G1 Prowl windscreen repair

[Seraphim Prime]

Looks great!

My mum did jewellery making as a hobby when I was growing up, so her knowledge around strengthening those types of breaks was always helpful.

The micro-drill you use, is it just a pin-vice or is a spring-head? Do you have a preference or recommendation on which sort to look for?

[Skyfire]

The micro-drill you use, is it just a pin-vice or is a spring-head? Do you have a preference or recommendation on which sort to look for?

Yes, it's a pin vice. For those who haven't used these, it works just like a jeweller's screwdriver with the hexagonal end able to spin freely. The bit inserts in the other end and the lower cylinder is hand turned to squeeze the collet chuck around the bit, just like a regular drill. Drilling is done like the jeweller's screwdriver with the index finger placed over the hexagonal end and the thumb/middle/ring fingers twisting the middle part of the shaft. Alternatively, you can hold onto the middle shaft between the thumb and the index/middle fingers and roll it like a cigarette. If I need a bit more force, I place the hexagonal end against my palm, near the base of the fingers and rotate with the index and thumb while pushing with the palm.

I'm not familiar with spring drills (spiral or Archimedes drills) as I think I get finer control rolling my fingers. When starting a hole, I'm only doing several quarter turns, or even smaller, at a time before reversing out to remove plastic debris and to check alignment. Spiral drills look like they need 2 hands to operate - one to steady the tool and one to pump up and down. The pin vice gives me the other hand free to hold the object if needed, or guide the drill bit against my finger.

[Seraphim Prime]

Thanks!

I've been looking into getting a fine drill for some repair work and wasn't sure what to be looking for.

Now to a hobby shop for a pin vice.