Reamers

[drew1972]

I'm using a .250 drill bit to drill my holes for my pins but the pins are very tight and Crack the wood when I install them. What size reamer should I get so the pins go in easier but won't leave a glue line?

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[Greenberg Woods]

Always drill pin holes slightly oversized

 

[Tom Lewis]

Use a letter F drill for 1/4" holes and a # 30 drill for 1/8" holes.

 

[Kevin McGovern]

Letter F. It has made my life easier.

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[TRfromMT]

Letter F. But if your heart is set on a reamer, get one that is .003 to .005 over.

 

[Nathan the Machinist]

I use a .2535 carbide ream. This closes up to ~.251 in wood and micarta (if your setup has low runout).

 

[drew1972]

Thanks guys

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[C_Claycomb]

or just go metric, drill 6.5mm for 1/4 (6.35mm) pins. Maybe in the US its easier to get good letter drills, but in the UK the range is poor but by switching between metric and imperial as the need arises you have pretty good options. I drill also use 3.2mm drills for 1/8th (3.175mm) pins.