pikester Posted September 17, 2007 Report Share Posted September 17, 2007 Hey folks I'm fairly new here & probably could ask a hundred questions but will be patient since many of my questions have been answered just from re-reading old threads & posts. However one problem I'm having is in regards to drilling larger holes in wooden baits for inserting weights & rattles. It seems that no matter how careful I am, what speed I set my drill at, or what size I drill my pilot holes at, I can't drill the 7/32"- 5/16" holes required without chipping out the sides of the holes. I should mention I use a re-chargable 3/8" drill & standard wood bits & have this problem with any type of wood I try. Is there a better bit for this type of work or am I doomed to spending extra hours filling & sanding my cracks & chips? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
grinder Posted September 17, 2007 Report Share Posted September 17, 2007 I use forstner wood bits for drilling ballast holes. Nice and clean, flat bottomed holes. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Palmetto Balsa Posted September 17, 2007 Report Share Posted September 17, 2007 I use forstner wood bits for drilling ballast holes. Nice and clean, flat bottomed holes. That should do it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lure--Prof Posted September 17, 2007 Report Share Posted September 17, 2007 Yep, 100%! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
benton B Posted September 17, 2007 Report Share Posted September 17, 2007 You can also drill the hole for balast weight prior to cutting out the blank. But get the forsntner bit, it's worth the money. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
out2llunge Posted September 17, 2007 Report Share Posted September 17, 2007 You can also use brad point bits which come in a broader selection of sizes I believe. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Vodkaman Posted September 18, 2007 Report Share Posted September 18, 2007 After this was discussed a few months back, I managed to find a set of Dremel forstners. Excellent, hassle free drilling. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pikester Posted September 18, 2007 Author Report Share Posted September 18, 2007 Thanks for the reply & everyones confirmation! Can a Forestner bit be used on a regular drill & do you use a pilot hole first or just give'er? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
grinder Posted September 18, 2007 Report Share Posted September 18, 2007 A forstner bit has a small triangular point in the center for lining up your hole. It doesn't wander like a regular drill bit. I see no harm in a pilot hole, keep it small in diameter though. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hoodaddy Posted September 18, 2007 Report Share Posted September 18, 2007 Everyone is dead on with the forstner bit but I don't feel you need a pilot hole. To ensure stright hole placement it would probably be best to drill them with a drill press in order not to throw the balance off. If you have steady hands I suppose youu could chuck the bait in a small vise and give 'er hail. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fatfingers Posted September 18, 2007 Report Share Posted September 18, 2007 Use an awl to make a starter hole, then cover the starter hole with a couple strips of electrical tape stretched tightly over the wood. Press the tape tight and use your thumb to find the starter hole. You can now drill through the tape with a regular bit and you will almost always get a perfect hole with little fray or tear out around the hole. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
