How do you keep handles from cracking?

[jaegar]

I was working on a knife for a friend and when I went to drill a 5/16" hole in the oak handle, it chipped the wood. I have to re make the entire handle now, because the chip is so large.
I wanted to know how you guys keep wood handles from chipping when you drill it.

Also, do you drill both slabs at the same time using the blade as a template, or do you do one at a time??

Thanks for the help!

~Brian

 

[ddavelarsen]

I do one scale at a time, clamp or superglue it in place and drill. I use a plywood base to drill into to support the bit when it comes through. Go slow when you can feel the bit begin to come out the other side.

 

[Anthony Chaney]

Masking tape will work wonders to keep the wood from chipping. Just place a piece of tape on your scales, mark where you want your hole and drill. also, like Dave said, make sure you have a good support to drill on.

 

[galadduin]

Make sure your drill is sharp & straight also... (also a drill press would be useful for precision -i saw your other thread )

 

[Ripper]

All good advice above; also, spur point or bullet pilot point
bits will help a lot to prevent cracking out the hole.
Regards,
Greg

 

[twisted bits]

I use a backup/waste piece of stock on the bottom/back side of the piece I am drilling so when the bit comes thru it's still cutting something else and won't chip. I also use bullet point bits, or work up thru several sized HSS bits, use sharp bits and plunge gentily at the end.

 

[gator68]

Oak is pretty "chippy". You should use sharp tools on it. And back up the hole when you drill. You might try a different kind of wood.