Larry Jaques on Mon, 12 Mar 2018
20:56:40 -0700 typed in rec.crafts.metalworking the following:
On Mon, 12 Mar 2018 07:25:38 -0700, pyotr filipivich
wrote:
Larry Jaques on Sun, 11 Mar 2018
17:03:16 -0700 typed in rec.crafts.metalworking the following:
On Sat, 10 Mar 2018 07:40:56 -0800, pyotr filipivich
wrote:
Larry Jaques on Fri, 09 Mar 2018
08:00:48 -0800 typed in rec.crafts.metalworking the following:
I bought the kits eons ago, then made my own centering device.
https://www.homedepot.com/p/General-...1014/205585492
They came with brad point bits, so they don't drift so easily. Trying
to fit 2 boards together with imprecisely drilled dowel holes is like
herding cats. Jus tain't possible.

Hence the reason I had for wanting a long auger bit. The need for
through holes on two 3" inch boards.

You can buy long brad point bits. https://is.gd/6aBAEs and other
sources.

Will have to look into those.

I forgot to mention dowel centers. You drill holes in one board, put
the centers in the holes, then match up the other board to it and tap
against the points, marking the second board precisely.
https://is.gd/ldqXBh

My problem is: no means to be sure I've the axis of the second
hole aligned with that of the first.

If you don't have a drill press, get one. Or (less ChaChing) get a
drill guide (the tool you strap onto a VSR drill, great if you have a
second drill motor) https://is.gd/PkiEoc

I have the old 90-degree model, a PortAlign. I could slide the base up
and have the rods align with the plane of the board while centering
it. http://www.cab1net.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=23&t=634

I have some kind of centering guide - but it requires a "second"
chuck. And I'm not sure where it is anyway.
"Excuses, excuses"

I do have a Zyliss clamping system - without the attachments.
Nerts.

So long bits, drill one long
hole and cutting it in half (or thirds,with the extra hole can be used
in handles or other projects.)

(I have absolutely no idea what that meant.)
OK, 4th read--guessing you're talking about drilling a single board
and then ripping (with grain) down to 2 or 3 pieces? How could an
extra 1/4" (or larger) hole work for a handle?

Some years ago, I was making a part which was a tube with a slot.
Two variants: one had the slot end to end, the other only had the slot
open at one end. I was making the first variant. Handed in the first
part run for sign off, foreman comes back and tells me "the slot is
too long." I tell him "the extra slot was for the strategic slut
reserve."

So, if I drill a hole too deep, the extra hole can be used for
putting the holes in wooden handles ala in paint brush.

(Now, who was the guy who sent a bunch of brushes out, and the
customer complained there weren't any holes in the handle to hang them
up. So the maker sent him "a box of holes". Which were returned with
the note "These are the wrong size, need the next size smaller.")
--
pyotr filipivich
"With Age comes Wisdom. Although far too often, Age travels alone."