LumberJocks Woodworking Forum banner

finding center

2K views 20 replies 10 participants last post by  Karda 
#1 · (Edited by Moderator)
I am making a tool handle and want to drill it with my drill press so I can get a straight hole but my handle is to long to fit on the table. I can swing the drill out but how do I stabilize the blank and keep it straight while I drill thanks Mike
 
#4 · (Edited by Moderator)
If you can re-chuck the handle using the tail stock to help center it. Remove the tail stock after tightening the chuck. Use a drill to hold the bit for the size hole needed chucked into a regular drill. Turn on the lathe, and bring up the bit to the center of your spindle/handle, and apply some pressure making sure the bit doesn't wander. After you have drilled deep enough to get past the point on the bit, apply harder pressure until you reach the depth you need. Do not plug the drill into any outlets, nor insert a battery if you have cordless. ................ Jerry (in Tucson)
 
#10 · (Edited by Moderator)
What size hole?

If lathe bed is to short for regular bits, might want to investigate stubby drill bits?
- Can buy set of stubby auger bits from HF that are only 4" long for $12. Irwn sets a more expensive stubby set.

- > 1/2" drill sizes are available in stubby lengths with 1/4 shanks for battery powered screw drivers from places like the BORG.
https://www.homedepot.com/p/Milescraft-Wood-Stubby-Bit-Set-with-1-4-in-Hex-Shaft-6-Piece-2300/202241687?

Another option is use 'spot' drill or 'center' drill bits. They are made typically for metal machining, but work on wood and very short. Center drills are used on metal lathes to mark perfect center for next operation.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Drill_bit#Center_and_spotting_drill_bits

There's always the *********************************** shorty too; cut the shaft off shorter. Works well on spade bits. Drill bit shafts are not usually hardened like tips, so hack saw cuts them off easily.

Best Luck.
 
#11 · (Edited by Moderator)
I ll try that but not sure my chuck is big enough it is a Nova G3 with 50 MM jaws

- Karda
mike, the G3 closes to 1 11/16", and compression size fully open is 2 5/16". I hope you are not making a handle too large for the jaws. Hail, you had to have chucked it to turn it. Maybe you should have said, "I ll try that but not sure my chuck is small enough it is a Nova G3 with 50 MM jaws". ............. Jerry (in Tucson)
 
#13 ·
You might try a real cheap fast trick. Use a Forstner bit the same size as your handle. Don't drill all the way thru a piece of 2×4, maybe half way. Then run a drill bit the size your wanting thru the center. Flip it over, slip it onto the handle and drill your hole. You'll be centered and squared.
 
This is an older thread, you may not receive a response, and could be reviving an old thread. Please consider creating a new thread.
Top