[sandman2869]

Thank you all for the great warnings/suggestions. I don't know why I spaced out putting some wood in the lathe, I'm a maroon. I may eveb decide to just build a base as was suggested.

I'm not so much a masochist, so no broken bones for me (knock on wood). Thank you all again and I will be sure to post some pictures when I get done.

 

[BillWhite]

3" spade bit? Been nice knowin' ya.
Bill

 

[TopamaxSurvivor]

If it hangs up boring a small block it will destroy the block. When using large wood boring bits, I always hold them so the drill will pull free of and way from me if it hangs up. Even small ones get a little dicey when they hit a 16d nail ;-)

 

[richgreer]

FWIW - I have a 3" Forstner bit that I use in my drill press.

When using it I always take an incremental approach. Securing clamp the stock in place. First use the 3" bit to only mark the outside of the circle. Then, switch to a 1" bit and drill, then 1.5", then 2", etc.

It's virtually impossible to drill a 3" hole in hardwood in a single pass.

Also, slow your drill press down as slow as possible. For me that is 220 r.p.m.

 

[shipwright]

The above described adjustable bit will work just fine if:
1) you use it in a hand brace as it was originally intended. or
2) drill a pilot hole the size of the large end of the feeder screw and use a drill press with the material well clamped.

It's not an optimal safety situation but I've used them often at large diameters and they're not scary if you plan ahead. The main point here is that the screw thread is there to draw the bit into the wood as you crank on your hand brace. It is not needed for that purpose when using power (and can hurt you).

 

[drewnahant]

if the intent is just to drill a large flat bottom hole, use a forstener bit. buy a set, they are cheaper that way, and I guarantee you will use them constantly. forsteners are safer, leave a smoother hole, and a flat, smooth bottom. for this type of project, and most shop work, get the type with a brad point instead of a screw point, those are really only good for construction drilling, I use a 1 1/2 for elecrical conduit all the time, I like it better than an auger. If you have a drill press, use it, for these big bits, it will really save your arms, and come out much better. I have used a 3" forstener with a cordless drill, it gets the job done, but it really benefits from the extra pressure a drill press gives.

 

[TopamaxSurvivor]

drewnahant, Why do you like it better than an auger for construction?

 

[Stormin]

We use Forstener bits also for conduit 1 1/4 and up. Some of our smaller guys seem to have a problem with larger auger bits and Millwalkie Hole Hogs.