Drilling at 45*?

[ironhat]

I need to drill holes at a 45* angle for some #5x1" brass screws. I've never had to drill at such a steep angle let alone with a very small diameter drill. How do I do this without having the drill bend? The smallest brad point drill that I have is 1/8" but I'm thinking that If I use a drill diameter to match the screw head I can clamp the workpiece at 45* and use this to cut the counterbore first. Then, I can use the brad point left by that to center and align the small diameter twist drill. Do I have my ducks in a row? I just need a little reinforcement on this procedure.

[Uncle Cracker]

Since you're putting in small screws, you can probably make a 45-degree pilot hole with a hammer and sharp nail. Then switch to the drill and bore the bigger hole. At that angle, you may need to chuck the bit shallow, so your drill chuck won't hit the work. They do make angle drilling jigs, similar to the one on the Kreg system, but you probably can save the cash.

[iceman61]

The way I always drill 45 degree holes is 1st start drilling out at a 90 degree angle. As soon as the bit starts to bite into the material, then you start tilting the bit around to 45 degrees. But start the tilt before you get too far into the material. Works like a champ.

[LCHIEN]

I use Iceman's technique.
Sort of depends on how exact you need the location and how exact you need the angle.
Another way of doing it is to drill a guide hole in a piece of 2x4 then cut the 2x4 at a 45 degree angle. Then use the 2x4 as a guide positioning the drill bit in a dimple you made with a center punch, then clamp doen the guide.

[Roger Ronas]

Use a center drill. It's a metal working drill bit, that has a large shank and very small short drill to drill with. They come in different sizes.
Enco or MSC has them.

HTH
Roger

[ironhat]

I use Iceman's technique.

I have too on rough construction - I should have been more specific this is into cherry and although it won't be seen I don't want it chipped up either.

Sort of depends on how exact you need the location and how exact you need the angle.
Another way of doing it is to drill a guide hole in a piece of 2x4 then cut the 2x4 at a 45 degree angle. Then use the 2x4 as a guide positioning the drill bit in a dimple you made with a center punch, then clamp doen the guide.

I like that idea. Many thanks!

Use a center drill. It's a metal working drill bit, that has a large shank and very small short drill to drill with. They come in different sizes.
Enco or MSC has them.

HTH
Roger

I do recall seeing these. Thanks for the info, Rog!

[JimD]

It is not real precise but what I normally do it drill a little straight in and then switch to the angle I need.

Jim