Long Bit Drilling
by Phil Colson
Woodturner
I am making four foot lamp posts for a client. The turning is straight forward but the drilling has its
difficulty. I read an article in the current American Woodturners Association magazine about a turner
that does just what I am doing but on a larger scale. He drills posts that are eight foot plus!
Why am I telling
you all this? I never know where a tip will appear when I need it. So, when starting to drill a long hole,
start with a short drill bit on the lathe. Place the bit on center and rotate the piece by hand cutting a
shallow hole. Now when the lathe is turned on the bit is already seated. Continue as normal. After the
short drilled hole is done, it provides a register for the long drill bit.
Try it, it works for me.
Phil can be reached directly via email at
woodturnerphil@gmail.com.
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