If you don't own a chuck for your lathe, or are trying to thru drill a non-turned plug, try this.

First cut the head off a common nail (something a little thicker than 1/8").
Chuck it in your drill press and sharpen the end with a file while it spins.
Remove it and drill a slightly smaller hole thru a flat board.
Drive the nail thru the board until it's tip projects about 1/4". Cut the back side off flush.
Chuck a cheap small plumb-bod in the center of your drill chuck.
Align the tip of the nail with the tip of the plumb-bob (by lowering the chuck) and then clamp the board to the drill table.
Put a 1/8'' drill in your chuck.
Position one end of your plug on the nail and center the other end under the drill (you can hold it in your hand) then drill in as far as you can.
Flip the plug over and drill in from the other end.
You've now got two aligned pilot holes and can connect them by using a long bit in a hand drill covering half the remaining distance from each end.

I've had good success, although if drilling maple your long bit needs to be kept sharp or else it can wander.

Nice! Say...who is this plug builder? Numbskull, you ain't. I'm very grateful for your input.You wouldn't have any plugs to show, would you?

Nice! Say...who is this plug builder? Numbskull, you ain't. I'm very grateful for your input.You wouldn't have any plugs to show, would you?

Well Said Fred.

Ah Fixtures. I love fixtures.

bump

Thanks Again!!!

This the one I use and it works pretty Pissah!!..

Even easier....ditch the wood and the nail...take a drill bit and turn your table off center. Drill a 1/4" hole in the table and drop a dowel center in the hole when you want to use it. Take it out when done and move the table back. It's aligned front to back PERFECT every time. All ytou need to do to line it up is side to side which can be done easily with a long drill bit.

Here's a good posting for drilling on a drill press & by hand. Posted by Numbskull when he was a "pro" - now better!

If you don't own a chuck for your lathe, or are trying to thru drill a non-turned plug, try this.

First cut the head off a common nail (something a little thicker than 1/8").
Chuck it in your drill press and sharpen the end with a file while it spins.
Remove it and drill a slightly smaller hole thru a flat board.
Drive the nail thru the board until it's tip projects about 1/4". Cut the back side off flush.
Chuck a cheap small plumb-bod in the center of your drill chuck.
Align the tip of the nail with the tip of the plumb-bob (by lowering the chuck) and then clamp the board to the drill table.
Put a 1/8'' drill in your chuck.
Position one end of your plug on the nail and center the other end under the drill (you can hold it in your hand) then drill in as far as you can.
Flip the plug over and drill in from the other end.
You've now got two aligned pilot holes and can connect them by using a long bit in a hand drill covering half the remaining distance from each end.

I've had good success, although if drilling maple your long bit needs to be kept sharp or else it can wander.