Drilling Basswood

#1 10-23-2003, 04:25 PM

To All,
Last night I tried to drill a 1/2' hole using a brad point bit across grain in a piece of basswood. I don't have access to a scroll saw and this project has an arc 'window'. Just wanted to hog out some material. The bit plugged up very quickly. I think I bought these bits off the deep discount table at my local ACE store but this seemed like simple duty. What type of bit should I use to drill openings in basswood?
Ah Chip

AlArchie · #2 10-23-2003, 04:46 PM

Chip, was that a brad point spade bit, or a twist drill? A twist drill should have cleared the chip with no trouble. If it was a twist drill, maybe try one of the old style auger bits in a brace?

Al

#3 10-23-2003, 04:51 PM

A Forstner bit will always give you the best hole. When used in a drill press you can even drill using just the edge of the bit to create arches or semi circles. Forstners even drill leaving a flat bottom.

Dale

Hi_Ho_Sliver · #4 10-23-2003, 05:17 PM

forstner or a paddle/blade bit...but the blade bit only if you are not concerned with edges and are only taking out material.

#5 10-24-2003, 09:17 AM

Al, Dale & Sliver,
A brad point is a twist drill that like a forstner makes a fairly clean break out. Like I said they were cheap, set of 6 for $4 or 5. I tried a couple different sizes in a couple of other pieces of scrap last night and they just don't cut. Now they are in the bottom of my trash can. Problem solved. Thanks for the responses.
Ah Chip

AlArchie · #6 10-24-2003, 10:18 AM

That sounds like may have been the problem. There are fairly reasonble priced forsner sets for sale at Grizzley or around 60 bucks for hss and around 10 or 12 bucks more for tni coated. I picked up a set of the hss and have been really happy with them.

Al

Donna_T · #7 10-24-2003, 10:31 AM

This is almost a

script to the question, but if in doubt of what a drill bit will do to a carving, start with a much smaller bit than what I want the final hole to be--then work up to the size I really need. Also, unless it's a carving that the hole goes all the way through and I'm carving it 'in the round', I make sure I go in from the top visible side, and come out on the unseen side to reduce the effect of any breakout.

Guess it's kinda like wearing suspenders and a belt--if I had any confidence in one, I wouldn't be hedging my bets!
Donna T

#8 10-24-2003, 11:13 AM

Because of their extra deep design the Stubai veiners make perfect holes is basswood.

#9 11-01-2003, 10:43 PM

5 bucks for a six bit set? There's your problem. For a (small) decent set of bradpoints, expect to pay about three times that.