Drilling New Departure Model D for .105 Spokes

[Henryford2]

Looking for advice on whether drilling out the New Departure Model D hub for .105 spokes is a good idea or not. If there are no issues any help or advice in drill them larger? If it's not a good idea what are the "period correct" options for a rear hub with the larger spoke holes? Thanks

 

[OhioJones]

I know for the CTs 125 pre Model D. Post i have a rear bendix that is 105. If memory serves me right, that one came from a 47 or 49. Thinking sometime early post for 105. Someone here will have an exact year no doubt. Good luck!

 

[OhioJones]

I'm saying just make it easy on yourself and pick one up. If I have one here I will shoot you a pm and just send it to ya.

 

[Henryford2]

Thanks, I understand that drilling the hub is a "difficult" job due to the material (heat treat). Those issues I can address. The real question is there sufficient room on the hub itself to accommodate the larger holes? My next post can very well be a Wanted post looking for the hub with the larger holes. Thanks

 

[rustystone2112]

I have drilled a few ,very hard , went through many bits and sometimes a hole will brake out and there go's the hub

 

[Henryford2]

Are there .105 New Departure hubs out there to be had? How common (available) are they. Thanks

 

[bricycle]

I tried tungsten, carbide, every bit I could find, nothing really worked I finally was able to do it with tiny Dremel grinding stones, but used 7 of them in the process. Not worth the effort, just advertise for one.

 

[Henryford2]

I'm starting to lean real hard in that direction, thanks

 

[bairdco]

I've drilled a few of them. A drill press, a good vice clamped to it, and cutting oil is a must.

The flanges are super tough. You'll break crappy drill bits or burn them out.

There's just enough room to drill the holes large enough, but make sure you drill straight. I never broke out a hole, but I can see it happening.

I have a high quality, tapered grinding bit I use instead of drill bits, but I got it from a swap meet and don't know what brand. Definitely not Harbor Freight.

But, .105 hubs are available, like mentioned above, so that'll save you the trouble.

 

[Thurman]

I've drilled a dozen or so and I use diamond bits. They're chrome vanadium with diamond grit fused to them. You run your drill press at hi speed and stab the hole a few times and it will go right through. A hub takes less than 5 minutes to complete. They don't cut as much as grinding away at the hardened metal. If you try to push the bit through, it burns up. I got mine years ago from a place called Rodman and the brand is Artu from Germany.