Drilling holes for dowels

[disco_monkey79]

Apologies if this doesn;t make much sense...

I've been having a do with using dowels as a method of fixing, and using the contrast between the material of the piece and the material of the dowel as a design feature.

When I drill through, I get a "blow through" at the back, where the drill bit tears out material around the hole, leaving a jagged surface. Not a problem where you can only see the front, but occasionally, both ends of the dowel will need to be seen.

Anyone got any tips on how I can avoid this tearing at the back?

Thanks!

 

[Sportique]

Hi dm79

when drilling, place a sacrificial piece of wood behind your workpiece - make sure that a new part of the sacrificial piece is presented for each hole to be drilled.


Dave

 

[kasandrich]

Or maybe try a Forstner bit

 

[Shultzy]

Another way is to drill a small pilot hole, then drill with the correct size from both sides.

 

[woodbloke]

I'd use the sacrificial scrap technique with a newly sharpened lip n'spur bit, which works well. Make sure though that the scrap piece is cramped hard to the job or there may still be a little bit of 'spelch' on the reverse side - Rob

 

[joiner_sim]

Generally I'd use my flat bit and just feel for the point to come thru, once the point comes thru, drill from the other side using the hole from the point as the guide.

 

[Brian Jackson]

Another way is to drill a small pilot hole, then drill with the correct size from both sides.

Never thought of that,will try next time.

 

[disco_monkey79]

Thanks all for the replies. Will give this another go. My recent attempts were for a storage box for random old toot, so it wasn't such an issue, but I want to have a crack at a bedside table next.

"Spelch" - good word to describe the condition!

 

[Titmantiptoolsltd]

the easiest way people can prevent this is as woodbloke said pack the back of the workpiece, but if this is not possible you should use a V pointed drill rather than a lip and spur and you will reduce the breakout.

http://titman.co.uk/pdfs/2009/P116_124_Drilling.pdf

this will give you some idea the different types available from us and other manufacturers

Titman