Tip #89
How to Drill Pilot Holes In Softwood
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Operations:
Let us drill four pilot holes for 1-1/4" x #10 wood screws.

1. Prepare two pieces of stock 3/4" x 2" x 7-1/2".

2. Set MARK V in Vertical Drill Press position.

3. Scribe a longitudinal center line on the side of one piece. Intersect this line with four equally spaced squared lines. Make punch marks at the four intersections.

Fig. 2 Click image for larger view.

4. Secure correct drill bit in the chuck and lock table 3" below drill point. Warning: NEVER leave the key in the chuck. Remove the key immediately after securing the drill bit.

5. Place unmarked stock on table, edge butted against rip fence.

6. Place second piece of stock, scribed side up, on top of first piece.

7. Position stock by moving rip fence to place right hand punch mark directly under drill bit point. Lock fence.

Note: You can also use table raiser to move table and fence forward of back to align the marks with the drill bit.

Fig. 3 Click image for larger view.

8. Extend quill until drill bit point enters punch mark. Lock quill.

9. Set depth gauge at 1" mark and lock.

Fig. 4 Click image for larger view.

10. Release quill

11. Start motor and turn speed dial to “K”.

12. Slowly feed drill bit, keeping stock in the fixed position, until checked by stop.

13. Drill pilot holes at the remaining three punch marks. This is the manner in which all pilot holes are drilled, since the screw shank can form its own hole in soft wood. On a carefully finished job you should countersink for flat head screws.

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