need a longer bit

[danpaddles]

I need to drill a pepper mill, last time I had a heck of a time getting two holes to meet in the middle. I know a welder that is willing to weld some extra rod on, to increase my depth of cut.

Can I just use 3/8 steel rod from the hardware? Or will the torque twist it off? Not sure where I can pick up drill bit rod on short notice.

I bought an extension at Rockler, but there is a huge amount of wobble with it. I could spend some time shimming the socket I suppose, but welding sounds like a better way to go.

thanks for your 2 cents!

 

[Ed McDonnell]

You using forstner bits? Are you drilling on the lathe?

If yes to both, if you go as far as you can with the bit alone and then start using your extension (assuming you bought a decent quality extension that matches the shank of your bit) the hole you've already drilled should stabilize things. Don't start out drilling with the extension.

Ed

May not be worth 2 cents, but what is these days?

 

[danpaddles]

Yup, forstner bits. I can use the lathe, or the DP; last time I used the drill press. Hey, I go either way! Good point about the hole evening things out, I had not thought about that. I recall using a handheld drill one time with a forstner bit, after starting the hole on the DP. Kinda the same idea, to let that bit define a path while it is well held.

I may just go forward with the welding anyway, it will give me even more depth.

 

[Ed McDonnell]

I think welding a shank extension on will give you a drill bit with a lot of runout. Maybe you know someone with a metal lathe to make you a custom extension that will fit better.

Ed

 

[buttonsHT]

I drill on my lathe with no extensions. I drill all the way through with either a letter V bit or whatever size i have longest. I then drill one end with my forstner. I flip the blank in my chuck, put my drill bit back in and insert that in the hole and tighten my chuck up. This seems to center my blank for me. This has worked for me 3-5 times now. Just my 2 cents.

 

[danpaddles]

might work too

Mark that might work too. I have a 3/16 bit that is 12 inches long, I could start with that. Just not sure the forestner will follow the hole, like a plain old bit would.

Part of my trouble last time, was registering on different surfaces, I have learned to either saw the blank true on every plane, or else, to at least mark which surfaces sit against my drill jig. It helps when everything is either parallel or perpendicular!

Now I have a fellow ready to help by welding for me- I think maybe he wants the pen I promised him! I wouldn't worry about it too much but I do not have a lot of blanks sitting around large enough for a pepper mill. One of those blanks is a gorgeous piece of tiger maple. Else, I would be less afraid of screwing up.

I drill on my lathe with no extensions. I drill all the way through with either a letter V bit or whatever size i have longest. I then drill one end with my forstner. I flip the blank in my chuck, put my drill bit back in and insert that in the hole and tighten my chuck up. This seems to center my blank for me. This has worked for me 3-5 times now. Just my 2 cents.