I want to drill several 3/4" holes for bench dogs in a laminated workbench
top (prior to assembly) that will be 3 inches thick. My preferred approach
would be my drill press with a 3/4" Forstner bit. The bits I have will
barely hand 2 1/2" depth. I need suggestions for the deeper hole. Right
now, I'm looking at buying a good old fashioned Brace and bit. I'm sure
some will suggest drilling part way, than flipping over and drilling from
the other side. I don't feel that's a very precise operation, but if you
have a technique to do it, I am all ears.
Bob
In article <[email protected]>,
Bob <[email protected]> wrote:
>I want to drill several 3/4" holes for bench dogs in a laminated workbench
>top (prior to assembly) that will be 3 inches thick. My preferred approach
>would be my drill press with a 3/4" Forstner bit. The bits I have will
>barely hand 2 1/2" depth. I need suggestions for the deeper hole. Right
>now, I'm looking at buying a good old fashioned Brace and bit. I'm sure
>some will suggest drilling part way, than flipping over and drilling from
>the other side. I don't feel that's a very precise operation, but if you
>have a technique to do it, I am all ears.
Well, I just got the new MLCS catalog. In it is an 'extender' for Forstner
bits. gives another 3" of shaft length. Crowbar not needed for the wallet,
they're all of $8.95 qty 1, ($6.95 ea, for 2 or more) item # 9270.
"Spoefish" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
> Pondered on how to get it up onto my dril press table, then realized
> that I could work on the floor instead. Put a 2 x 6 under each end of
> the bench top (clamped to the top) so it would clear the base of the
> drill press (I used a nice old Delta Homecraft benchtop I have, but
> could have done the same with my floor mounted drill press - in either
> case you will have to take the table off, and lower the head down
> close to the floor).
That sounds like a good approach, except I can't figure out how to lower the
head on my Jet Floor model drill press. I don't think its possible on many
drill presses. My benchtop is assembled in pieces so I don't have to get the
whole thing up on the drill press. My plan is to set it on the table with
side supporting stands (Probably my Rockler roller bearing stands). I was
please to hear that someone had used the brad point drill bit. I just bought
one.
Bob
I used a 3/4" Auger bit (fairly inexpensive at Lowes) in a 1/2" Hand held
drill. Worked great, but requires pretty firm control, since the bit is so
aggressive. (Bench top was about 3" thick, laminated MDF) The lead screw tends
to help drive a pretty straight hole, and chip out on the bottom was minimal.
Once again - this is a VERY aggressive bit, so slow drilling speed is needed,
along with a frim grip on the drill!
Ron
>
>I want to drill several 3/4" holes for bench dogs in a laminated workbench
>top (prior to assembly) that will be 3 inches thick. My preferred approach
>would be my drill press with a 3/4" Forstner bit. The bits I have will
>barely hand 2 1/2" depth. I need suggestions for the deeper hole. Right
>now, I'm looking at buying a good old fashioned Brace and bit. I'm sure
>some will suggest drilling part way, than flipping over and drilling from
>the other side. I don't feel that's a very precise operation, but if you
>have a technique to do it, I am all ears.
>
>Bob
>
>
Check out the Forstner bits from Connecticut Valley Manufacturing (CONVALCO).
The original manufacturer. Expensive, but better. Also longer.
John Martin
"JMartin957" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
> Check out the Forstner bits from Connecticut Valley Manufacturing
(CONVALCO).
> The original manufacturer. Expensive, but better. Also longer.
Excellent suggestion, John. It looks like they could handle a 4" deep cut.
Bob
Bob wrote:
> I want to drill several 3/4" holes for bench dogs in a laminated workbench
> top (prior to assembly) that will be 3 inches thick. My preferred approach
> would be my drill press with a 3/4" Forstner bit. The bits I have will
> barely hand 2 1/2" depth. I need suggestions for the deeper hole. Right
> now, I'm looking at buying a good old fashioned Brace and bit.
I'd create the 2 1/2 holes with your forstener, the
continue with a 3/4" auger in a brace. The brace and auger
should be obtinable "for cheap" at any flea market
or yard sale. Make sure the auger is in good shape.
The "normal" trick for high quality work with a brace
auger is to drill until the lead screw comes out on
the far side, and then re-enter the lead into this hole
from the other side.
