tool for making a small slot

be 1/16 inch wide and 1/2 inch deep. I thought about using a 1/16 inch drill bit in a drill press, but that would not be strong enough and will snap under the lateral load. Is there a special tool or router bit to fit the occasion?

There are 1/16" diameter router bits readily available.

You will most assuredly want to make multiple, shallow passes to final depth, but that is not a biggie.

Forgot to mention that there are also 1/16" kerf circular saw blades readily available ... DeWalt, among others, makes them, and they are generally much cheaper than a double fluted router bit.

And, you could do it in one pass with a guide and the blade set to the desired depth.

DAGS

Slotting cutter instead of straight bit -- Amana 53200 for example.

be 1/16 inch wide and 1/2 inch deep. I thought about using a 1/16 inch drill bit in a drill press, but that would not be strong enough and will snap under the lateral load. Is there a special tool or router bit to fit the occasion?

Also something called a "slitting saw". Or if the 1/16" tolerance is not real tight, a narrow kerf panel and melamine blade will do .079" (7" Festool Permasheild LU79R007 )

Much better, but aren't most thin kerf bits 3/32"? Oh, I guess straight HSS is 1/16" wide. Neevermind.

Most 1/16" router bits aren't long enough, but those which are cost like the dickens and break or burn up very, very easily.

I'd sure want to build a holddown jig for something like that. My fingers started retracting just thinking of it.

-- The human brain is unique in that it is the only container of which it can be said that the more you put into it, the more it will hold. -- Glenn Doman

Router bit - make several shallow passes.

HTH,

Twayne`

Slotting cutter instead of straight bit -- Amana 53200 for example. --

Bingo! You win the prize.