Tip #22
Horizontal Boring In Woodworking (continued)
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version of Tip - Pg. 1-3, Pg 4-6, Pg. 7-9

General Boring

As you might suspect, the procedure for boring is very similar to the procedure for drilling. The basic types of boring operations are also similar--you can either bore all the way through a piece or part way into it.

Figure 11-4. When boring through a workpiece, use the depth control to keep the bit from biting through the scrap and into the fence.

Boring Through
To bore through stock, first mount a bit in the chuck. Be sure that you remove the chuck key. Mount the rip fence on the table to use as a backstop, and adjust it so that it will hold the workpiece 1/4" to 1/2" away from the tip of the bit. To accurately position the hole, adjust the table height. Caution: Place a long scrap of wood against the rip fence to keep the bit from boring into the fence after it goes through the workpiece. This scrap should be 3/4" to 1" thick and taller than the workpiece to properly back up the piece when boring.

Extend the quill so that the cutting flutes of the bit touch the scrap wood. Set the depth control to approximately 1/8", and tighten the depth control lock (Figure 11-4). Then let the quill retract. When you bore the hole, the depth control will keep the bit from biting through the scrap and into the fence.

Figure 11-5. Before boring, extend the quill with the machine turned off to be sure the bit will bore a hole where you want it.

Stand at the front of the machine so that you can easily reach the power switch. Place the workpiece on the table and position it in front of the bit. Hold it firmly against the table and rip fence. Extend the quill with the machine off to be sure the bit will bore a hole right where you want it (Figure 11-5).

Figure 11-6. Feed the bit into the wood slowly and evenly, maintaining a light, steady pressure. Stop when you feel the depth control halt the quill.

If the bit lines up correctly, retract the quill. Turn the Mark V on and set the speed dial. Feed the bit into the wood slowly and evenly (Figure 11-6). Don't force the bit; just maintain a light, steady pressure as you do when drilling. When boring deep holes, it may be necessary to retract the bit occasionally to clear chips from the hole.

When you feel the depth control stop the quill, retract the bit. Turn the speed dial to “Slow”, turn off the machine and let it come to a complete stop, then remove the workpiece.

Boring Part Way
To bore a hole only part way through a workpiece, extend the quill until the cutting flutes of the bit just touch the workpiece. Set the depth control at the desired depth and lock it in place. Bore the holes you need. The depth control will stop the quill when the bit reaches the proper depth in the stock. All the holes you bore at any one depth control setting will be exactly the same depth. Note: When you need to bore a number of holes all at the same height (doweling boards edge-to-edge) on Model 500, use an accurate centerline as a guide.

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