In this way the "face" is cut cleanly but the nickers
at the edge of the auger, eliminating tearing
or splitting.
BugBear
"Bob" <[email protected]> wrote in message news:<[email protected]>...
>
> Right now, I'm looking at buying a good old fashioned Brace and bit.
That's what I did. You might be surprised at how easy and satisfying
it is. The one I used belonged to my father.
Dick Durbin
On Sat, 25 Sep 2004 11:10:59 GMT, "Bob" <[email protected]>
wrote:
>I want to drill several 3/4" holes for bench dogs in a laminated workbench
>top (prior to assembly) that will be 3 inches thick. My preferred approach
>would be my drill press with a 3/4" Forstner bit. The bits I have will
>barely hand 2 1/2" depth. I need suggestions for the deeper hole. Right
>now, I'm looking at buying a good old fashioned Brace and bit. I'm sure
>some will suggest drilling part way, than flipping over and drilling from
>the other side. I don't feel that's a very precise operation, but if you
>have a technique to do it, I am all ears.
>
>Bob
>
A drill guide with your corded hand drill and a spade bit. Clamp the
drill guide to the bench. Every inch or so, clean out the hole with a
shop vac hose. A new spade bit is inexpensive and sharp.
"Mike" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
> I think that should work fine. Good luck and please let us know how
> the bench turns out.
Thanks, Mike. One of the things I have learned in my short experience as a
woodworker is that there are usually at least two good ways to accomplish a
goal and perhaps one of those can be done without buying another tool.
Unfortunately, getting by without buying something rarely happens.
Bob
On Thu, 30 Sep 2004 01:13:14 -0400, "Upscale" <[email protected]>
wrote:
>
>"Mike" <[email protected]> wrote in message
>> rectangular bench dogs where making the dog holes is simply a matter
>> of routering (or dadoing) some slots into one of the boards before
>> gluing up the top. I chose that route for my bench but I don't think
>> there's any huge advantage to either approach over the other.
>
>There's always advantages and disadvantages to different types. A round
>bench dog will turn in it's slot to flatly face whatever is pressed against
>it. Square ones can't do that and maybe slightly more likely to leave an
>impression on the wood butted up against it. I'm sure there's some
>advantages to square dogs over round ones, but can't think of any right this
>moment.
>
I sort of compromised on my dogs.. some are just 3/4 dowels with
expanded tops, some are 2x1" stock with 3/4 turned bases and I have 2
of those HF iron clamping pegs... all part of my "try everything and
learn" system.. *g*
Mac
"Lew Hodgett" <[email protected]> wrote in message news:<[email protected]>...
> Bob writes:
> > I want to drill several 3/4" holes for bench dogs in a laminated workbench
> > top (prior to assembly) that will be 3 inches thick.
> <snip>
>
> A brace and a ships auger.
>
> Lew
Hi, Lew.
what, if any, is the difference between a ships auger and any other
kind of auger? I found pictures of ship auger bits on EBay, the spiral
part (flute?) looks thicker along the bits cutting axis than some
others I've seen, is that the only difference? How about the tool that
drives it, the shank looks hexagonal. Will it fit in a brace and bit?
Tia.
I was going to suggest the extension but I think I would try the drill from
both sides approach.
If you use a forsner bit in a drill press you can insure a 90 degree hole
relative to the surface. Try using a small regular drill bit that will go
all they way through. Let that hole be your index point to start both top
and bottom holes. Test on a scrap..
Or Go as deep as you can with the forstner bit and finish the last half inch
with a new and decent quality spade bit. Those bits tend to be long enough
and when the point starts to come through the bottom, finish from the bottom
side to reduce tear out.
"Bob" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
>I want to drill several 3/4" holes for bench dogs in a laminated workbench
> top (prior to assembly) that will be 3 inches thick. My preferred
> approach
> would be my drill press with a 3/4" Forstner bit. The bits I have will
> barely hand 2 1/2" depth. I need suggestions for the deeper hole. Right
> now, I'm looking at buying a good old fashioned Brace and bit. I'm sure
> some will suggest drilling part way, than flipping over and drilling from
> the other side. I don't feel that's a very precise operation, but if you
> have a technique to do it, I am all ears.
