Beginners *MUST KNOW* - Drilling Holes On A CNC Router, Router For Beginners, How To Tips & Tricks

This video teaches you how to drill holes on a CNC router using peck drilling and spiral drilling. Plunge drilling on a CNC router is not recommended unless you have an up-cutting router bit with bottom-cutting blades.
See below for links to "drilling" endmills for CNC routers
Using the spiral method, you will need to change your 'plunge' feed to equal the feed rate setting. For example, if your feed rate is set to 25ipm and plunge is set to 10ipm. You will want the plunge to be set to 25imp.
If you have any suggestions or found this video helpful, please leave me a comment and like the video. It helps me know I am giving you the right stuff.
Woodworking - How to drill with a CNC router.
Drilling on a CNC router is good to do to avoid secondary operations. Knowing the in's and out's and the risks are important to save your router bits and damage to your beautiful work.
Drilling with a flat-bottom tool is always risky. Follow the rules below and you should do very well
Tips for drilling on a cnc router:
→ A router bit IS NOT a drill bit
→ Do use peck drilling cycles
→ Use short pecks
→ Set the cycle to do FULL retract
→ Make sure your router bit end is beveled to the center
→ Do not plunge drill (cut full hole in one shot) unless it is a very shallow hole
→ NEVER USE A DOWN BIT OR STRAIGHT BIT FOR DRILLING
→ Use spiral drilling whenever possible to allow good chip ejection. It is the safest technique for drilling with your router
__________________________________
VECTRIC SOFTWARE LINKS
[Please use these links when you order. It gives me credit. Thank you]
→ Vcarve Pro (Recommended): shrsl.com/36xfh
→ Vcarve Desktop (24x24” size limit): shrsl.com/36xfj
→ Vectric Aspire (3D modeling): shrsl.com/36xfk
→ Cut2D (for the budget-minded): shrsl.com/36xfm
__________________________________
ROUTER BITS FOR CNC ROUTERS
→ 8-pc carbide CNC router bit set (w/ free vector files) bit.ly/3d1iQnF
→ 1” Surfacing bit required for surfacing your spoil board: bit.ly/2QEYLKz
→ Drilling endmill kit for CNC routers: bit.ly/3AWEbaP
OTHER THINGS YOU'LL NEED
Calipers. For the price, it is a very good set: amzn.to/338MAt3
Hearing protection (plugs don't work): amzn.to/2Hs1RgW
Facebook: IDCWoodc...
Website: www.idcwoodcraft.com
Email: [e-mail]
#cnc #router #drill

[@mohammadlateef7543]

actually you are more than good and thank you alot

[@IDCWoodcraft]

Thanks Mohammad!

[@ParkerEdwardsParties]

I like this guy

[@IDCWoodcraft]

That gave me a smile. thanks

[@danielapollo6458]

Definitely one of the best channels for CNCing

[@IDCWoodcraft]

Daniel, wow thank you! I'm glad to be a part of your CNC journey my friend!

[@tmuka]

Thanks for the most enlightening "boring" video! I made quite a smoking mess trying to plunge a hole the size of my end mill!

[@IDCWoodcraft]

Tmuka, I'm glad I didn't bore you to tears like I expected! LOL Now you shouldn't need your fire-extinguisher on hand! Happy cutting my friend!

[@jamesbaker4370]

I enjoy your every thing you put out there. I and my son got a Next Wave 510 for christmas. I have been looking for a CNC for 20 years. I was a member of technical staff for Bell Labs. So I had a lot of electronics. I had a FCC Microwave license and was involved in cell phone support.I went to a CNC programing class 20yrs. ago. Now I have something to work with. Thank you again.

[@IDCWoodcraft]

Hey James, I'm sorry for the delayed response, I have been playing catch up on my emails and comments! That's awesome! I'm so excited to see what you and your son make on your Next Wave! Keep me posted!

[@paulbergman8228]

As a dentist I spiral drill all the time to enter, then profile drill to shape the prep. Final tool path is fairly slow for precision p, then a ‘tool change’ with multi 12 flute bit. Very easy to understand your methods!😎

[@IDCWoodcraft]

Well Paul, I never thought a dentist could relate to this. Thank you for sharing. Gave me a smile!

[@Thunder198]

you are amazing thank you...

[@IDCWoodcraft]

Thanks Ibrahim!

