drill bit size

[gramps]

being that i'm new to this art form i have a question, probably more later. i bought some olson blades from menards, smallest i could get was 2r and the smallest drill bit at fleet was 1/16" which seemed way too big for tight detail. the hardware store had these wire gauge drills, but for $3 each for something that looks like it'll break pretty easy, i figured i'de ask what size(s) the experts use. these drills have number sizes, 53, 54, 55,etc. i'm currently just using a hand drill till funds allow a drill press.
                 
                           thanks for your time, fred

[jrpeteo]

Yup, you're on the right track. I get mine at Sloans, $8 a dozen.
Pete

see it here
http://www.sloanswoodshop.com/drill_bits.htm

[Graywolf]

Gramps, welcome to the site. You will enjoy it here. The best blades are from Mikes Workshop. He has Flying Duchman blades and drill bits. Check out his site www.mikesworkshop.com Lot of great folks here also.

[jrpeteo]

Oops, forgot Mike has bits too. 
Pete

[mrsn]

I buy a pack of wire drill bits from harbor freight. I don't know the exact sizes in the pack but a bunch of them are useful. I also buy 10 packs of 1/16" bits from harbor freight for a buck or two.
I broke a fair amount of bits when using a hand drill but a drill press breaks fewer of them since you are less likley to move something around in the drilling process. Now I am more likely to loose the bit then break it. Hint, a magnet stuck to the side of the drill press (or workbench) will hold on to the tiny bits for you.

[Keefie]

On Mike's site, not only are the blades and sizes listed, but also the drill size required for the blade is also listed. and the service is excellent too.

[KurtP]

If you order the drill bits from Mike make sure you order the Chuck for Miniature Drill Bits.

Kurt

[EIEIO]

For pilot holes I use a Proxxon rotary tool in a drill press stand. Dremel sells sets of small bits, but they are too short to get through more than about 3/4". For the tightest cuts or portraits I use a 2/0R blade with a 1/32" pilot hole. It's hard to believe a blade will fit through that hole, but it does.

[dirtrider73068]

Harbor freight has these http://www.harborfreight.com/30-piece-hss-mini-drill-set-94606.html they also have a bigger set for 20 bucks, which I already broke the smallest bit when my drill bumped my leg. The small bits will get broke easy does not take much, might get that small lot of bits 30pc and use them.

[king310]

Gramps Menards sells the smaller bits. I purchased mine from them right off the rack.

[julief]

Order them from FD Mike.  Also order a mini chuck.  You might also get some flying dutchman blades.  I use both Olson and Flying Dutchman depending on the project.  You are right, 1/16 is way to big for some projects.

[gramps]

thanks for the advice and sites. i knew i came to the right place.

[grampa sawdust]

gramps I would look at the chuck on the drill press you choose and take a bit without to see how it fits. I can get my small bits to hold in the little Craftsman I have but the chuck is hard to work even after oil bath, anyway the other bench drill press I have Delta the little bits will not fit into the chuck and not fall out. the  craftsman chuck is not longer made. Right now it is working but I am looking for a different chuck that will fit in the press.