A quick tip for sanding in tightly curved spots...

[bentontool]

A drill blank set when wrapped with sandpaper is very handy for sanding in tightly curved areas. You then have a set of sanding "sticks" (or rods) in all sizes from 1/8" to 1/2". Works very well with regular or stick-on adhesive sandpaper. Give it a try.

 

[niall Y]

Nifty idea...
But, it does beg the question "What is the purpose of drill blank sets"? ( and supplied in a case as well )
After all, unless one has the specialist grinding equipment, one isn't going to be able to make drill bits out of them.

 

[sammy.se]

That’s great - thx
Another use is highly accurate spacers for adjusting depths of router bits, saw blades etc

 

[Yojevol]

More likely to have a few bits of wooden dowel available.

 

[Phil Pascoe]

Transfer punches.

 

[bentontool]

All good ideas above!
The transfer punch set is perhaps the best idea as they are probably cheaper than a set of drill blanks, and will do double-duty as originally intended. I happen to have a set of drill blanks since I have a machine shop, but truly, I may switch to using my transfer punches, as they are a bit longer (watch out for the pointy end! ).
Some people make boring bars or single-lip drills out of the drill blanks. With some skill, it can be done with a conventional grinder.
Drill blanks can be used as accurate spacers (as noted above), and can also be used to check to size of holes, much like a set of plug gauges. They are ground very accurately, contributing to their high cost.
I have been using my drill blanks to sand handsaw and plane handles/totes during restorations. It performs that task admirably. I also use wooden dowels (as also noted above) for the sizes larger than available in my drill blank set.

 

[Phil Pascoe]

For larger stuff I keep the hard cardboard tubes from Aluminium foil, clingfilm etc. and glue different grades of alox paper to them - you can wrap strong elastic bands around them and glue with pva or use spray impact adhesive. I've used 40/60/80 grit to scallop the rims of turned bowls.

 

[bentontool]

For larger stuff I keep the hard cardboard tubes from Aluminium foil, clingfilm etc. and glue different grades of alox paper to them - you can wrap strong elastic bands around them and glue with pva or use spray impact adhesive. I've used 40/60/80 grit to scallop the rims of turned bowls.

I am going to try cardboard tubes. Good idea as well!

 

[Phil Pascoe]

If you get the tubes from extra wide foil you can get a good long stroke for rapid stock removal.

 

[Robbo3]

+1 for transfer punches.