I came across some pens maid from rifle cartridges and deer antler on the web. It seemed like a nice thing for some of my friends who hunt so I started out to make some.
One problem. How do you drill a hole (5/64") through a copper jacket bullet with lead in the center? I am on drill bit number 6 without successfully making a single pen point. The bit seizes and snaps no matter what speed I use.
I didn't think that this project was worth buying a Beal collet chuck so I made one by drilling and tapping a piece of walnut to screw onto my headstock. I then drilled the appropriate whole and cut an X on the end to allow for compression. A hose clamp completed my collet chuck.
I file off the tip of the bullet so that the jacket is slightly bigger than the drill bit. Then using a Jacobs chuck in the tail stock I try to drill a whole through the bullet. I have used speeds from 100 rpm to 2,000 rpm. I withdraw the bit every 1/8" and clean out the flutes, add oil and make sure that the bullet is cool. I got through the bullet once but then the bit stuck and snapped off. The bullets I am trying to use are 30-06 171 grain full jacket bullets.
What am I doing wrong???
Paul Gilbert Dallas, TX