[CAUT] beginning torque

[Bob Hull]

For drilling pin blocks, I am re-evaluating the drill bit size and procedure 
that I have been using.   The last few blocks I have done were composite blocks 
multi-lam with 9 mm delignit cap.   I am double drilling with 1/4" then an F bit 
at about 2340 spindle speed, usually yields about 160 in. lbs. for the sample 
pins that I try in a scrap piece of the block. I would like to get about 180 but 
I can't get that with the F bit.    By the time I get coils just right, chip and 
tune for a year, the torque is not as high as I would like.      I have a block 
in the works now (already drilled the 1/4" hole)  and I am going to get a 6.5. 
mm bit today and try that on a sample.  I got a new drill press after my last 
one seemed to have too much slop in the quill  but the repair people said it was 
within specs.  I just got a table top delta.  I am keeping the humidity in the 
shop now in the low 40's.  (The block itself stays in a 35 % rh environment when 
not being worked on.)

What beginning torque do you like to see?   How much do you expect it to drop in 
the initial stages?    

Bob Hull