Drilling hidden tang handles

John Katt

John Katt

Joined
Mar 19, 2012
Messages
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I'm sure this idea has been thought of before, but I figured I would put it up anyway, The last hidden tang I did I struggled Just like a lot of people here struggle getting the hole drilled, So it occurred to me I should be able to modify a 6 inch bit to act more like a paddle bit, all I needed to do was reshape the sides so it would work like a bit you would use in a mill that will cut sideways, Then I reduced the shaft size so the only thing that cuts is the tip

So anyway here are some pictures, this thing works like a dream, Especially after I grew a pair and cranked my drill press up to about 3/4 speed





 
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lets see if this posts the right attachment.

I ordered a custom HSS four flute end mill with an 8" shank a few years ago for milling out micarta.

Tool makers are good people. This custom bit was cut and ground in a few days and shipped for about $40 total.
 
I looked and looked for something like that off the shelf, It never occured to me to have something custom made, I think im having a little bit of bit envy ;0)
 
That looks pretty good, but when you wear that one out, consider using a bigger bit. I find having a large pocket of high-quality G-Flex epoxy around my tang saves me time so that I'm not fighting the hole. I know the tendency to want to have more wood in your handle, but it really isn't necessary for more strength in my opinion.
 
bigger would have been better, enco has really good prices on these 6 inch bits i'll probably get several sizes
 
If anybody is interested I have a bunch of 1/4" diameter solid carbide endmills left over from a job a long time ago. They have a normal flute length but the overall length is 6". I'll bet they would work for this, and being carbide they're much stiffer than steel. I'd be glad to get out of them what I have in them, it would be less than the number mentioned for the custom endmills above. If there's interest I'll start a sale thread in the appropriate place.
 
Okay, I posted some new old-stock long 1/4" carbide endmills in the sales forum that you guys might be able to use. I'm giving these away at cost.
 
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