When I do this I use a jig. V-block that is one half inch shorter then the
dowel being cut, v-block is set up on frame that holds it square to the
table of the drill press. Clamp dowel to v-block and drill hole in dowel.
For short dowels I use a filler on the v-block. I normally clamp the
v-block to my drill press table and drill any where from 50 to 100 dowels at
a time, it works fine for large numbers of dowels (3/4" dowel with 3/8"
hole). For one or two short length of dowel (2" or less) I just hold them
with a pair of Channel lock pliers and go for it.
"John Doe" wrote in message
...

When I want to cut an accurate hole in a short, small diameter dowel
or rod, I put it in my drill press and hold the bit up against the
center of the end while it spins. But when the diameter is greater
than my drill press chuck, like if the dowel diameter is 1" or
greater, is there some crafty way to cut an accurate hole through
the center? The hole needs only to be about 1/2" to 3/4" deep.

Thank you.