Thread: Drilling perpendicular holes in mallet heads

There are two aspects to this, getting the BIT and workpieces aligned, and then holding the workpiece to stop it turning slightly out pf position while being drilled.
A barrel shape is even more awkward because it can also tilt slightly to a side.

Holding the workpiece in a vice or using a V-block should eliminate workpiece rotation but with a barrel shape it will need additional support on both sides to hold it level.

One way to make sure the bit goes into and comes out at the desired spot is to use a smaller drill bit and drill halfway through from each side - then use a slightly large drill bit to drill all the way through. Assuming the two holes are not too far out of vertical alignment the bit will eventually follow the smaller hole all the way through and come out at the right spot.
Finally use the correct size bit and it should work. this method may lead to an area in the centre of the head which is not truly round but it matters little in the overall holding power required of a head/handle.

BTW this method really only works in wood if you try this in metal it's likely to break bits.

Start off with square cross section stock and bore the hole before turning .
Ted

Originally Posted by turnerted

Start off with square cross section stock and bore the hole before turning .
Ted

That is the correct way to get the hole right every time.

Jim

…… or you coud drill the hole whilst its still on the lathe.

Plenty of ways to set up an electric drill in a sled / jig similar to this on a table mounted to the lathe bed www.vermec.com/store/p26/Router_Holder.html . Requires the centre line of the drill to be at the lathe axis height and perpendicular to the lathe axis both vertically and horizontally.

or you could go really over the top. www.lignolathe.com/en/dividing_drilling_routing/index.htm