Thread: A round thing

The local Bunnies used to stock reduced shank drill bits but no more, so let's not bag the shop assistant without good info eh?

You could use spade bits to drill larger holes, provided you keep in mind that they tend to not cut as "cleanly" as a good drill bit.

Easily fixed... larger holes mean that, if needed, you can sand inside with a file or sandpaper wrapped around a dowel or finger.

And I recommend that you either drill the blank first before turning or rough-turn to nearly final shape, drill, then remount for the finishing cuts. This avoids any hassles with the spade bit possibly lifting splinters of grain from the surface that need gluing back down. (Only happens to me occasionally, but 'tis bloody annoying when it does happen.)

It takes a bit of practice & a lot of patience to remount a piece in the chuck without a wobble, but who said turning was easy?

Originally Posted by rsser

The local Bunnies used to stock reduced shank drill bits but no more, so let's not bag the shop assistant without good info eh?

Really? Wow. I was in Auburn about a week ago looking for a drill bit (it is very hard to find a 15mm drill bit at Bunnings that isn't a spade bit...) and I'm sure that there were reduced shank ones there.

As for bagging bunnings staff, I think that every one knows that there are plenty of good staff there, and there are plenty of not so good ones. Not meaning to jump to conclusions, but it is pretty easy to come across instances of pretty unknowledgeable staff. Still, if they have stopped stocking the drill bits, I withdraw any criticism unreservedly...

Cheers,
Dave

That's why I like shops like South East Qld Woodworking Supplies where the man who is behind the counter is the man who owns the store. Knows where/what everything is and has the time and knowledge to stop and help you with it.

When you get a store where the staff are hired to be sales people, that is what and all they are. That's when you get limitations.

Especially with shops like Bunnings, where each department is seperate. I asked in Tools where fuse wire was, was sent to the other end of the store - looked on every shelf, when I finally managed to find a staff member for that area was told that they hadn't stocked fuse wire for ages.

I'll try a spade bit, I mount the blank on the face place - then drill the holes (already marked) then if anything needs changing I can change it while I'm turning.

I was thinking on this one, and realiased that a forstner bit would probably do the job and they typically have a small enough shank to fit in a 10mm drill (I think they're about 1/4"). Carbatec has a reasonable range of them...

Would cut a cleaner hole than a spade bit, though I'm not sure if it would have any significant tear-out on the back as I've only ever used them for drilling part way through something.

Cheers,
Dave

Glad I make people think

I'll get one from Carba Tec today (if they have the size)

Tear out at the back isn't a problem as I drill the blank first and only go half way.