Replies

1. 
   Quickstep | Dec 02, 2009 06:20am | #1

   Can you drill from both sides using the drill press? Alternatively, could you drill the first 3" on the drill press, stop the drill, raise the table, then drill the remaining 3"? Lastly, Drill the first 3" on the drill press to get the hole going straight, then finish up with the hand drill.

1. 
   tkarlmann | Dec 02, 2009 09:19am | #5

   I have one of those really long bits, so I could drill all from one side.  I'm concerned that the 2 sides are not parallell -- and the surface area of the part to rest flat on the DP is small.

2. 
   WillGeorge | Dec 02, 2009 06:23am | #2

   Not sure it will help but I use my self centering dowel thing to do that. I drill from both sides with a brad point bit.

   I make a marking stick to position the jig for the other side. Almost close usually! Actually very close.

3. 
   brucet9 | Dec 02, 2009 06:45am | #3

   Can you lower the table on your drill press? If so, perhaps you could drill to the 3" limit, place a longer bit of the same diameter in the hole, lower the table enough to clamp the bit into the chuck and finish the hole.

   BruceT
4. 
   roc | Dec 02, 2009 07:50am | #4

   I am with the other people here. These things will work. The one thing I have to add is this book

   http://www.amazon.com/Making-Woodwork-Devices-Robert-Wearing/dp/1861081294/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1259729037&sr=1-1

   has a technique using a center similar to a dowel center that you attach to your drill press table. Locate the drill bit directly above it and put the center punch mark for your hole or partially drilled hole on the center and drill on the opposite end.

   Maybe you could find the book at the library or inter library loan. Fascinating book in any case.

   See page 137 for "A Drilling Table Center ".

   PS: if you have a lathe you could do the same thing and even easier on your lathe. With such a small diameter bit you could hand hold the work. Any one else with a larger drill bit you may want to put a clamp on the work to keep if from spinning in your hand.

   To be clear drill bit in the headstock spinning and punch mark or partially drilled hole on the tail stock center. Feed by turning tail stock feed screw wheel.

   roc

   Give me six hours to chop down a tree and I will spend the first four sharpening the axe. Abraham Lincoln ( 54° shaves )

   Edited 12/1/2009 11:55 pm by roc <!-- ROC2013 -->

   Edited 12/1/2009 11:57 pm by roc <!-- ROC2013 -->

   
   

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   Edited 12/1/2009 11:59 pm by roc

5. 
   YesMaam27577 | Dec 02, 2009 04:53pm | #6

   Just a few thoughts and ramblings......

   A six inch deep hole, drilled with a 3/16 bit, sounds dicey to me. Done with a 1/4 bit is only a little better. My concern is that halfway through the material, the bit will wander a bit off of the desired path.

   If your drill press has 3-1/4 travel, and the drill press table is adjustable for height, then you can drill all the way through from one side. Start by drilling as deep as you can. Stop the motor, and carefully raise the table so that the bit is in the hole, not quite touching bottom. Carefully clamp the stock in place to avoid it spinning, and start the drill again. Continue in this manner till you're through to the other side.

   But once again, I worry about deflection. I'd probably build a jig that would position the workpiece the same from either side. Drill from the top, flip it over in the jig, and drill from the other side.

   I won't be laughing at the lies when I'm gone,
   And I can't question how or when or why when I'm gone;
   I can't live proud enough to die when I'm gone,
   So I guess I'll have to do it while I'm here. (Phil Ochs)