Drilling rudder shafts

[Paul GodfreyParticipant @paulgodfrey14946]

It’s me again.

The 2 rudder shafts on my Dutch Courage require a 1mm hole to be drilled through them, into which a short length of wire is inserted to prevent the possibility of the rudders slipping on the shafts.

My Dremel (it’s a Draper actually) doesn’t have a chuck small enough to grip a bit this size, as is the case with my big drill. I have a cheapy bench mounted vertical drill which does grip the bit, but this is quite slow, and also wobbles somewhat! I’ve bought a decent tungsten bit, but dont know what I can use it in. Perhaps if I bought some thin brass tubing with i.d.of 1mm, this would allow the bit to be used (or is there an adaptor that can be bought?).

Is it me, or are these 4mm shafts overly strong!!?

[Paul GodfreyParticipant @paulgodfrey14946]

[Paul TParticipant @pault84577]

Hi Paul

 

You can buy smaller chucks or try a flexi shaft attachment I find these really good at getting into tight spaces and you can fit tiny bits into them.

 

Paul

[Bob Abell 2Participant @bobabell2]

Hello Paul………….No, not you Paul…………..the other Paul!

 

I would grind a flat on the shaft and tap the rudder 6BA or similar…………..Drilling through steel with a 1mm drill is practically impossible!

 

Bob

 

[Paul GodfreyParticipant @paulgodfrey14946]

Thanks guys.

Based on Bob’s comments, dont think I’ll try drilling it after all – I will go for the ‘grind the shaft’ option, which will be much easier I think.

I’m quite tempted to join the 2 halves of each rudder together using screws, as then they could be removed if access to the props is required for some reason.

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