[@TheSuperheimwerker]

Thanks for that !! i am a carpenter and joiner very new to cnc and have watched many of your vidios . i am aware of the problems with different tools but intil now didnt know how to set the program up the right way to drill. on my first atempt zo drill a 20mm hole ( on my spoilerboard) i was left wizh a pin in the middle and didnt know why. but i do now ( i think ) once again thanks !!!!

[@IDCWoodcraft]

TheSuperheilmwerker, glad to hear this video helped then brother!

[@salimafridi2304]

Hello Garrett, I'm about to Bye a cnc router, and your videos really help me how to operate, there is ton of videos in mother lenguag but the way you sir understand is absolutely great. Pray for your good health, I'm from South Asia and sorry of my english.

[@IDCWoodcraft]

salimafridi2304, congrats on purchasing your machine! I'm glad to hear the videos have been helpful so far and I'm glad to be a part of your cnc journey! You got this!

[@martymitchell9855]

You answered SO many questions with this 21 minute video. Thank you for doing what you do!

[@IDCWoodcraft]

Marty, I'm glad I could help!

[@ebernabeo]

Thank you very much…this was sooooo helpful as a beginning CNCer!

[@IDCWoodcraft]

Eddie, you are so welcome my friend.

[@johnhulbert4154]

Useful as always Garrett. Keep then coming. I learned about the drilling through master cam. Great to hear it again.

[@IDCWoodcraft]

John, thanks brother! I'm glad it was helpful, sometimes a little refresher is all we need!

[@pt115823]

Thanks for another awesome video

[@IDCWoodcraft]

You're welcome Peter.

[@ronnorris1504]

Thanks for sharing. I continue to follow

[@IDCWoodcraft]

Hey Ron. You're totally welcome. Stay on board

[@victorsmith311]

Good information, thanks!

[@IDCWoodcraft]

Thanks Victor

[@appylover72]

You have tought me so much. Thank you. I have a question...what is your suggestion on how to drill the holes for a cribbage board?

[@IDCWoodcraft]

Applylover, use a cribbage board bit! Here is a link: idcwoodcraft.com/products/set-of-2-extreme-performance-1-8-drill-bit-for-cnc-routers-free-cribbage-files With this drill bit you dont need to spiral drill like this video, you can use a drilling toolpath in Vcarve.

[@paulbateman5769]

My head is turpalating right now.ha. brilliant explanation though mate 👍🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿🇬🇧

[@IDCWoodcraft]

paulbateman5769, glad to hear it brother!

[@StanProper]

Hey, Garrett, Don't worry about the length of the videos. If I don't have time to watch the video in its entirety, I can either wait until I have time to watch it all, or I can watch part of it and pause it and watch the rest later. The main thing is the education I get from watching your videos. Thanks again, my friend. Stan

[@IDCWoodcraft]

StanProper, so glad to hear this one helped you my friend. Keep working hard and learning everything you can brother!

[@jacobbakst8982]

This video as well as the others that I have watched and they are very informative. I will not be able to put the information to use until the Covid situation improves and I can go back to the woodshed. Can you do a Vcarve video on 4 sided machining on a CNC Router as the only video I have found is very unclear and just left me more confused than ever. Thank you Yacov Bakst

[@IDCWoodcraft]

I will absolutely do this! It's on the liost. You'll have to give me a couple weeks. Can you wait that long lol?

[@mounirdaou9021]

helps a lot. thanks for the video

[@IDCWoodcraft]

Thanks Monuir. What do you make on your CNC router?

[@raygodbout]

Found my problem,wrong post processe, just like you said!

[@IDCWoodcraft]

Raymond, glad to hear you got it sorted brother!

[@oldtech_76]

Great info!

[@IDCWoodcraft]

Thanks Jonathan

[@grantpeckford2035]

This is Awesome instructions ,very helpful for my 48 yr old Welder's brain to compose lol. My onefinity is setup now and finally with the post processing program. I'm getting the nerve up to try a test lol. I want to make a check list to ensure my success the first time. My question is ; Do you have a list of your videos that are in order from novice like me, to advanced? I find myself trying to find each video because of my experience, a little difficult. You have more and more coming out. I'm trying to organize before I dive in! If this is too much ask I understand, I realize that your time is valuable, thankyou!

[@IDCWoodcraft]

hi Grant. I do not have a list. Funny, I was just talking to someone about that today. For your test runs...MAKE SURE YOU RUN THE MACHINE WITHOUT BITS FOR A FEW TIMES until you understand how it moves. you'll be glad you did and so will your bits.

