I am frequently asked how I drill all the holes in my freight car kits. I’ve made mention in past posts that I use motorized drills to make easy work of the tasks. I guess it’s time to feature those tools.
The two drills I use most often are in the lead image for this post. The blue one is a Neu Master three-speed cordless mini rotary tool with a #76 bit that is handy for sill step, air line, brake staff, and other holes. The bit works well for 0.020-inch diameter wire. It rarely leaves the chuck. IIRC, the chuck can hold smaller bits and there are a few different size collets. I bought this from Amazon several years ago. I checked the listings and didn’t see this specific tool but there were many similar models.
The silver one is a customized Holland can motor with a homemade chuck attachment and flywheel that fellow modeler Brian Ehni made for me. It connects to a nine volt battery for power. A #79 bit is installed in the chuck and is rarely removed as it’s difficult to open the chuck to change out a bit. I regulate the speed by touching the flywheel. A used battery will offer a lower speed. Similar tools are available and some have variable speed control.
Both of these drills ease prepping resin and plastic kit parts. I use a pin vise for other size bits. I rarely break bits with these motorized drills. The last bit I broke happened because the silver motor tool rolled off of my workbench. A small cake of beeswax is on the workbench for bit lubrication.
If you use a motorized drill for model work, be careful as you use it. Bits can break and fragments may fly off to unknown parts. Wear eye protection so bit fragments or kit material doesn’t end up in your eyes.
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