>
> Bob
>
>
I recently made a bench and did the same thing - 3/4" dog holes. I used the
following drill guide:
http://www.leevalley.com/wood/page.asp?page=42322&category=1,180,42311,42321&abspage=1&ccurrency=1&SID=
It's a bit pricey, but it was the only option for me to get the holes in the
middle part of my bench (I made 4 rows of dog holes to use with the Veritas
twin-screw vise). It worked extremely well. I used it in conjunction with
a 3/4" auger bit after starting the holes with a 3/4" forstner bit. It
wasn't really that tough.
Mike
"Bob" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
>I want to drill several 3/4" holes for bench dogs in a laminated workbench
> top (prior to assembly) that will be 3 inches thick. My preferred
> approach
> would be my drill press with a 3/4" Forstner bit. The bits I have will
> barely hand 2 1/2" depth. I need suggestions for the deeper hole. Right
> now, I'm looking at buying a good old fashioned Brace and bit. I'm sure
> some will suggest drilling part way, than flipping over and drilling from
> the other side. I don't feel that's a very precise operation, but if you
> have a technique to do it, I am all ears.
>
> Bob
>
>
"Rkola" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
> I used a 3/4" Auger bit (fairly inexpensive at Lowes) in a 1/2" Hand held
> drill. Worked great, but requires pretty firm control, since the bit is so
> aggressive.
Well, I've gotten several good answers, including yours. So I ambled down
to my favorite woodworking store to have a look at all the offerings and
talk it over them, as well. I am assembling the benchtop in sections, so a
drill press is a viable driver and certainly my preferred approach for
accuracy. They had an option that I did not see mentioned here. Its a 3/4"
precision brad point drill bit with 1/2" shank. It will drill to a depth of
6 1/2". I decided to give it a go. It was $18.00. I'll let you guys know
how it works out.
Bob
Actually a drill press can be pretty handy for this - I did the dog
holes on a 2' x 6' x 2 3/4" maple top I picked up a while back.
Pondered on how to get it up onto my dril press table, then realized
that I could work on the floor instead. Put a 2 x 6 under each end of
the bench top (clamped to the top) so it would clear the base of the
drill press (I used a nice old Delta Homecraft benchtop I have, but
could have done the same with my floor mounted drill press - in either
case you will have to take the table off, and lower the head down
close to the floor). I used a 3/4" brad point drill and got nice
clean holes (I did back them up with a board to prevent tear out when
the drill came through). Just kept sliding the bench top along and
getting each hole centered - the weight of the top kept it from moving
once I started drilling. If you could not drill deep enough, the hole
you have started will serve as a guide to finishing it with a brace
and auger bit - again, you will need to back up the hole to prevent
tear out. In any case bringing the drill press to the work this way
provided a good solution - not too obvious to me at first, but once
the light went on, I think there are other places where it will be
helpful.
Stephen
"bugbear" <bugbear@trim_papermule_trim.co.uk> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
> I'd create the 2 1/2 holes with your forstener, the
> continue with a 3/4" auger in a brace. The brace and auger
> should be obtinable "for cheap" at any flea market
> or yard sale. Make sure the auger is in good shape.
I never thought about buying one at a flea market. In fact I've never
shopped there before. We have a huge flea market in my area. I think I'll
head there this weekend and see what I can find.
Bob
bugbear <bugbear@trim_papermule_trim.co.uk> wrote in message news:<[email protected]>...
> Bob wrote:
> > I want to drill several 3/4" holes for bench dogs in a laminated workbench
> > top (prior to assembly) that will be 3 inches thick. My preferred approach
> > would be my drill press with a 3/4" Forstner bit. The bits I have will
> > barely hand 2 1/2" depth. I need suggestions for the deeper hole. Right
> > now, I'm looking at buying a good old fashioned Brace and bit.
>
> I'd create the 2 1/2 holes with your forstener, the
> continue with a 3/4" auger in a brace. The brace and auger
> should be obtinable "for cheap" at any flea market
> or yard sale. Make sure the auger is in good shape.
Maybe I'm missing something here but why the insistence on using a
Forstner bit on a through hole? Why not just use an auger bit (manual
or powered) for the entire length of the hole? Maybe clamp a piece of
scrap on the other side to minimize blowout or BugBear's
suggestion....
