Tips for Best Practices in Drilling
Posted On April 20, 2012
Think of drilling like threading a needle; it’s sometimes a lot harder than you would think. Based off of a Start Woodworking article by Ernie Conover, here are the 7 best practices for safe and effective drilling.
- Identify and mark the center of the drill hole.
- Place a sacrificial scrap of wood underneath the work piece to prevent tearout.
- Stop and brush away wood chips frequently while drilling.
- For perpendicular holes, apply a drill press or use two squares to assure the drill is parallel.
- For angled holes, use a shop-made jig (a block crosscut and with a drill hole in the center).
- For stepped holes, drill the holes with the biggest diameter first.
- Employ a locking color or other drill stop for holes that require it.
Woodworkers in Kansas City can count on Schutte Lumber to not only have all the drill supplies, products and lumber they need but also an experienced staff that is readily available for woodworking advice and guidance. Call us with your product or woodworking questions at 888-470-4181.
Photo via Born1945