On Fri, 22 Oct 2004 00:21:13 -0400, "orangetrader"
wrote:

I have a piece of melamine board which is part of a shelving system. I need
to drill a hole 2" diameter through it so that I can pass electronic cables
from one side of the shelf to the other.

The problem is this board is about 2.5" thick and I only have a hand drill.
I practice drilling a hole this big on solid wood and each time when I am
done the hole is not straight, it is skewed or slanted because I can't keep
my hand steady and my penetration is not at perfect right angle. Also I
worry about when drilling through particle board will be even harder, and
when it is almost all the way through the drill will "rip" through the other
side and the laminate surface will be messed up.


Start by drilling a pilot hole just slightly smaller than the bit in
the center of your hole saw. Now drill from each side using it as a
guide. If you want the best results, find a friend with a drill
press.