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Wood drill: how to make the right choice

Choosing the right wood drill for your project is important in order to get the most out of your tools. With a wide range of sizes and styles available, it is best to consider your needs and choose the model that offers the best features. Cordless drillers offer more power and flexibility than those operated by corded power. When deciding the size of the drill bit, take into account the size and type of wood and the type of hole to be drilled. Finally, choosing the best quality drill bits and drilling accessories that are specifically designed for wood drilling will ensure a longer lasting and more accurate result.

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In this article, we will show you how to choose the right drill bit for wood and how to handle it so that it will last for many years. You will find out which drills are optimal for different operations, what they look like and how much they cost. The article also contains a table of the dependence of revolutions on the diameter of the drill.

The drill is essentially an end mill, and comes in many varieties. When working, a force acts on the drill in two directions – rotation and pressure. Moreover, rotation accounts for 90% of the efforts, and 10% is enough for pressing. Mechanization of labor made it possible to “give” the lion’s share of the loads to the tool, leaving only directive responsibilities for the operator – precise direction, tool retention and pressure adjustment. There are several basic types of drills for hammerless drilling in wood..

There are special wood drills, the common feature of which is a guide pin. It is needed to accurately position the drill at the mark before starting the operation. Given the relative softness of wood compared to metal, holes in it do not require preliminary drilling with a smaller diameter.

All wood drills, common among craftsmen, are divided into four types.

“Pen”

Flat end mill with horizontal cutting edges on straight hex bar. Has a guide spike. Diameter from 12 to 38 mm with a total length of up to 250 mm. It is used for holes (through and non-through) up to 60 mm deep (working part of the “pen”).

Drill for wood. How to make the right choice

Nuance of work – tendency to jam when skewing at high drill speeds. The cutting force is concentrated on the short edge – almost all the torque from the drill is transmitted to it. The hexagon holds well in the chuck, therefore, with a wedge, the tool can be pulled out of the hands. Pen does not deflect chips.

Twist drill bit for wood

Drill on a spiral rod with a spiral cutting edge and a center spike. Round shank. Has cutting edges sharpened at a flat angle. That is, the length of the edge is the minimum possible. Diameter from 3 to 12 mm. The length of these drills can reach 800 mm.

Twist drill bit

It is used for small holes in furniture production and construction, as well as for blind holes (leaves an even “bottom”). Optimum hole depth (drilling layer thickness) – 50-100 mm.

Nuance of work – poor chip evacuation, when deep drilling requires several dives.

Single-tape twist drill or wood drill

Helical spiral with one horizontal cutting edge. The guide pin is threaded and the drill itself looks like a regular steel band. About 50% of the rotational cylinder volume of the drill is the chip evacuation groove. Hex shank. The length of the drill can reach 1.2 m with a diameter of 6 to 40 mm. It is used for through holes in a tree of considerable depth (length), when joining logs or timber masonry walls.

Drill for wood. How to make the right choice

Nuance of work – drilling speed should not exceed 800 rpm at Ø 30 mm.

Expanding drill (center bore)

A bar with a variable section shape – flat at the end, round middle, hex shank. It has special fasteners for installing a movable knife, which extends under the required diameter from 15 to 40 mm. Used for shallow holes (up to 30 mm).

Drill for wood. How to make the right choice

Nuance of work – a relatively small resource, it breaks down during intensive work (due to moving parts). Not subject to repair. Convenient for auxiliary periodic operations and for substitution (“on the catch”). The design is prone to seizure at high speeds.

How to choose a wood drill for different operations

From the above analysis, it can be seen that the pen and expanding drill have the largest range of operations. At the same time, they have a limitation on the minimum diameter – 10 mm.

It is good to have a centrobore as a backup and not use it too often, or use it in case of frequent diameters change, if there is only one drill available – you can change the diameter without removing the drill from the chuck.

Sliding drill prices

Name Manufacturer Diameter range, mm Price, cu e.
KOCH-BOHRER Germany 22-75 11.5
PDS China 22-76 12.5
BAHCO (2 knives) USA 15-45 / 22-76 18

For small to medium diameters (4–25 mm) holes in hardwood, it is best to choose a conventional twist drill. It is also convenient to use when working with hand tools – the round shank insures the chuck against overload in the event of a wedge. For household periodic work, it is more profitable to purchase sets that are produced by many companies – ERMAK, Enkor, Sparta, BIBER and others. A set usually contains from 6 to 18 pieces. drills of different diameters. The cost of a set is from 3 to 8 USD. e.

Drill for wood. How to make the right choice

The pen is best used in construction, when it is necessary to drill many through holes of medium diameter (20–40 mm) at a shallow depth. The main advantage is that it is easy to sharpen it with an improvised tool, grinder or file.

