Hoping some one could tell me about brace bits. I would like to get a good old Brace and wood bits. Check out the pic. not sure what they are called Center Bits?-Spur Bits? Has anyone used bits like this- Do they still make them? Do they dill a nice hole?
Thanks
Ron
Replies
Ron,
I use center bits all the time and they are great for drilling shallow holes. For deeper holes you want a twist auger like a Jennings for straighter holes or a spoon, nose auger or gouge bit for pegs and dowels. The advantage of center bits is that you can change drilling angles as you drill, this can also be a disadvantage as it is easy to drill a crooked hole.
The center point engages the wood and as the brace is twisted the spur scores the wood and the angled cutting edge excavates the hole. Chip removal is manual so it can be slow going. The entry hole is always clean. The pivot makes a nice hole on the underside for reverse drilling but with a backer board of scrap makes a clean exit hole as well.
I do not know if anyone is making them, I doubt it but you can occasionally find them at flea markets, antique stores and even pawn shops.
Stephen Shepherd
http://www.ilovewood.com
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