- Joined
- Jun 19, 2007
- Messages
- 2,964
I've been working on some bocote firesteels but I've had some problems with drilling the holes for the rods and the lanyard holes. I don't have a drill press so I have to do the drilling with a regular power drill. Besides being difficult to get the hole straight I've had a couple handles crack when drilling the lanyard holes.
Bocote is fairly hard so the bits are not clearing out as much material as they would on softer wood. I've had them crack while trying to use the drill to clear out all of the material in the hole, the bit sticks and cracks the handle.
Should I do a small pilot hole first and then increase the bit size?
Should I be drilling fast or slow?
My selection of power tools is limited now, but soon I'll be getting a little drill press and later a little band saw as well.
Thanks!
Bocote is fairly hard so the bits are not clearing out as much material as they would on softer wood. I've had them crack while trying to use the drill to clear out all of the material in the hole, the bit sticks and cracks the handle.
Should I do a small pilot hole first and then increase the bit size?
Should I be drilling fast or slow?
My selection of power tools is limited now, but soon I'll be getting a little drill press and later a little band saw as well.
Thanks!