Replies

1. 
   jackplane | Sep 30, 2004 10:39pm | #1

   A double- fluted brad point bit, either HSS or carbide would be my choice. It needn't be 10-12" long if you use an extention piece. The twin flutes help eject wood chips, keeping the bit cooler so it lasts longer.

   Avoid the cheaper spade bit because they're made cheaply and often don't spin true.

   
   

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   Edited 9/30/2004 3:41 pm ET by JACKPLANE

2. 
   RickL | Oct 08, 2004 02:59pm | #2

   I've  been buying the saw tooth forstner bits Lee Valley sell for this application. In our timber framing company we've drilled holes up to 11' long...with an extension and from both sides of course.We can do 4-1/2' one way pretty easily and relatively accurately with a cobbled up horizontal drill.  Forstner bits are known for being more able to follow a straight line whereas other types of bits have a tendency to follow the grain.

3. 
   nikkiwood | Oct 09, 2004 08:55am | #3

   I too would vote for a forstner bit.

4. 
   UncleDunc | Oct 09, 2004 11:52am | #4

   It might be easier to rip yur stock in half, cut grooves with a router, and glue it back together.

5. 
   RickL | Oct 09, 2004 04:08pm | #5

   Lee Valley is your best source for quality affordable bits.

   Saw tooth forstner! High Speed steel and make sure you clamp the piece down and use a slow rpm around 200 to get a feel for it. Less chance of burning up the bit.

   Pic is drilling a 9' cedar log so 10" is a piee of cake.

   
1. 
   mudman | Oct 11, 2004 11:24am | #6

   Wow, thats a drill!

   Mikeplease excuse my spelling.

2. 
   KeithNewton | Oct 11, 2004 04:22pm | #7

   Rick, What are you going to use that log for after you drill it out?

   My initial guess would have been a totem pole, but the log seems too small.

1. 
   RickL | Oct 11, 2004 05:42pm | #8

   The company I work for does a lot of unusal timber framing and this project used logs for the uprights. Threaded rods go through the log to secure the structure to the foundation and secure the roof  to the whole structure.

1. 
   KeithNewton | Oct 11, 2004 05:58pm | #9

   Wow! So are you saying that you drill all of the way through? How long does it take to drill through? How many times do you have to pull out to clear the chips?

   It sounds like you are trying to make them hurricane proof.