[@grantpeckford2035]

Thankyou for your wise advice! I just went through your hold down clamp video! Good news , I followed along easily. I managed to load it to my onefinity lol! Now I have to probe all axis and press play minis the router bit. I'm getting closer to production.

[@IDCWoodcraft]

@@grantpeckford2035 it's fun when you can actually start to create something! Congrats on getting that design done

[@DCDLaserCNC]

Great info Garrett! Thank you for sharing.

[@IDCWoodcraft]

Thank you DCD! How are things going on your end? What kind of projects are you making?

[@DCDLaserCNC]

@@IDCWoodcraft I am working on quoting a CNC job for a customer who I have previously done some laser cutting work for. It will be doing some CNC work on existing ABS plastic parts. I will need to make a jig to hold the parts and get some pretty accurate measurements from. It will be interesting for sure.

[@JCraftvfx]

So if I wanted to spiral drill a 1/4 hole with a 1/8 bit, that bit would still need to be an upcut bit? or is it ok to use a downcut bit since the bit is smaller than the hole being made? Also, for something like that since the bit is smaller than the hole, would I want to choose the pocket methode or is profile cut ok that would leave material in the middle?

[@IDCWoodcraft]

JC, I would recommend an upcut for this one. Right at the begging of the cut, the wood will have nowhere to escape to and thats bad news for your bit and your project. You could attempt pre drilling the hole so the chips can escape and then using a downcut. For that operation, I would recommend a pocket toolpath.

[@sandybanker3213]

Would you use this for a barrel hinge? I was using a pocket but having problems.

[@IDCWoodcraft]

Sandy, it really depends on your design my friend but it certainly could work well for you!

[@miguelcereceres6977]

Any specific spiral bits you can recommend for drilling?

[@IDCWoodcraft]

Hi Miguel. Anything upcut for this type of process

[@IDCWoodcraft]

Please share how this video helped you...

[@rsjdawg1]

Great videos Garrett. The thing thats been holding me back with pulling the trigger with the E4 in particular, is where to physically place the machine. Wasn't sure how practical it is to place in a spare area in my house on a temporary basis because of the dust or project byproducts. I was seriously thinking about making the sacrifice of taking up some very valuable garage parking real-estate, until the machine could earn itself a more permanent space in a newly built project shop in the back yard. What are your thoughts about placing it inside the house etc.? And I love your mindset... I too am not really concerned with retiring off of this... I just want to have fun, get good at it, and finance some home projects. And I find I find I enjoy it enough, maybe start earning a supplemental income off of it as well. Look fwd to your response.

[@IDCWoodcraft]

Hi RS! Thanks for the comments. Off the bat, without dust collection, you may find yourself cleaning things up more often than you want. However, do what I did...dive in and solve the issue later. It is a great deal of fun and as time goes on, there just aren't an end to things you can make. Go for it!

[@scottmorris4914]

Build a cart for it, where the table flips up. I watch a video earlier where a guy built a flip up table, if it reduced down the 20” deep.

[@raygodbout]

OK, I'm stuck and need help. Been trying for two days just to drill a 3/4" pocket hole with a 1/4 in a bit 3/4" deep. All it does it goes to the surface begins to pocket then ends and returned back up to the safe point. Check all the settings as compared to yours and I can't find out where I'm wrong. Been watching your beginner videos over and over, good stuff! But I always have a hard time learning. On the right there is another material setup. Any of your videos describing this setup? Gap above model, gap below model, is this where I could be wrong? On the screen the view machines OK.

[@IDCWoodcraft]

Raymond, send an email to [e-mail] with some pictures. Id be happy to help!

[@raygodbout]

Hey Garrett, found my problem watching your videos. I was using the wrong post-processor. Thanks

[@IDCWoodcraft]

Raymond, right on brother! Glad to hear you figured it out.

[@WLDORPFELD]

I attempted to spiral drill .125" diameter holes in .125: thick aluminum with an Amana Tool #51470-Z SC Spiral O Single Flute 1/16" bit. It immediately snapped the $37 bit. I have a 2.2kw water-cooled spindle RPM range of 0-24,000. Can I peck-drill it with a conventional twist, and at what RPMs? I've had excellent success milling aluminum.

