I was wondering, do you guys use a vise on your drill press? Trying to figure out the best way to drill through my plugs straight. Do you guys drill before you turn, or turn then drill? Thanks guys, Jay

jay,

while back someone posted a step by step on thru drilling..

they used a jig that held the plug in place.. on the drill press.

many guys here are doing thru boring right on the lathe with the

help of a chuck placed in the tail stock..

if i can find the link i'll pm it to you..

otherwise do a search under thru drilling..


later
crash

Thanks CFA,
Those links did help some. I tried the search and got some good results as well. One question for you guys, Have any of you done your drilling before turning? It seems as though that would be the easiest way to get dead centered for me, but not sure if you can turn wood that has been drilled through already? Can it handle the stress without shattering? Just curious...I dont want to have one blow apart on the lathe if I can help it. Thanks, Jay

I start my through drilling on the lathe after I turn the plug, then finish the hole by hand. This is method recommended by Jigman in a previous thread. Brad point bits are a must, regular bits will wonder around too much.

You could drill the hole with this method before you turn the plug as well, just preference.

I start my through drilling on the lathe after I turn the plug, then finish the hole by hand. This is method recommended by Jigman in a previous thread. Brad point bits are a must, regular bits will wonder around too much.

I was having troubles getting a straght hole so I made a 90° jig that gets clamped to the base of the drillpress. All I have to do is find the center of one of the pieces of squarestock, center the jig and I'm all set to drill as many as i need. I dont even use the handle of the drill press, I just lift up on the square stock and the jig guides my way. I use a regular drill bit and do both sides of the square stock as far as that bit will go, then use a longer bit in conjunction with a hand held drill to finish the hole. Works every time.

For poppers and needles with centered thru wire, I drill my blanks ahead of time....

Eben, do you have any pictures of your drill press jig?

Thanks for the help guys. I got it on Friday Night. Drilled out some of the poppers I turned and a spook that I turned. Will post some pics when they are done....unless you want to see them as is. They are the first I have ever made..not too bad I don't think.

we all like neeked wood! post 'em.