The a different techniques for drilling different types of holes. Learning different techniques and why they work will help you choose the right technique when various situation arise.

How to Drill Long Holes

The average length of standard wood drills is about equal to the distance the average quill can be extended. This distance is approximately four inches. Deeper holes are long holes. Long holes are drilled in lamp bases, posts or columns for supporting electrical fixtures, and to contain wire or conduit. Hollow shafts and cylinders of small diameter are made by drilling long holes. The clearance and pilot holes for deeply set screws frequently require long hole drilling procedure.

How to Drill Holes For Doweled Table Top

If holes drilled in the squared edges of stock match similar holes in other stock the pieces can be assembled and held together to form a table top. The number, diameter, and length of the dowels should be suited to the thickness of the stock. If holes drilled in the squared edges of stock match similar holes in other stock the pieces can be assembled and held together to form a table top. The number, diameter, and length of the dowels should be suited to the thickness of the stock.

Let us drill straight holes in flat stock having parallel center lines that form sharp angles with one side and extend through the adjacent edge. Screw holes of this type may be used when joining table and cabinet tops to the rails or sides. They may be used whenever the edge of stock is joined to a flat surface without the use of brace, bracket, dado, ledge, etc.

How to Counter-bore For Screws

Counter-boring is increasing the diameter of part of a hole. When the clearance hole for a wood screw is counter-bored to receive the screw head, it is necessary to increase the depth of the clearance and pilot holes an amount equal to the length of the counter-bore. The size of the counter-bore is made large enough to accommodate the entire head of the screw below the surface of the stock. Counter-boring may be done before clearance and pilot holes are drilled. However, since counter-bores usually have removable pilots, such drilling may be done last.

How to Drill Holes for Screws in Hardwood

Screws may be readily set into hardwood by drilling a pilot hole having a diameter equal to that of the root of the screw and a clearance hole equal to that of the shank or gauge of the screw. Screw holes in hardwoods are countersunk to bring screw head flush with surface when the screw is driven. The screw head can be covered with a wood plug, when screw is driven, if the hole is counter-bored.

How To Correctly Set-up a Drill Press

When setting up the drill press in your shop, make sure to locate it where you can easily handle any workpiece. Good overhead light is of utmost importance, even if the tool is equipped with a lamp attachment. A nearby storage area to keep your bits and other accessories handy is a good step-saver to consider as well.