Originally posted by woodscavenger
<br />...I would also be sure to have something up against the bottom of the blank. Of all of the blanks lost while drilling the majority were large blanks with less than 3mm to go. Those large bits will catch an edge as it exits the bottom of the blank and KABOOM...
Shane made a good point and one I forgot to comment on. To prevent a blow-out, you might think about trying the following......or maybe someone has another idea?? When you get close to exiting the blank, stop!!! Reverse the blank and drill a small...maybe 1/4" hole from the other end. Then using:
1. a rat tail file or
2. a Dremel tool with a fine wood rasping cutting tool or
3. a piece of sandpaper wrapped around a nail(head removed) and chucked in a cordless drill or
4. whatever else you can come up with,
gradually open up the other end of your bore to the diameter of the brass tube. This will be a little tedious and you will have to be careful; but i think you could get an accurate opening without the danger of blowing out the blank. Going to this extreme may not be necessary if you have cut the blank "long" as many like to do.
Again, BEST of luck and let us know what you decide to do and how it turns out!!
P.S. And as Ron mentioned, do be sure you have a sharp drill bit. If you don't have one, you might want to invest in a Drill Doctor. One of the best investments I've ever made in shop tools!!! They are a little pricey at retail; but you can get some good deals on eBay and maybe Amazon dot com.