Est. 1998 — 27 years of woodworking knowledge
How to cut a hole
John in West TN
>Using only hand tools, what's the best way to cut in hardwood a fairly precise flat-bottom hole that's 2 1/4" in diameter and 5/8" deep? I watched a guy do it with a large Forstner bit in a drill press, but I need to do it using only hand tools. His purpose was (and mine will be) to remove stock to create the male half of a joint as shown in the drawing below.
Thank you for your help.
Cheers,
John
Re: How to cut a hole
Darrell in Oakville
>The drill press guy had the right bit, just the wrong equpiment to spin the bit. Buy the forstner bit you need, chuck it in yer breast drill and have at it. My drill has a built in level, so all I would do is ensure that the workpiece was plumb, and watch the level whilst drilling.
Or use a post drill...
Darrell
Wood Hoarder, Blade Sharpener, and Occasional Tool User
Re: How to cut a hole
Bruce, a MN galoot
>get an expansion bit for your brace. Mine will cut holes up to about 3" or so.
Bruce
Re: How to cut a hole
John in West TN
>Bruce,
I wondered about that but most holes drilled with a twist bit are fairly imprecise. I imagine I could get close to what I need then finish up by paring with a chisel?
John
Re: How to cut a hole
Bruce, a MN Galoot
>Sorry I didn't get back to you earlier. The expansion bit won't give you a particularly flat bottom. There is a large lead screw, for one thing, and depending on model, there is also a large cutting edge that makes a darn near 3/4" hole, too. At least that is how mine works.
However, I've found the holes to be pretty good. I guess it depends on your need for precision. Otherwise, get a big forstner. You don't tend to turn them very fast anyway.
Bruce