GHQ Models Forums

what size drill bits does evryone use to drill holes for antennas. where can i find them.

Well, I don't add antennas to my stuff (I just got started!), but I use a great little pin drill kit I got from Radio Shack for about $6 for all sorts of pinning. There's some hair fine bits in there, complete with a drilling tool, so it should suit. Looks like a dull-aluminium pencil, should be with the electronics kit.

The tip of a Brand-new #11 x-acto blade will do as well. Just put the tip in the mini and twist back and forth. You'll have a hole pretty quick.

Black Dragon,

Many people use different methods. In fairly soft metal, one can use a dental pick to poke a small hole; or as Ptifall noted, one can use the tip of a sharp #11 X-Acto knife. But I prefer a pin vise myself; more control on both size and depth of hole, without the worry about getting the hole "too large at the top, not deep enough to get a good hold".

What size depends on what you're using for your antenna. If you're not sure about the size, start "small" -- maybe a #78 or even a #80 bit. If the hole is too small, you can always enlarge it. However, a "too large" hole (within reason, of course!) is generally not a problem, given that the glue used will usually fill in the gap between the model and the antenna.

The "trick" with the pin vise and small drill bit is patience -- work slowly, and be careful not to "wobble" from side to side -- with those small drill bits, they're very easy to snap in half. Hmmmm... maybe that's why they're often sold in "multiple" packs! And yes, I've broken more than a few over the years... But with a little bit of practice, I think you'll be very happy with using a pin vise and the small bits. You might use a dental pick (or some other sharp, pointed object) to make a "starting point" for your hole; then slowly drill the hole to the size and depth desired. Some folks use a lubricant, such as beeswax, to ease the cutting a bit; but with the pewter GHQ uses, I've not found this to be an issue. Maybe if I were drilling in brass...

As for where to find pin vises and drill bits -- many hobby shops that carry model railroad "stuff" have well-stocked tool areas. (Said hobby shops often have lots of stuff we can use with our Micro Armor -- especially tools, paints, and scenery elements!) You can also find them on line; two retailers I've had good success with are:

Micro Mark

and

Walthers

Hope this helps!

Regards,
Tom Stockton

There are several companies that make small drills. Your local model railroad shop should have a selection, or you can obtain one from MicroMart or Walthers.

Scale antennas don't have to be wire. Eye lashes work very well. They are tapered and flexible, and pretty close to the correct length as they come... They do take awhile to collect though.



There are "one-too-many" antennas on this Leopard, but you get the idea. You can see the natural taper in the photograph. Using a #11 blade to make a small indent to help affix the eyelash (use a very small drop of superglue or white glue) helps but using a very small drill in a pin-vise works even better. If you drill a hole with a pin-vise the white glue works better. Be very careful not to use too much glue. You can even create the "look" of the antenna mount much easier this way.

Will

To provide a hole for 'hair brush' antenna, I have used a safety pin to push in.

I will have to try the dental tool. Probably easier to use.