Replies

1. 
   JohnWW | Jan 29, 2008 04:06am | #1

   Buy one of the long drill bits that are used by electricians and telephone installers to drill through walls to run small wires. Get one at least a foot long and 3/8" in diameter if you can. A smaller diameter bit will work and be less expensive, but it will be more flexible which can make taking measurements a bit harder.

   Only the first few inches of the drill will have flutes, the rest will be smooth and will be machined straight enough to serve as a test rod. When you use the bit to test with, mount it so the fluted part sticks through the table and make your measurements against the area above the flutes.

   To preserve the bit's accuracy, treat it gently, don't drop it, or ever use it to actually drill with, and make sure the drills chuck is clean so that you don't burr up the shaft.

   John White

2. 
   saschafer | Jan 29, 2008 07:26am | #2

   You can get drill blanks from Small Parts. Their web site kind of sucks (they really ought to hire some professionals to redo it...), but the products they sell are top quality.

   -Steve