need ideas for drilling stright

terrydowning · Post by **terrydowning** » Wed Mar 23, 2011 1:50 pm

I built my own vise for holding blanks and use the drill press mode. This way I can do several at one time and be done with it. Perfectly straight has eluded me though. Don't forget to square the blank to the tube with either a blank trimming tool or a disc sander. I created a jig that clamps to the miter bar on my 5" disc sander the jig has a 1/4" bolt that protrudes from a block. I slide the blank on the bolt move the miter gauge into position then gently run the blank against the disk to square it to the tube. It works pretty slick. My jig is similiar to this only Maple and it clamps to an existing miter gauge.

http://www.pennstateind.com/store/PKSQUARE.html

JPG · Post by **JPG** » Wed Mar 23, 2011 2:51 pm

You folks try drilling a 'pilot' hole first?

If centering in the chuck was a problem on the quill, it will also exist on the tailstock and not be partly compensated for by quill rotation.

terrydowning · Post by **terrydowning** » Wed Mar 23, 2011 4:52 pm

I'll definitely give the pilot hole a try. Thanks for the tip.

farley · Post by **farley** » Wed Mar 23, 2011 9:55 pm

again thanks, all kinds of different tips.

Nick seems to have the simplest and workable solution in the Sawdust session.

http://www.shopsmithacademy.com/SS_Arch ... g_Pens.htm