Mar 15, 2010

Working With Wood : Drill Bits Usage Tips

When working with wood, drill bits play an equally important role with other tools and equipment. A drill with the wrong size and type of drill bits can be a disaster to your wood project. Here are some tips how to choose and how to use drill bits:

1. Choose the type of drill bits based on the type of material you are going to drill. Steel drill bits are the cheapest and they are considered OK for drilling soft wood. Drill bits range then go up to cobalt, which can drill through stainless steel, as well as other hard steels or metals.

2. Choose the type of drill bits based on what you are going to use them for. Normal twist drill bits are used mainly for general drilling. To bore wood, brad point drill bits can be used and they are great at removing wood chips while drilling. A spade bit is similar to a little shovel. It is used for making large openings or holes in woods, starting from 1/2" and above.

3. Remember to check with the drill manufacturer's guides and instructions for specifics and also limitations. Certain drills only work best with certain kinds of bit, because there may be limitations on the drill such as torque limitations that prevent particular bits from being used.

4. Remember not to drill too fast. This can cause the bit to bind up and stop. If this happen, you should take out the bit by slowly reversing the bit and then start over again slowly and steadily. Upon the drill pushing through the wood, work the drill back and forth a couple of times through the hole in order to get rid of any rough spots.

So, before you start your wood working, drill bits should be made a priority and you should choose the right drill bits for your wood working.