Planking using small nails

[Roger Pellett]

Correction to my above post. I should have said across the grain.

 

[Bob Cleek]

Hi Bob, thanks for that. As I assumed, you've confirmed what the problem is with my Jewellers Drawplate. So the Draw plate of Byrnes would be no different, or is that made for wood? They do say in their "advertising," Could you let me know, please.
BTW, I like to try the Perspex trick, as at least I can drill holes ever so slowly into the plastic, of course. I think that is achievable with the gear I have.

I've only ever used my Byrnes drawplate for wood and it's worked just fine. I will say though that the Byrnes drawplate is for very small diameters and I've only ever used it with bamboo. I expect it would work fine for any quality ship modeling species, though.
Byrnes' information explains that the drawplate holes start at .016" (3/4" at 1:48) and goes up to .059":
The Byrnes Drawplate is designed to do the job - well, and easily. Thirty precision holes cover the range from .016" through .059" - at 1:48 (1/4" scale) that represents full-size trunnels of 3/4" diameter through almost 2" in diameter!
Note that the Byrnes drawplate (pictured below at close to full size on my screen) is about one inch by three inches. You will need a drawplate that takes will produce at least a .059" diameter piece before you start working your way down on the Byrnes drawplate towards those 1:48 scale trunnels!



I have three other presumably Asian-made drawplates for larger sizes. Their accuracy is "catch as catch can." If you want an accurate drawplate, you will have to pay some real money for one, If I have reason to buy another, I won't waste time or money on a cheap one again. They are sold by jewelry supply houses and are "for wire," but I expect could be used for wood if the wood was pulled through them from the "small, holed side." They are available for drawing not only in round cross-section pieces, but also ovals, squares, triangles, diamonds, half- and quarter-rounds, stars, and so on. Bring your credit card. It's not hard to drop a couple of Benjamins on a decent drawplate. See: https://www.ottofrei.com/search?page=7&q=draw+plates

As for making a nifty holder for driving pieces of wire, if you're working with any sort of plastic, be sure to take it slowly and use plenty of lube. If you go at it with a high-speed rotary tool, you'll risk melting the plastic as you drill, possibly causing your bit to seize up and snap.