> The "normal" trick for high quality work with a brace
> auger is to drill until the lead screw comes out on
> the far side, and then re-enter the lead into this hole
> from the other side.
To make things easier, a bit gauge or piece of tape wrapped around the
auger bit can be used so you know when to stop boring.
> In this way the "face" is cut cleanly but the nickers
> at the edge of the auger, eliminating tearing
> or splitting.
>
> BugBear
Cheers,
Mike
"Bob" <[email protected]> wrote in message news:<[email protected]>...
> "Mike" <[email protected]> wrote in message
> news:[email protected]...
>
> > Maybe I'm missing something here but why the insistence on using a
> > Forstner bit on a through hole?
>
> Insistence?
I didn't mean it particularly to you Bob. I was just wondering why
most of the follow-ups provided ways to bore a deeper hole with a
Forstner rather than suggesting that you can accomplish the task with
a plain ole' auger bit (or brad point bit as you describe below).
Since many of the posters are more experienced wooddorkers than
myself, I thought that I might have not understood the problem
correctly, hence the preface clause in my question above.
> I'm open to all kinds of suggestions. I just happened to have
> Forstner bit and was familiar with its high quality cuts using a drill
> press. Auger bit was suggested several times and its a good idea. I
> happened to find a 3/4" brad drill bit and decided to use that.
I think that should work fine. Good luck and please let us know how
the bench turns out.
Cheers,
Mike
"Bob" <[email protected]> wrote in message news:<[email protected]>...
> "Mike" <[email protected]> wrote in message
> news:[email protected]...
>
> > I think that should work fine. Good luck and please let us know how
> > the bench turns out.
>
> Thanks, Mike. One of the things I have learned in my short experience as a
> woodworker is that there are usually at least two good ways to accomplish a
> goal and perhaps one of those can be done without buying another tool.
> Unfortunately, getting by without buying something rarely happens.
>
> Bob
Regarding "at least two good ways to accomplish a goal": Just to
throw another monkey wrench into the works, you can always opt for
rectangular bench dogs where making the dog holes is simply a matter
of routering (or dadoing) some slots into one of the boards before
gluing up the top. I chose that route for my bench but I don't think
there's any huge advantage to either approach over the other.
Cheers,
Mike
"Mike" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
> Maybe I'm missing something here but why the insistence on using a
> Forstner bit on a through hole?
Insistence? I'm open to all kinds of suggestions. I just happened to have
Forstner bit and was familiar with its high quality cuts using a drill
press. Auger bit was suggested several times and its a good idea. I
happened to find a 3/4" brad drill bit and decided to use that.
Bob
On Wed, 29 Sep 2004 18:58:10 GMT, "Bob" <[email protected]>
wrote:
>
>"Mike" <[email protected]> wrote in message
>news:[email protected]...
>
>> I think that should work fine. Good luck and please let us know how
>> the bench turns out.
>
>Thanks, Mike. One of the things I have learned in my short experience as a
>woodworker is that there are usually at least two good ways to accomplish a
>goal and perhaps one of those can be done without buying another tool.
>Unfortunately, getting by without buying something rarely happens.
>
>Bob
>
I can see the "point" of the forstner...
I used a 3/4 spade bit, but if the top layer of my bench was hardboard
instead of particle board I would of (after reading this thread) done
the holes about 1/2 deep with the forstner and finished them with the
spade...
more for appearance, I think... forstner holes look so pretty..
Mac
Bob wrote:
> "Bob" <[email protected]> wrote in message
> news:[email protected]...
>
>>I want to drill several 3/4" holes for bench dogs in a laminated workbench
>>top (prior to assembly) that will be 3 inches thick.
>
>
> Right after posting this message, I discovered Forstner bit extensions.
> They are expensive ($29 each). Does anyone have any experience with these?
> I am little skeptical of the two allen screws used to hold the Forstner bit
> in place in the extension.
