Best drill bit for Dowelling

[AltcarBob]

Noob question?

I am making a 5 drawer tool cabinet/Mitre saw stand from cheap crappy BWP plywood. I am re-inforcing all joints with 8mm and 6mm dowels but I am having trouble drilling clean straight holes.

Whats the best type and brand of bits, money no object as I will only be buying the two sizes I dont want to buy a set of 100s.

 

[Geoff_S]

I use these, Trend or similar

https://www.axminster.co.uk/axminster-d ... s-ax816452

 

[AltcarBob]

Cheers I like the look of the Axminster bits are the Brad points properly central I used to have a set by Heller but the points werent ground properly and the holes all came out oval.

Not so keen on Trend as they have the 1/4" Hex shank and I have found they always have a bit of wobble no matter how tight you do up the chuck.

 

[custard]

If you're dowelling with a jig the drill bit has to evacuate the waste not only from the depth of the hole, but then up through the thickness of the dowelling jig as well. Failure to clear the waste efficiently leads to overheating and inaccuracy.

Personally I think it's worth spending a bit extra on dowelling bits so I dig deep and use Famag,

https://www.workshopheaven.com/famag-15 ... ngles.html

 

[AltcarBob]

Ordered 6 and 8mm Colt Professional 5 star bits. Eeek £19 for two drill bits :shock: but if they are as good as the internet says they are it will be worth it.

 

[Roughcut]

Ordered 6 and 8mm Colt Proffesional 5 star bits. Eeek £19 for two drill bits :shock: but if they are as good as the internet says they are it will be worth it.

If you think that's expensive then take a look at the price Mafell want for replacements for the one of their duo dowelling machines....

https://www.dm-tools.co.uk/product.php/ ... pQynkx2ubg
https://www.dm-tools.co.uk/product.php/ ... pQys0x2ubg
Shocking! :shock:

Thankfully there are cheaper alternatives available.

 

[AltcarBob]

Ordered 6 and 8mm Colt Proffesional 5 star bits. Eeek £19 for two drill bits :shock: but if they are as good as the internet says they are it will be worth it.

If you think that's expensive then take a look at the price Mafell want for replacements for the one of their duo dowelling machines....

https://www.dm-tools.co.uk/product.php/ ... pQynkx2ubg
https://www.dm-tools.co.uk/product.php/ ... pQys0x2ubg
Shocking! :shock:

Thankfully there are cheaper alternatives available.

:shock: :shock:

Luckily for me I dont have any expensive power tools just my battered Stanley cordless and ancient Black & Decker corded drills plus an MDF block with all my bits.

 

[Magnus]

Any good lip and spur should do the job nicely.