Chair Making Bit

Doc | Posted in Power Tools and Machinery on February 7, 2004 08:07am

I’m curious where I can get ahold of a conical drill bit used in chair making. I’ve heard them called “spoon” bits, but not sure if that is correct. They are conical or tapered, and used for shaping the angled holes on the underside of the chair seat where the legs insert. Hope this is an adequate description. I see them shown in books and magazines, but haven’t had any luck finding them. Woodcraft said they used to carry them, but no longer. Any help would be appreciated. Thanks.

Replies

10fingers | Feb 07, 2004 08:11pm | #1
Check out Highland Hardware in Georgia. I believe they still carry them. The store is really a nice place to visit also.
jazzdogg | Feb 07, 2004 08:59pm | #2
Doc,

The profile of a spoonbit is critical for optimal performance. The best are available from Fred Emhof at Wharton Valley Chairworks. RR#1 Box 124, Burlington Flats, NY 13315. Telephone (607) 965-8240.

They are costly, but worth it. It's easy to ruin them by sharpening incorrectly, so be extra careful.

Good luck,
Paul

Whether you think you can, or you think you can't, you're right.
TomS | Feb 08, 2004 12:22am | #3
http://www.windsorchairresources.com/tools.html

Take a look here and see if you can find what you need.

Both Woodcraft and Highland carry spoon bits. If you need a taper reamer, I think Highland carries that as well.

Tom
jako17 | Feb 08, 2004 01:01am | #4
Jazzdog is right get them from Fred Emhoff. Clico in the UK make them as well and a bit less expensive.However I have found that they are rather brittle .Fred's reamer is also easier to use as it has the cutting edge with more support behind it, therefore centreing the taper better.It is also possible to build chairs not using spoon bits.I have built several ladder backs using other types of bit.Also windsors using spoon bits.
Floss | Feb 09, 2004 01:23am | #5
I have the tapered reamer, bit for making tapered holes, from Fred Emhof, and it works very well. I also have a set of spoonbits that he makes and they are beauties as well. I think Fred was an ex-machinist so his bits, compared to Highland Hardware, are finely crafted,sharp and ready to go right out of the box. You can call and talk to him,(607) 965-8420, but beware that he can really chew the fat. When I ordered my bits he talked to me for around forty five minutes after taking my order. He is very personable and makes a great product.

J.P.

Edited 2/8/2004 5:26:36 PM ET by j.p.