issue, but thanks for the insight. I am currently deployed with the military so I am still worrying about this over here. Lol. I look forward to getting home and doing some RnD.

Thx
Doug

I would also advise using a HSS bit vs. a carbide bit. The carbide will drill slightly larger. I have used a #43 HSS bit with Scout axles and gotten over 75 runs on them. Occasionally, I do get one that is too loose for comfort sake. Normally a drop or two of water overnights does the trick just fine. If not, I do like Hurricrane and add a tiny drop of Elmers to a drop of water. Mix them together and apply inside the hole with a toothpick. The axle stays put while racing, but can be removed later for reprep if needed.

One more point, sometimes the blocks you get are softer than others. That is just luck of the draw. If you consistently are have an issue. Then try to limit the number of times you insert anything into the axle holes until you are ready for assembly. This should help to preserve the integrity of your original drill. Personally, I like the softer blocks because I feel they drill straighter and are normally lighter weight.

Thank you for your service and our freedom!!!