Note: While Black & Decker never officially replied to the letter below, someone claiming to be a Black & Decker engineer did. His advice ran in Crank #4.

DIY Trepanation:
Help Me Black & Decker!

PO Box XXXX
Philadelphia, PA 19105
May 13, 1994

Black and Decker
Customer Relations
10 N. Park Drive
PO Box 798
Hunt Valley, MD 21030

To whom it may concern:

I recently read about a couple in England who have drilled holes in their foreheads in an effort to enlighten themselves. I will spare you the details, but will mention that they claim to have "never been happier."

I am planning to perform this procedure on myself in the immediate future. And because of your company's reputation and my past experiences with your products, I intend to use Black and Decker tools exclusively to accomplish my goal. I have already purchased a B&D D1000 for the job--I found it to be a very lightweight, easy-to-use drill, on sale at an affordable price! The lock-on button was very important, all things considered.

My question is this: which type of drill bit should I use? I'm looking for a 3/8" - 1/2" opening. I'm favoring the 1/2" Wood Boring Bit (#17204) but am afraid of the package description: "fast, rough drilling." Will this be a little TOO rough and hard to handle? I'll be doing this alone.

On the other hand, I considered the carbide-tipped, 1/2" Glass and Tile bit (#16905). My only problem with THIS bit is the advice on the package: "use a slow drilling speed; variable or hand drill is ideal." As you well know, the Black and Decker D1000 drill isn't variable speed! Maybe I've made a hasty purchase with the D1000? Should I have sprung for a more expensive model??

Or should I just stick with a trusty 1/2" metal/wood bit? (Maybe #15643?) But I'm afraid it might be difficult (and painful!) to get a hole started.

Any advice you provide will be considered with great attention. Your hasty response is appreciated, as I am--of course--anxious to get this done.

Sincerely,
Jeff Koyen