Blank Drilling Question

[ncboyntx]

Brand new at this as you can tell...Is it better to drill the blank before cutting it in half or drill after cutting in half?

Thanks.

 

[wdcav1952]

Cut it in half, and drill each blank starting at the center. Most drill presses do not have enough travel to drill an entire blank. Also, you would have much greater tendency get off center trying to drill a 5 inch blank all at once.

FWIW,

 

[ccarse]

I agree with Will, cut then drill.

 

[ncboyntx]

Thanks William. I thought cutting in half was correct but I had seen pictures where it looked like the whole blank was being drilled.

 

[knottyharry]

Don,
Before you cut the blank in half, take a marker and draw a line on it with arrows at each end of the line.
This will help with alignment of the grain as you go.
Harry