How I solved the problem of centering a drillbit in an existing hole

Great Idea George!!!!! I had the same problem several times … and never came across the solution. I’ll use your system to the next.

-- Disfruta tu trabajo (enjoy your work)

I had the same problem drilling a hole in a 9/16” aluminum rod to make pillars for bedding in the gunstocks I carve. I don’t have a metalworking lathe, so I worked out a simple jig to center the hole. I drill the 9/16” hole in a block of maple using a 9/16” plunge router bit in my drill press. Then I cut a slot with my bandsaw so a bolt will clamp the block around the 9/16” aluminum rod. Next I clamp the maple to the drill press table and center it by lowering the 9/16” router bit into the hole and lock the maple in place. Then I replace the router bit with a .260” diameter drill bit and drill the hole. It’s centered and the jig is so easy to make, I don’t worry about the cutting fluid messing up the maple jig, I just make another one in a few seconds each time I need one.

-- Hal, Tennessee http://www.first285.com

Great idea. I could have used this tip about a month ago. Merry Christmas!

-- http://jeffbranch.wordpress.com

Simply genius! I hope I remember that next time I have the same issue.

-- Chris K

i made this mistake the other day. nice fix!

-- I played with Legos as a kid and I never had the part I thought I needed, so I learned to improvise. Now I'm an engineer with a woodworking hobby.

Well done.

-- W James Brokenbourgh Custom furniture maker http://artisticwoodstudio.com/

I often have need to open the size of a prior drilled hole. I’ve used your method in the past with good results but, I found that a stepped or tapered drill bit with a follow on forsner bit is a far better solution. And, my need for accuracy is important as the hole I open is typically in a clock. Give it a try.

-- Max the "night janitor" at www.hardwoodclocks.com

Good idea, another soulution is to drill a hole through a piece of scrap, say 1/4 plywood, with the larger forsner bit you wnat to counter sink with and then clamp that hole over the smaller hole. The walls of the pre drilled hole in the scrap will guide the bit into the workpiece without wandering.

-- Adam, St. Catharines, Ontario, Canada