Drilling out exhaust pipes??

Tools, Techniques, and Reference Materials Techniques
1

Hi gang. I’m sure this has been asked here before, but what the hey, here goes.
I’m building a 1/48 P-51D (Tamiya) and I want to drill out the exhaust ports (pipes). As you can imagine, these are really, really small. I have a pin vise and a drill (several actually) that are small enough, but I can’t figure out a sure-fire way to do it. I even thought of just applying a small drop of flat black paint to the ends of the “pipes”, but I really want to make a real hole.

Any tips?
Thanks,
Rich [8D]

2

Rich-a pin vise is the way I would go. Maybe you need smaller bits-I’ve got some the size of needles.

3

Hi Rich

I just drilled out the exhaust pipe of my Steyr last night. Granted it was 1/35th scale, but the technique remains the same. I begin by using the point of a #11 X-acto blade to score a small depression in the center and then proceed with my pin-vise. I use a smaller bit than the diameter I intend to finish with, then work my way up in size until reaching a satisfactory wall thickness. Just take your time and work carefully and you’ll have those exhausts lookin’ realistic in no time! (Or, you can just get the right Moskit exhaust kit for your model and be done with it [;)])

Good luck,
Eric

4

I guess it goes without saying, but just take your time and do it right.

Use a sharp sewing needle to mark the centre of the hole before you start drilling so the bit doesn’t slip off centre.

5

Mark the center with a needle… then use the smallest bit you have to drill a pilot hole. That way you can see if you are off center with ripping through the side of the pipe

6

I do the same as Abdiel – works every time. The most important thing is to get that first indent centered.

7

OK thanks guys.[tup]

He he, cut fingers here we come…[B)][;)]

Rich [8D]