Pimp my Dice - Downloaded from the Wizards Community, all coding removed by Solauren

Pimp my Dice

Post/Author/DateTime Post
#1
AttilatheNun
Jul 20, 2008 19:38:10 I'm thinking of making a necklace out of a d20. If anyone has experience at this, what would you suggest using to drill a hole in a d20?
#2
ocarina_guy
Jul 21, 2008 0:24:00 No idea. Go for a REALLY slender bit, as a logical guess.
#3
ocarina_guy
Jul 21, 2008 0:24:37 Sorry. Computer was slow so I hit stop and retried.

Anyhow, on the science of screws, et cetera:

The drill is ued to make a hole.
A corkscrew, being helical, can pierce the cork without causing too much damage, with a circular stabbing motion rather than shaving bits off of the cork. Hypo-pathetically, the same process can be put to work on a d20.

Failing that, go fer superglue.
#4
Nathreet
Jul 21, 2008 0:29:37 It's just plastic. I bet any drill with a small bit would work. I'd clamp down the die nice and tight in a vise or a pair of locking pliers to hold it still while you drill. Be careful, as the long narrow drill bit will probably be fragile. It will be easier with a larger bit if you don't mind an oversized hole.
#5
Mad_Jack
Jul 21, 2008 2:17:26 It's somewhat difficult to start a hole on hard plastic without it slipping and scarring the plastic, so you might want to start by making a little divot first with a hobby knife or an engraving bit.

Keep in mind, from an artistic standpoint, whether you put the hole through a flat side or corner will change the way the D20 hangs, and thus how the necklace looks while worn.

If you're planning to use a power tool to drill with, you may or may not want to use a very small grinding bit rather than a drill bit depending on how hard the plastic is.
Plastic will heat up and get soft fairly quickly, which can bind up the drill bit so it gets stuck.
If you have a Dremel multitool, they have tons of different styles of bits for different materials, as well as a small set of hobby-sized drill bits.

Put the D20 in a vise or clamp to hold it, because
A) It's easier to drill it straight and
B) It'll get real hot real quick and
C) Drilling through your hand really sucks.
Put a piece of cloth or paper towel around the D20 so the metal vice doesn't scar the plastic.

Make sure you use a bit that's a bit larger than whatever you're planning to thread through the hole, especially if it's a curved metal ring. If it's going to go through the die for any real distance, you need to take the curve of the ring into consideration.

Don't push the drill too hard - drill inward a bit, then slide the drill back out a little so that the plastic and bit have a chance to cool just a bit. Repeat as necessary.
Remember, metal expands when heated, which is a major reason why bits get stuck.
If your bit does get stuck, and you can't get it back out, put the bit and die in the freezer for about half an hour - metal and plastic expand and contract due to temerature at different rates, which may well loosen the bit.
Drilling through a piece of wax to coat the bit before you start will help to alleviate friction and lessen the chance of it binding.
These are tricks I've learned over on the mini painting forums for swapping weapons and pinning multi-part figures.

Also, make sure you're always aware of how deep into the plastic the drill is, so that you don't accidentally put too much pressure on it and have it punch out the other side and into your hand or hit the vise it's held in and snap the bit.

If you're going to use a hand tool, I'd suggest a pin vise, which you can get at most hobby or craft stores. It will take a lot longer, but you won't have to deal with the problems generated by the heat.

One thing you can do to make it look better is to mark off the entrance and exit holes, and constantly check from several angles to make sure that the bit is aligned correctly to connect the two dots.

However, here's another thing you might want to consider instead of trying to drill a hole through the die and sliding the ring or chain through the hole.
Depending on the angle at which you drill through the die, the hole will go through at least two sides of it, even if you drill near a corner.

It may look better if you can find a very small stainless steel or brass screw with an eyelet on the end instead of a head - you should be able to find them at Home Depot or a craft shop - and insert it into the D20, then put a metal ring through the eye.
Then thread the chain or cord through the ring, allowing you to have a small hole in the D20, but still use a thicker cord or chain.
You'll need to drill a guide hole with a drill before putting the screw in, so that the plastic doesn't crack.
I think it'd look best if you took a hobby knife or razor blade and scrape down one of the corners until you've got a flat area wide enough to safely drill/screw down into without slipping, and that way you won't end up having to sacrifice one or more of the sides.

As far as supplies go, if you have a Dremel or other handheld small drill you can find small bits for it in either hardware stores like Home Depot or in hobby shops that specialize in hobbies like model railroading scenery or RC vehicles.
Jewelery supplies, including the types of small screws I referred to earlier can be found at most craft stores, and sometimes at WalMart or fabric stores. You might also find small-enough screws at Home Depot.
Chains can be found in tons of places, and cheaper silver-plated chains, small metal rings, and leather or cloth cords can generally be found at craft stores.

