Thread: Router or Drill

Nigel, I reckon the preferred method is router, but the 60mm depth could be a problem here, I don't know of any 60mm x12mm router bits.

the problem with most straight cut router bits is that they are not intended to plunge directly down. Therefore they are not good at all for boring holes.

If all you have is a spade bit well thats the one.

the problem is you want dog holes to be accurate, straight & square.

spade bits arent realy into accuracy..... in the wood drilling world the spade bit is the butcher.

you would be better of with a brad point or a standard sharp twist bit.

either way setting it up in some sort of press is the go.

when I drilled mine, I used my electric hand drill set up in one of those drill press stands...I swung the drill over the back and clamped the base to the bench.

1/2" is a bit small for bench dog's isn't it..I thaught 3/4" was more the go.

at that size you strat talking about carbide boring bits or saw tooth forsteners.

cheers

I would use a Forstener bit over a spade bit. Agree with Soundman, 1/2 " is too small for dog holes. Buy one of those cheap plunge attachments for your drill to ensure that you get a vertical hole.

Originally Posted by craigb

Buy one of those cheap plunge attachments for your drill

I've tried to use one of those cheap plunge attachments and I wouldn't recommend anyone buy one.

Originally Posted by Wizened of Oz

I've tried to use one of those cheap plunge attachments and I wouldn't recommend anyone buy one.

Hear, hear, I tried one years ago - waste of money, lesson learned.

Don't be shy to use some old technology like a brace and bit. You get a lot of torque and it doesn't take too long. It is also fairly easy to keep it square. Just drill from both sides (last 10mm once point is through) to avoid tearout.

Originally Posted by Wizened of Oz

I've tried to use one of those cheap plunge attachments and I wouldn't recommend anyone buy one.

I used one before I got my drill press (still have it somewhere). Sure, they're not ideal but they do drill a vertical hole.

Originally Posted by craigb

I used one before I got my drill press (still have it somewhere). Sure, they're not ideal but they do drill a vertical hole.

Agreed Craig, a vertical hole is possible. With the unit I had, even from being new out of the box, it stuck on its posts and would not slide smoothly. This meant that the base would judder and slip causing the hole to either start off center or the edges would elongate, drilling a slight ellipse. After a number of tries I gave up and went back to using two squares.

My guess is the material used in the slide bushings was very poor quality, causing the frequent jams. There may be better quality available, I'd look for steel posts and brass bushes at a minimum. I'd certainly try the action of the slide before handing over cash.

Still waiting for my TCT Auger bit to arrive but when it does I'll be using it in my hand held elec drill with a guide block (drilled in the drill press). A bit like this only with a 19mm hole and some alignment marks.

Dan am I missing something here?

Your link takes me here:



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Jig for Threaded Inserts & Making Raised Panels

This is the pic I think he meant, except with a bigger hole (without the bolt) to guide the bit.

Originally Posted by Big Shed

Dan am I missing something here?

Yes, you're missing Acrobat Reader, like they say you can download it for free. Go on, everyone else is doing it.

Originally Posted by Dan

Yes, you're missing Acrobat Reader, like they say you can download it for free. Go on, everyone else is doing it.

No I'm not missing Acrobat Reader, I have the full version of Acrobat. However when I saw the picture it didn't seem to refer to a TCT bit? So I asked what I was missing

Sorry, like Groggy says .

Originally Posted by Dan

Still waiting for my TCT Auger bit to arrive but when it does I'll be using it in my hand held elec drill with a guide block (drilled in the drill press). A bit like this only with a 19mm hole and some alignment marks.

The case of the mixed up bits.

When I clicked on the link I expected to see a TCT bit, not a little bit like this