More info.
 

Found this some place.

"Boring end grain material with a brad point drill with outlining spurs can be a problem because the spurs are not needed.

The spurs drag in end grain.

Modify the drill by grinding the spurs off following the existing back clearance. Then, regrind the cutting edge with a 7 to 15 degree angle from the O.D. of the drill, tilting downwards to the point, again following the existing back clearance. This is called an acme cut.

Now the brad point enters the material followed by the outlining O.D. (where the spurs were), which sizes the hole without dragging."

And...

"Brad Point drills tend to run out (go off line) and burn in end grain because the spurs try to follow the grain.

The Morris Wood Tool End Grain point does not have lips (spurs) and the clearance angle of the main cutting edges is changed slightly. This point bores straight and clean in most woods."

I picked up 3 (3/16" x 6” OAL with 2-1/4” twist) for $25.59 including shipping.

and how do you catch a squirrel ?

With a hand grenade!:uhuh:

Maybe i should bring my drill master to plugfest and do a show and tell.

That thing is awesome! I have seen a couple of them!! AH and Fishdoc!!:uhuh:

I know you have Larry.:uhuh:

What is it? PIXS!!

I would love to see it in action at plugfest. I think I have seen a picture of it, but not quite sure of how it works.....

You show that Lou and you better make a few dozen to sell....with the first one going to me!!!:uhuh:

:hidin:

my self taught .02 (w. some help from pbadad and others i should add) i thru drill on the lathe, most of the time. shorter plugs require less priming (ie tapping w/ shorter bit to cut back on wander). take your time. many ways to skin a cat in this plugmaking game, see what you like according to your capabilites and patience. what counts to me is finished product, how it swims and enjoying the whole experience i had w/ each plug. i choose to blaze my own path with minimal guidance rather than think there is "a best way" i should follow.

A couple of pics of my shop-in-progress. It's small, so it's hard to actually take pics inside the shop.

The gentleman in the picture is my dad, who -- despite cancer -- wants to build this with me.

I appreciate the advice. I like to gather a lot of opinions first when I'm doing something unfamiliar. Usually helps me until I build some momentum & confidence.

Lookin good!! Your lucky to have a dad that is able and willing to help; treasure these moments and take plenty of pictures they are priceless.

shop looks great. I can't offer much advice as my stuff is all over the place but something to keep in mind is don't set up anything so it's permanent.

Over time you will find certain tools to be a nuisance where they are and want to move them around and so on.

God Bless your father man. That shop's special in more ways than one. make sure you geta picture of the first plug you make and post it!
jeff

You can build plugs in a shop that has windows??????!!!!!!!! :wall:

I can offer a little advice,,,,, since most is still fresh in my mind after building a shop this spring and still working on it,,,,

Make sure you plan ahead and put lots of electrical outlets so you can move anything anywhere later on,
Plan to vent a spraybooth outside
lower the bench your lathe will be on so it is at a comfortable height to use
If possible plan to vent your dust collector outside,,,
I also built my benchtop out of double thickness MDF then put two coats of poly on it,,,,

Most importantly enjoy the time with your dad,,,,

you might get an idea or two from here http://www.striped-bass.com/Stripert...9393-shop.html

The accepted standard is to place the center of the spindle at the height of your elbow above the floor with your arm loosely at your side.

Oh no! I measured and it is best to mount it 4" higher to account for all the woodchips you'll soon be standing on. ;)

You need more suction on that dust collector.:smash:

Or a basket with no holes in it.lol:grins:

or maybe a pet hampster to bed in the basket...

My dad truly is "the man". We went to Montauk together this past October. We spend as much time together as we can these days.

There are 9 outlets in the shop. The dust collector, lathe and air filter will all be on their own circuits. The lighting is on its own circuit to prevent dimming. Everything is wired 20-amp.

The drying cabinet, spraybooth, finishing chest & lead smelting operation are all going in a 4' x 8' enclosure on the other side of the basement. I'm putting in an explosion-proof hood in there which vents to the outside.

I think I'm OK with the dust collector -- it's one of those 1 micron cannister types.

That's good advice. I'm trying not to build anything around where I think the equipment will always stay.

I sure will.

BTW: That's a beautiful shop!

Thats easy......8 lb mono to nut ..mono leads to the window....place super glue on nut...toss nut into known feeding ground,,wait for the bump...count to 4...drag his arse up to the window...let window fall..fight over.

Man...I have a ways to go before getting this shop completed. Made the classic mistake of trying to hang 3/8" sheet rock on the ceiling. Sagged perciptively; took it all down.

I hope to be turning by early February...Looks like I'll be ready just in time for Plug Fest.