========================================================================= Date: Wed, 20 Sep 1995 13:27:11 -0400 Reply-To: BOC/Hawkwind Discussion List Sender: BOC/Hawkwind Discussion List From: Bert Edens Subject: DIY Trepanation Revisited Comments: To: boc-l@spcvxa.spc.edu Greetings... A while back, someone posted information on Do-it-Yourself Trepanation from Crank Magazine... I was perusing the site and ran across the following letter, which was actually sent... Whenever I see a reply, I'll post it here, too... :-) - Bert ---------------------------------------------------------------------- PO Box 1646 Philadelphia, PA 19105-1646 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 ---------------------------------------------------------------------- +-------------------------------------------------------------+ | Bert Edens - bedens@intellinet.com | | http://www.intellinet.com/~bedens/home.html | +-------------------------------------------------------------+ | Picard (about Q): "A member of the Q Continuum, who | | feels that it's his purpose in life to annoy us." | | Q: "Not my SOLE purpose. I like to spread myself around." | +-------------------------------------------------------------+ | GO HOGS GO! GO HOGS GO! GO HOGS GO! GO HOGS GO! GO HOGS GO! | +-------------------------------------------------------------+ ========================================================================= Date: Wed, 4 Oct 1995 10:08:00 EDT Reply-To: BOC/Hawkwind Discussion List Sender: BOC/Hawkwind Discussion List From: "Rudich, Robert A" Subject: Off Topic: B&D Reply In the alternate reality that I live in, B&D replied to the self trepanation letter (www.btf.com/crank2/crnk2-16.htm) that was reprinted here. The text follows. Dear Mr. Koyen, Congratulations on your purchase of the Black & Decker D1000. We feel that this tool will serve you well for the length of time that you will retain sentience. Since the procedure you described is not a usual application, I had to consult with our Engineering division to answer your question properly. You are correct that the carbide-tipped Glass and Tile drill bit (#16905) is best used with a variable speed drill at a low setting when drilling hard materials. However, based on your letter, we do not feel that your skull will fall into this category. The 1/2" metal/wood drill bit (#17204) you are considering seems appropriate for your application. Our engineers also feel that the free flow of blood will lubricate and cool the bit should your skull prove harder than we suspect. Thus, your purchase of the D1000 and the 1/2" metal/wood drill bit should meet your needs fully. The speed of this combination should keep the time that you experience any discomfort to a minimum. Since we do not design for this application, we will not honor our warranty in case the tools fail to perform to your expectation. We doubt you will be able to complain in this case. We do not wish to become directly associated with self trepanation, but you have made us aware of a potential new market. As a result, we are considering corporate sponsorship of a Brain Surgeons tour. Thanks for your interest in Black & Decker tools. Sincerely, Weederman Boffo Vice President, Customer Service Cheers, ( )--(a) (@=@=) \ Rudy the ferret mage O__) \ \___ \ \ (Ever watchful for Hawks from above & beyond) /\ * ) \ Convert, or feel the Needle Gun! =========================================================================