Shelf Pegs - 5mm hole or 4.8mm?

[matt]

I have to buy a router bit for making the holes for shelf pegs and cannot decide whether to go for 5mm or a slightly snug fit at 4.8mm. I would be grateful for view, opinions, and experience.

Thanks

Matt

 

[Sgian Dubh]

Definitely 5 mm. I've fitted scores of 5 mm shelf pins of various sorts, and anything less is too small. Just make sure you execute the hole neatly and you'll find the pins fit snugly, neither too tight or loose. Slainte.

 

[Chrispy]

5mm thats what they are made for, anything else will be a mistake.

 

[matt]

Many thanks - much appreciated!

 

[matt]

Hmmm... a second question... What type of router bit? I've used double flute in the past but wondering whether a spiral upcut would be a better alternative? Again. grateful for views, opinions, and experience.

Many thanks.

 

[jasonB]

5mm and use a dowel drill with tct tip, a bit like a lip & spur bit

http://www.wealdentool.com/acatalog/Onl ... mm_39.html

Trend craft range do them in 1/4 shank if you can't hold the 10mm.

http://www.trend-uk.com/en/UK/productli ... rills.html

Wealden also do 1/4 shank but I've not tried their ones which are quite a bit longer

http://www.wealdentool.com/acatalog/Onl ... el_51.html

 

[JonnyD]

We use a similar one from wealden but 1/4 inch shank so easier to use than a 10mm http://www.wealdentool.com/acatalog/Onl ... el_51.html

Cheers

Jon

 

[Baldhead]

Matt

Don't know if your interested but if you haven't got a shelf pin jig take a look at this,

http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=Q2EclCBqtDc

Just under 7mins long.

BH

 

[maltrout512]

I use these http://www.sdslondon.co.uk/plug-in-shelf-supports/shelf-support-plug-in-3-mm.html mainly because the unused holes are less visible. Never had any problems with them. (4 pegs rated at 60 kg shelf)

 

[matt]

Many thanks for recommendations; including the interesting variation on a jig - I was planning to use a series of 10mm holes and a 10mm bush but keeping an open mind.

Thanks again.

 

[Shultzy]

Always use a bush if you can. It doesn't damage the hole with repeated use.

 

[matt]

Hmmm... what am I doing wrong....

Bought the 5mm dowel bit from Wealden (http://www.wealdentool.com/acatalog/Onl ... el_51.html) but the pegs are too loose (tried two types of peg, both 5mm). Also, the holes are burning - even on a very low speed (although it works OK in Pine).

As an experiment I tried my 6mm twin flute cutter. Despite the holes being 6mm the cut was much cleaner than the dowel drill.

Grateful for any thoughts.

Cheers

 

[JonnyD]

I would try running the router faster and plunge quite quickly in and out .

Cheers

Jon