Prices for feather drills using the example of Ø 12 mm

Name Manufacturer Length mm Price, cu e.
“Practice” Russia 152 0.8
“Anchor” Russia 152 0.9
BIBERBAU (original) Germany 162 1,2
Stayer China 140 1.1
Stihl Germany 162 1.5
KOCH-BOHRER Germany 152 1.5
BAHCO USA 148 1.8

Wood drill is mainly used by professionals in the construction of log cabins and houses from a bar for driving crowns and then fastening with a chop. The power of the tool is at least 1300 W.

Example of prices for wood drills

Name Manufacturer Diameter / length, mm Price, cu e.
FIT China 30/460 sixteen
BIBER China 40/460 19.5
“Kraton” Russia 14/600 7.6
Hagwert Netherlands 8/152 2.4
KRAFTOOL Germany 32/400 28.5

Work and sharpening

There are several important points to pay attention to when working with drills. They refer to tips for careful use of the tool and safety:

  1. Before drilling (especially with a “pen”), make sure that the body of the tree in the future hole does not contain foreign inclusions – nails, screws, staples. Metal can not only spoil or even break the drill, but also cause a wedge and jerk of the tool from the operator’s hands.
  2. Choose a soft-start tool. The sensitive button of a conventional revolving drill will cause sharp jerks, which will affect the quality of work.
  3. The wood drill has a self-guiding design – the threaded spike itself pulls the edges to the surface, so make sure the drill is installed correctly before drilling.
  4. Optimum speed for woodworking:
Diameter, mm Rpm
6 2500
ten 2000
sixteen 1600
20 1300
thirty 1000
40 800
  1. If it so happens that you have to drill wood with a drill for metal, sharpen the edges at an angle close to the horizontal sweep – the edge heating when drilling wood is minimal.
  2. The sharper the angle of the cutting edge, the more efficiently it cuts into wood. But at the same time, it is erased and dull faster. The optimal edge angle is selected empirically in each case.
  3. If you need a high-quality hole without tearing at the outlet, press the material (board, slab) to a flat, flat surface (which you do not mind) and drill the hole to the end. The clamp will prevent the fibers from breaking out at the exit. Or wait until the drill appears and drill from the back.

Drill for wood. How to make the right choice

Subject to the rules of work, the drills will serve you for a long time, and the ability to restore and sharpen them will save on purchase. In the next article we will talk about drills for metal and plastic.

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Comments: 5
  1. Cambria

    I would like to ask, what factors should be considered when choosing a wood drill? Are there any specific features or characteristics that make one drill better than another? What are some tips or guidelines to help ensure making the right choice when it comes to purchasing a wood drill? Any advice would be greatly appreciated!

    Reply
    1. Penelope Morales

      When choosing a wood drill, there are several factors to consider. Firstly, you should consider the type of wood you will be drilling into, as different drills are designed for different wood densities. The size and type of drill bit is also important, as well as the power of the drill itself. Look for drills with variable speed settings and a comfortable grip for extended use.

      Features such as a keyless chuck, depth stop, and built-in level can make a drill more versatile and user-friendly. Additionally, consider the brand reputation and warranty offered by the manufacturer to ensure you are getting a quality product.

      To ensure you are making the right choice when purchasing a wood drill, it is helpful to read reviews from other customers and seek advice from professionals or knowledgeable sales staff. Ultimately, choose a drill that meets your specific needs and budget, as investing in a high-quality drill will save you time and frustration in the long run.

      Reply
  2. Magnolia

    What are the important factors to consider when choosing a wood drill?

    Reply
    1. Aria Taylor

      When choosing a wood drill, there are several important factors to consider. Firstly, you need to determine the purpose of the drill. Different types of wood drills are suited for different tasks, such as drilling holes, creating countersinks, or driving screws. Secondly, consider the size of the drill bit and the depth you need to drill. The drill you choose should have a bit size and drilling depth capacity that meets your requirements. Additionally, the type of material you plan to drill into should be taken into account. Some woods may require specific drill bits to prevent damage or maximize efficiency. The power and speed of the drill are also crucial factors as they affect the drilling performance. Moreover, the design and quality of the drill should be considered to ensure durability and ease of use. Finally, considering your budget and comparing prices will help you find a wood drill that offers good value for money.

      Reply
  3. Oliver Nelson

    I am a beginner in DIY projects and I have been looking for a wood drill. However, I am unsure about which one to choose. Can anyone provide some guidance on how to make the right choice? Which factors should I consider before buying a wood drill? Any recommendations on the best brands or specific features to look for? Thanks in advance for your help!

    Reply
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