drilling methods
 

I've done the requisite search and don't find a conclusive answer.
I seem to be having a lot of misses lately on thru drilling.
Method that I use is: drill press with short (jobber length) brad point with indexing pin on table, then finish with 12" bellhangers bit (split point), alternating ends. Even using a 3/16 bit for the tailhole I am still getting misses on 6" dannies. I've checked my setup repeatedly and can't find anything wrong. I thought it might be dull bits so I bought new ones with no change in results.
Will a longer bradpoint help much?
Which ones do you use?
Thanks

try using brad points for all drilling. when you're finishing with 12" let plug spin in your hand a little- that will tell you if you're continuing on a true path.

go slower and have the bit turning FAST!

something that can happen is that the work platform on a drill press is not square to the bit in the chuck....put your bit in the chuck....take a small square.....place the square on the platform and slide it up against the bit....the square should touch the entire lenght of the bit..if there's a space anywhere along the bit the platform is off....this will throw off your center drilling.

plus it sounds like your not getting the bottom of the plug dead center to the center of the bit that's above...in other words the bottom of the plug is set off to the side where it sits on the platform.....


split points work fine once eveything is lined up. clear the flute's often and it'll drill true.

Been there done that to all of the above.
I have a piece of steel rod that I put in the chuck to locate the pin on the table, I have checked the table for squareness to the drill but using a rod and one point that is directly on the line of the chuck it would have no effect in this instance. When I use the rod I rotate the chuck over the point to make sure that: A) the rod is straight and B) the chuck is not screwed up.
I do however run the drill press at a slow speed and will try speeding it up.
Maybe it's just the wonderful SYP I'm using for these?
SYP = southern yellow poplar, it don't rot no faster than maple or any other white wood.

I've been through drilling 8" plugs by hand with a 12" bit. Naturally I start the first few inches of each end on the lathe.
I had a lot of misses till I went out and bought new drill bits. Now dead center every time. Oh I also lube 12" shaft with WD40.
I use 1/8" bits and back up several times to remove shavings.
Can't put alot of pressure on long bit or it will bend.
I found if I take my time they come out perfect.;)

I drill my blanks while they are square. I made a simple jig that works wonders. I have a flat piece of plywood that has another piece of plywood scxrewed to it at 90 degrees. on the piece that is vertical there is another piece of wood that I rest my blank against. I find the center on one blank, clanp the jig down and can drill through holes all day as long as the stock is the same dimensions.

My discription is definately lacking but if anyone is interested I will post a pic. It really simple, but it works for me.

Tulipwood?

Check your end cuts for true 90 degrees. If your off by just a tiny bit the 2 end holes might just miss each other. Ask me how I know this factoid:rolleyes: . I went nuts when my table saw was cutting about 3-4 degrees off and if you drill both ends with a turn in between well off you go.

I think so

hey fellas, where could one find a 12" bit? looked around today at the local stores and came up short. thanks.

Toolhauz or order one online at bitsnbores.com(you can call them also)
but you may be better off with a shorter bit, I like to start with a short bit and work my way up - 3" then 6" then if needed 8" or 10" to clear all the way thru.

Sears-12"x1/8 bit-$9.99:D

If the drill is walking off, it could be that the drill is dull. I have tried Colbalt drills for predrilling, they are stiffer and do not walk as much.

The cure
 

I drilled 20 plugs yesterday and only had one problem.
I sharpened the drill bits, which ain't easy with a 1/8 inch bit and bifocals.
The short brad point I ground the spurs off and that may have made a difference.
The long drill I made into a brad point with no spurs.
I think I need to set up a magnifing glass to do this next time. It's tough to get old.