I bought a new 7/64" drill bit. Now what do I do?

[MDC_Champaign]

I have a metric FAL. I want to open the gas hole to 7/64".

I bought a brand new Dewalt cobalt 7/64" drill bit. Here’s my question: should I use a hand drill or drill press? I’m temped to use my drill press for obvious reasons. But the hand drill has appeal, since it would be “self centering.”

Thoughts? Comments?


Thanks

[jrayborn]

If it were me I'd stick a pencil in the barrel so as to not drill too deep (saw that trick posted here) and use a hand drill.

Good luck!!

Jon

[MDC_Champaign]

jrayborn: I’m going to stick a wood dowel in the barrel as a backstop. I’m also going to remove the gas plug, piston, and spring.

Just wondering if most people do this with a drill press or hand drill.

[FAL guy]

I prefer my drill press just for the control. I can control speed and depth much better.

[shootist87122]

Drill press and I stick a .25" brass or steel rod in the bore as a backup. Wood should work as long as your are careful.

[idsubgun]

I do it in my mill and line up the hole with a gage pin. I don't put anything in the barrel, I just look down the bore while doing it. When it breaks through, I pull it out.
Did it just this morning. Opened up my 13" DSA barrel to .118". Now I've got to take it out for a test drive.