I'm trying to figure out the best method to drill a 50mm hole in oak, specifically through the end grain. This hole will be for fitting roof finials and needs to be about 80-110mm deep. I typically use forstner bits with my drill press, but given the size of the hole, I'm wondering if a 50mm paddle bit might do the trick. I've heard some folks suggest a hole saw, but I'm skeptical about that option working well.
3 Answers
I'm curious why you think a hole saw wouldn’t work? If you go that route, just remember to drill a pilot hole first to help keep it steady and take your time to prevent overheating. Honestly, I think a paddle bit could be tough to keep aligned at that size, though.
I've successfully drilled these types of holes using a drill press and a 50mm forstner bit. Just set it to the lowest RPM and go slow. Make sure to clear out the material frequently, and definitely let the bit cool between uses. If you’ve got several holes to make, you might want to have a couple of extra bits on hand, just in case.
I'm kind of leaning towards this method. Those 50mm bits are not cheap, and I don't want to damage them. I got a Makita set recently, and I was really disappointed because one bit dulled right away!
I've drilled deeper holes with forstner bits in end grain before, although not as wide. The trick is to go slow and regularly back out to clear the chips. Using an air compressor helps a lot with that. Also, investing in high-quality bits really makes a difference!
Yeah, I agree with that! The depth could definitely become a challenge, plus you'll have to deal with knocking out the center piece.