I'm in a bit of a bind here—I need to create a couple of 5mm holes for dowels but I don't have access to a drill. I do have some carving and chiseling tools, but they aren't working out since the wood keeps snapping whenever I try to carve out a circle. I'm looking for any advice on how to get these holes made. Thanks!
3 Answers
Have you thought about using a bow drill? It’s an old-school technique where you wrap a string around a pointed stick and use it like a bow to create friction and drill into the wood. It takes some practice but can work well for small holes! Just look up 'bow drill' for guidance.
You might want to try using a chisel! Get a 5mm chisel and gently tap it into the wood, turning it a bit after each tap. This technique has been used for ages and can create a clean hole if done carefully. Just take your time with it!
If you have a screw that’s around 5mm, you can actually screw it into the wood to create a pilot hole. Just twist it in slowly by hand, and it'll create a hole as it goes. Easy trick if you're really in a pinch!
Just be careful not to split the wood when you're doing that! It's a smart idea, though!
Yeah, that's a classic method! Just make sure to have a good grip and work slowly to avoid cracking the wood.