>
> Bob
>
I have one. Used it to drill 1" holes into a laminate of oak, walnut,
and purple heart. Worked fine. Not sure about the allen screws in a
hard use environment though.
mahalo,
jo4hn
On Sat, 25 Sep 2004 11:10:59 GMT, "Bob" <[email protected]>
wrote:
>I want to drill several 3/4" holes for bench dogs in a laminated workbench
>top (prior to assembly) that will be 3 inches thick. My preferred approach
>would be my drill press with a 3/4" Forstner bit. The bits I have will
>barely hand 2 1/2" depth. I need suggestions for the deeper hole. Right
>now, I'm looking at buying a good old fashioned Brace and bit. I'm sure
>some will suggest drilling part way, than flipping over and drilling from
>the other side. I don't feel that's a very precise operation, but if you
>have a technique to do it, I am all ears.
>
>Bob
>
I'm sure that you'll get more knowledgeable answers, but I ended up
using an Irwin 3/4" spade bit on my bench..
My neighborhood mentor said that forstner bits were for drilling
shallow, flat bottom holes... and I was drilling hole through 3 1/2 of
plywood and particle board, which I'd rather not use my good bits
for..
also, my forstner bits are very short (aka cheap) and the spade bits
come in several sizes, up to about 18"...
I bought 3 because I knew I'd chew them up drilling all those holes...
needed 2..
Mac
I have to shim the benchtop Delta table to get to 90°, too much slop
in the hole for the pin.
On Sat, 25 Sep 2004 14:11:17 GMT, "Leon"
<[email protected]> wrote:
>If you use a forsner bit in a drill press you can insure a 90 degree hole
>relative to the surface.
"Mike" <[email protected]> wrote in message
> rectangular bench dogs where making the dog holes is simply a matter
> of routering (or dadoing) some slots into one of the boards before
> gluing up the top. I chose that route for my bench but I don't think
> there's any huge advantage to either approach over the other.
There's always advantages and disadvantages to different types. A round
bench dog will turn in it's slot to flatly face whatever is pressed against
it. Square ones can't do that and maybe slightly more likely to leave an
impression on the wood butted up against it. I'm sure there's some
advantages to square dogs over round ones, but can't think of any right this
moment.
I have some Woodeater bits from HD or L.
They have a powerful leadscrew and a cutting face much like an wuger bit.
I'd start with the Forstner or brad point and then use the Woodeater. They
cut well and pull themselves along. Actually, they pull so well you usually
can't back up, so go all the way in one cut and then take ite shank out of
the chuck. I used them for the holes fo relectric wire and pipes in my
house. The only trouble is that hitting a nail costs $6!
Wilson
"Bob" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
> I want to drill several 3/4" holes for bench dogs in a laminated workbench
> top (prior to assembly) that will be 3 inches thick. My preferred
approach
> would be my drill press with a 3/4" Forstner bit. The bits I have will
> barely hand 2 1/2" depth. I need suggestions for the deeper hole. Right
> now, I'm looking at buying a good old fashioned Brace and bit. I'm sure
> some will suggest drilling part way, than flipping over and drilling from
> the other side. I don't feel that's a very precise operation, but if you
> have a technique to do it, I am all ears.
>
> Bob
>
>
"Bob" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
> I want to drill several 3/4" holes for bench dogs in a laminated workbench
> top (prior to assembly) that will be 3 inches thick.
Right after posting this message, I discovered Forstner bit extensions.
They are expensive ($29 each). Does anyone have any experience with these?
I am little skeptical of the two allen screws used to hold the Forstner bit
in place in the extension.
Bob
In article <[email protected]>,
Bob <[email protected]> wrote:
>I want to drill several 3/4" holes for bench dogs in a laminated workbench
>top (prior to assembly) that will be 3 inches thick. My preferred approach
>would be my drill press with a 3/4" Forstner bit. The bits I have will
>barely hand 2 1/2" depth. I need suggestions for the deeper hole. Right
>now, I'm looking at buying a good old fashioned Brace and bit. I'm sure
>some will suggest drilling part way, than flipping over and drilling from
>the other side. I don't feel that's a very precise operation, but if you
>have a technique to do it, I am all ears.
>
>Bob
>
>
You should be able to put an extension on a 3/4" Forstner without
much trouble. Or, you could drill to your maximum depth with the
forstner and finish up with a spade bit.
--
Larry Wasserman Baltimore, Maryland
[email protected]