laminated stock drilling?

[AusFclass]

i have to drill a laminated stock for pillars. the stock has been inletted and i have a large mill and a medium drill press in my shop to use. i was thinking that it would be best to set it up in the mill upside down, running parallel to the bed and on the correct center line and to use a spade bit slightly larger than the pillars. what do you guys use? any pics would be fantastic especially showing your clamping arrangement

 

[targetshooter2]

You idea of using the mill is the most secure way. However, I would use a Fostner bit as they create their own guide as you drill. I normally set my stock up in the mill, aligned by a tight fitting standard spiral drill or drill rod inserted into the stock hole I want to enlarge and clamped in the spindle chuck. I then tighten the stock in the vise, change the drill out to the Fostner and open the hole. Bownell's has piloted Fostners but with a mill or HD drill press they are not necessary.
Just an idea that works for me.

 

[Preacher]

I just use a sharp flat bottomed 5/8th cutter on the milling machine.
The wood spade bits don't do a very nice job....

 

[Bob3700]

The Fostner bit is the way to go as it will not only follow the existing hole but won't splinter the wood as it begins to cut.

It is what I have used for years with much success.

RGDS

Bob

 

[barrowsr]

Forsner bits are the tool of choice. Spade bits are for making holes in floor joists.

 

[Ackman]

Spade bit will make a mess. If there's no hole already, a Forstner bit will work ok. But the tip on a Forstner is small and will get lost in an existing hole. If there's already a hole, don't use one of them. Laminated stocks are hard.....that stuff is really! hard. Use a regular drill bit and it'll work just fine.

 

[StevenDzupin]

Use a Counter Bore with a changeable pilot.

Make a pilot to fit the existing hole,Brass or Aluminum will do.

Bore 1/2 way from each side and that's it.

A 1/2' hand dill would work as well.

Been there,done it many times.

Regards,

Steve

 

[AusFclass]

thanks for the replies!

i tired getting a fostner bit but over here is is real hard to get anything out of the ordinary from the local hardware and i was short on time.

what i ended up doing was to use a spade bit held real short so it couldn't flex in a collet chuck in my mill.

this was a stock blank with no existing holes. i turned the stock upside down and drilled from the bottom. the spade bits cut perfectly and i even had to rough up the holes before doing the pillars as they were so smooth inside. i was AMAZED that there was no splintering or even feathering at the start of the hole!