If you take the time to prepare the things you need and the time to do it well, making a D20 necklace will be a fairly easy project.
#6
zephania
Jul 22, 2008 19:17:42 http://www.thinkgeek.com/apparel/jewelry/7ae3/ is easier

Post/Author/DateTime	Post
#1 AttilatheNun Jul 20, 2008 19:38:10	I'm thinking of making a necklace out of a d20. If anyone has experience at this, what would you suggest using to drill a hole in a d20?
#2 ocarina_guy Jul 21, 2008 0:24:00	No idea. Go for a REALLY slender bit, as a logical guess.
#3 ocarina_guy Jul 21, 2008 0:24:37	Sorry. Computer was slow so I hit stop and retried. Anyhow, on the science of screws, et cetera: The drill is ued to make a hole. A corkscrew, being helical, can pierce the cork without causing too much damage, with a circular stabbing motion rather than shaving bits off of the cork. Hypo-pathetically, the same process can be put to work on a d20. Failing that, go fer superglue.
#4 Nathreet Jul 21, 2008 0:29:37	It's just plastic. I bet any drill with a small bit would work. I'd clamp down the die nice and tight in a vise or a pair of locking pliers to hold it still while you drill. Be careful, as the long narrow drill bit will probably be fragile. It will be easier with a larger bit if you don't mind an oversized hole.
#5 Mad_Jack Jul 21, 2008 2:17:26	It's somewhat difficult to start a hole on hard plastic without it slipping and scarring the plastic, so you might want to start by making a little divot first with a hobby knife or an engraving bit. Keep in mind, from an artistic standpoint, whether you put the hole through a flat side or corner will change the way the D20 hangs, and thus how the necklace looks while worn. If you're planning to use a power tool to drill with, you may or may not want to use a very small grinding bit rather than a drill bit depending on how hard the plastic is. Plastic will heat up and get soft fairly quickly, which can bind up the drill bit so it gets stuck. If you have a Dremel multitool, they have tons of different styles of bits for different materials, as well as a small set of hobby-sized drill bits. Put the D20 in a vise or clamp to hold it, because A) It's easier to drill it straight and B) It'll get real hot real quick and C) Drilling through your hand really sucks. Put a piece of cloth or paper towel around the D20 so the metal vice doesn't scar the plastic. Make sure you use a bit that's a bit larger than whatever you're planning to thread through the hole, especially if it's a curved metal ring. If it's going to go through the die for any real distance, you need to take the curve of the ring into consideration. Don't push the drill too hard - drill inward a bit, then slide the drill back out a little so that the plastic and bit have a chance to cool just a bit. Repeat as necessary. Remember, metal expands when heated, which is a major reason why bits get stuck. If your bit does get stuck, and you can't get it back out, put the bit and die in the freezer for about half an hour - metal and plastic expand and contract due to temerature at different rates, which may well loosen the bit. Drilling through a piece of wax to coat the bit before you start will help to alleviate friction and lessen the chance of it binding. These are tricks I've learned over on the mini painting forums for swapping weapons and pinning multi-part figures. Also, make sure you're always aware of how deep into the plastic the drill is, so that you don't accidentally put too much pressure on it and have it punch out the other side and into your hand or hit the vise it's held in and snap the bit. If you're going to use a hand tool, I'd suggest a pin vise, which you can get at most hobby or craft stores. It will take a lot longer, but you won't have to deal with the problems generated by the heat. One thing you can do to make it look better is to mark off the entrance and exit holes, and constantly check from several angles to make sure that the bit is aligned correctly to connect the two dots. However, here's another thing you might want to consider instead of trying to drill a hole through the die and sliding the ring or chain through the hole. Depending on the angle at which you drill through the die, the hole will go through at least two sides of it, even if you drill near a corner. It may look better if you can find a very small stainless steel or brass screw with an eyelet on the end instead of a head - you should be able to find them at Home Depot or a craft shop - and insert it into the D20, then put a metal ring through the eye. Then thread the chain or cord through the ring, allowing you to have a small hole in the D20, but still use a thicker cord or chain. You'll need to drill a guide hole with a drill before putting the screw in, so that the plastic doesn't crack. I think it'd look best if you took a hobby knife or razor blade and scrape down one of the corners until you've got a flat area wide enough to safely drill/screw down into without slipping, and that way you won't end up having to sacrifice one or more of the sides. As far as supplies go, if you have a Dremel or other handheld small drill you can find small bits for it in either hardware stores like Home Depot or in hobby shops that specialize in hobbies like model railroading scenery or RC vehicles. Jewelery supplies, including the types of small screws I referred to earlier can be found at most craft stores, and sometimes at WalMart or fabric stores. You might also find small-enough screws at Home Depot. Chains can be found in tons of places, and cheaper silver-plated chains, small metal rings, and leather or cloth cords can generally be found at craft stores. If you take the time to prepare the things you need and the time to do it well, making a D20 necklace will be a fairly easy project.
#6 zephania Jul 22, 2008 19:17:42	http://www.thinkgeek.com/apparel/jewelry/7ae3/ is easier