Perfect hole

[Curt W]

I’m working on a product that a customer wants a hole to add a wrist strap into. I’d love to drill that with no tear out and minimal sanding. What are y’alls suggestions?

 

[SteveHall]

A router will do the best job.

With a drill, the best results would be to tape the wood, use a sharp brad-point bit in a press, spin at relatively high speed, move slowly, duct collect/vacuum as you drill, and back up the first sign of chips or clogging. I usually shortcut most of these hoping for the best, but if I really need it clean, I do all six.

 

[mquan01]

Forstener bit

 

[FredP]

Forstener bit

With a backer.

 

[Tarhead]

I like spade bits if you can find one small enough. Drill from one side until you see the tip coming through. Flip and drill from the other side.

 

[Curt W]

A router will do the best job.

With a drill, the best results would be to tape the wood, use a sharp brad-point bit in a press, spin at relatively high speed, move slowly, duct collect/vacuum as you drill, and back up the first sign of chips or clogging. I usually shortcut most of these hoping for the best, but if I really need it clean, I do all six.

never thought about a router. Interesting

 

[Pop Golden]

Frostner bit & bore from both sides. 2 ways to do this: 1 - bore one side until the point just shows on other side. use this tiny hole as your pilot. 2 - use small bit and drill through then use the pilot hole to bore from both sides.

Pop

 

[tvrgeek]

Fiber strapping tape has worked for me.

 

[Joe Scharle]

A bladed, not toothed forstner bit and clamped backer board is a safe bet, but some of us would use a spiral downcut router bit into a clamped backer board.

 

[Southern_Canuk]

Frostner bit, Drill a pilot hole, Then drill the backside out part way, flip and drill the rest. No tearout and won't need a backer board

 

[Joe Scharle]

I'd like to add a word of caution on the flip and restart in the punched out or pilot hole.
Not always does the bit center in the hole provided, thus leaving an offset shelf inside.

 

[chris_goris]

CNC router!

 

[bob vaughan]

A bladed, not toothed forstner bit and clamped backer board is a safe bet, but some of us would use a spiral downcut router bit into a clamped backer board.

My experiences also. The clamped backer board is the key. A new spot on the backer board for each new hole.