Eggbeater Hand Drill Bit Size

You might look into breast drills if you want to use bits larger than 3/8”.

-- More tools, fewer machines.

You might consider moving to a brace once you reach the half inch or so territory.

-- "I asked my wife if I look dorky in the video below where I'm planing that long piece of wood. Her reply: "It's all dorky."" - Mitch Roberson from his blog Furnitude

Hmm, I’ve got 3 braces and a bunch of unmarked bits, I guess I’ll have to figure out what size everything is. Haven’t used any of it yet.

I was hoping to be able to use a 3/8” and 1/2” with 3/8” shank drill bits I have :)

A brace is definitely the way to go when you get to 3/8” and above. Any eggbeater is going to struggle to perform well or more to the point, you will :-) Eggbeater’s can’t generate enough torque. A brace with an 8” or 10” sweep will work much more smoothly.

-- Andy -- Old Chinese proverb say: If you think something can't be done, don't interrupt man who is doing it.

i have a makita with a 1/2 inch chuck :)