Hole Drilling

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pd417
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Hole Drilling

Post by pd417 »

I've seen this topic asked before, but I can't find a definitive answer.

I'm working on a picture frame project where the work piece needs to be cut on both sides.
Because of that, after I cut one side, I need to flip it and do the other.
For that, I'll drill two holes in my spoil board and place a 3/8" dowel in each, then drill two holes
in my work piece so it's correctly aligned.

In VCarve, added the holes and used a 1/4" UC EM to create the 3/8" hole,
but it left a core. I could use a 1/4" twist drill, but the
hole is too small and that size dowel is not sturdy enough.
I have a 3/8" forstner bit with a 1/4" shank, but I don't feel
comfortable using it in my router.

So, how can I drill or cut a clean 3/8" hole?

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mtylerfl
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Re: Hole Drilling

Post by mtylerfl »

Don't use the "Drill function" for that. Make the hole a Pocket cut (inside a 3/8" diameter vector circle) or a Profile cut (inside the circle).
Michael Tyler

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highpockets
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Re: Hole Drilling

Post by highpockets »

I'd use a Profile Toolpath with a 1/4" EM, Inside Machine Vector and Spiral ramp.
John
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pd417
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Re: Hole Drilling

Post by pd417 »

Michael, John..

Thanks for the advice, I'll give it a try.

wb9tpg
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Re: Hole Drilling

Post by wb9tpg »

Amana Tool #51694 but you'll need a 3/8 collet for it.
Gary Mitchell
Kentucky, USA

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martin54
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Re: Hole Drilling

Post by martin54 »

Why is a 1/4 dowel not sturdy enough? I use 6mm dowels all the time for double sided work, they are simply for alignment so they don't need to be sturdy :lol: :lol:
I tend to use 3 dowels rather than 2 with 2 there is still a small risk of movement (depending on job size) but then I am a belt & braces type of person :lol: :lol:

LDBecker
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Re: Hole Drilling

Post by LDBecker »

highpockets wrote:
Tue Feb 18, 2020 6:06 am
I'd use a Profile Toolpath with a 1/4" EM, Inside Machine Vector and Spiral ramp.
Finding this 2 yrs later on a search on how to drill - this works really well. I needed a series of 1/4" holes and used a 1/8" compression EM bit set up as you suggested. Works perfectly. You'd think the drill function would be how to do it, but nooooo... at least not with an EM. Thanks!

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highpockets
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Re: Hole Drilling

Post by highpockets »

Glad it worked for you....
John
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