Thread: Auger question

Originally Posted by code4pay

Part of my recent aquistions was a tin of about 20 auger bits. Some have spurs as I would expect on the screw side of the cutting edge so that they meet the wood before the cutting edge. But alot maybe two thirds have an edge which I imagine is the spur on the top of the cutting edge so they only cut the wood after the blade has started cutting.

There are a lot of different types of bits for braces, and a lot of different names for most types.

Geoff (boringgeoff) is the resident expert on braces (and presumably brace bits), but while we wait for him to tune in, here are some webpages that may help scratch your itch:
www.theluddite.com/augerbits.html
Braces? : Hand Tools - Page 2 - UKworkshop.co.uk

Originally Posted by code4pay

But alot ...have an edge which I imagine is the spur on the top of the cutting edge so they only cut the wood after the blade has started cutting.

From your description these are probably "Scotch Pattern" bits.

HTH.

Cheers, Vann.

Originally Posted by Vann

There are a lot of different types of bits for braces, and a lot of different names for most types.

Geoff (boringgeoff) is the resident expert on braces (and presumably brace bits), but while we wait for him to tune in, here are some webpages that may help scratch your itch:
www.theluddite.com/augerbits.html
Braces? : Hand Tools - Page 2 - UKworkshop.co.uk

From your description these are probably "Scotch Pattern" bits.

HTH.

Cheers, Vann.

Thanks Vann, from the last link It seems they are Scotch bits, Used for hardwood and rough construction work.

This has come up before ... is it that the spurs could be damaged in some woods?
Cheers,
Paul

https://www.woodworkforums.com/f11/us...-chuck-153268/

These are by far the more common pattern of used bit, for some reason.

These give a rough-as-guts finish in most woods, including most hardwoods. (Correct me if I'm wrong here, oh wise ones).

I gather that they have two primary advantages: they are significantly tougher than the relatively fragile spur-type, and they won't burn out in hardwoods (the spurs on the other ones get too hot even with quite a slow drill).

I suspect they are more carpentry tools than cabinet-making tools. I gave up on using them (except on fence-posts). I just use the spur type for everything.

Does anyone use these for carpentry with acceptably clean results?

Do you mean on exit? or both?

Paul Sellers(?) and others have demonstrated boring until the screw pokes through, and then coming in from the other side ... if that's any help.

Cheers,
Paul

Both. And in between. Splinters like crazy. I do always stop drilling once the lead screw breaks the surface and then drill from the other side for a moment; this is necessary on the spur style too.

Sharpness and above all cleanliness make a big difference. I found it helped to put a bit of fine abrasive grit on a bit of wood and screw the auger into the mixture a dozen times; it polished the spiral and prevents chips binding.