[@IDCWoodcraft]

Wayne, I got your message over email brother! Check your email.

[@Blocheren]

I must misunderstand something. You say that spiralprofiling can be used for any diameter, but what about the material leftover in the center?

[@IDCWoodcraft]

Thomas, that is true my friend. You will have material left over, in those cases where the hole is very large consider using tabs.

[@SMS14411]

Thanks, Garrett, I've watched this from time to time, but always come back to it. I guess the biggest question is this... I have a .25" hole that I want to drill. should I make the hole .255 and use a .25" upcut? or use the only 1/8" compression bit I have. I do not want to use the 1/8" downcut bit for the reasons you discussed. Thanks ahead of time :)

[@IDCWoodcraft]

WoodWorking, I would recommend just peck drilling with the 1/4" upcut, you will burn out the bit a little bit faster than if you were to spiral drill but you will get the hole size you want.

[@rolfjohansson3827]

HI I am so new to cnc my Axiom machine comes in today. my question is I am going to be drilling a lot of small holes in aluminum .089 and after I watching you video I feel if I use a 3/64 up cut end mill spiral cut bit this should work in drilling the .089 hole. a lot of my projects will be drilling holes in aluminum so before I break bits I want to make sure I am starting out right. Thanx you

[@IDCWoodcraft]

Hi Rolf. If you know you will be doing a lot of holes this size, you may want to consider a drill bit. Otherwise, a small endmill up cut for this type of work. Does that help?

[@davidorourke9920]

Ordered Longmill from Ur site. Was trying Ur tips on spiral drilling. The 3D view goes really fast with speed set really slow & no animation. Do I have to have the Longmill hooked up?

[@IDCWoodcraft]

David, are you trying to simulate the toolpath on Vectric?

[@tonywinter8069]

Hi Garrett, I tried to use the profile spiral cut with an .125in end mill on a .25in hole. When I ran the program I ended up with a dowel piece left in the middle of the hole?? If I made the hole bigger it just cut a ring leaving the middle untouched. If I use a pocket it will cut the hole but there is no spiral ramping option. I must be missing something, Doh!

[@IDCWoodcraft]

Hi Tom. If the hole is more than twice the diameter of the bit, you will need to pocket out most of the material first, then finish using this method

[@billwallace1057]

What I think I hear you saying is to use a std upcut spiral emill along with the technique you described. Am I correct?

[@IDCWoodcraft]

Bill, yes sir exactly. Dont use a downcut.

[@grahamrankin4725]

I am wanting to cut a 1" hole thru my work piece (3/4" thick). Does the spiral start at thr center of the hole then move out, or does it leave a cylinder of waste in the middle?

[@IDCWoodcraft]

Hi Graham. It will leave the middle. The best thing to do is to pocket out the middle, then do a profile cut using the spiral method

[@Mtbeaver9]

I really enjoyed your video. I don’t know how you select the tool. I go to select tool and it takes me to another screen and I pick the 1/8 tool then I have option to copy and it adds the same tool to the list I picked it from. I can’t apply it. What am I doing wrong?

[@IDCWoodcraft]

Charles, I think I understand but will you send me an email with a picture of the screen where you can't "apply" it? I may be able to help from there.

[@bobd.]

06:55 What is 'deep'? Is it equal to the diameter of the bit, half the diameter of the bit, or something else.

[@IDCWoodcraft]

1/2 the diameter

[@Mtbeaver9]

I love your videos. Do you recommend climb cutting or conventional doing small profile drilling holes

[@IDCWoodcraft]

Charles, great question. My answer is, it depends. If you don't have a rigid router you might see chatter on a climb cut so try conventional if that happens to you. This also depends on the grain direction of the grain as well. But if you can get away with climb cut at a good feed and speed without chatter then go for it!

[@berttaylor4424]

I would like to hear your thoughts on drilling holes smaller than 1/8”. Also, I was considering buying a second spindle for drilling but maybe I should just consider a second router spindle dedicated to smaller holes and use the spiral technique you’ve outlined in this video!? Good work! I’m a subscriber! Thank you!

[@IDCWoodcraft]

Good question Bert. Smaller than 1/8 is the same principle except you will start to see flex and tapering if the small bit is too far extended. you may want to try plunging several times. This is a tough one. I'll have to think about it.

[@gifts_in_wood2294]

Another easy to follow and understand video, great job. Do you know if you can use spotting drill bits in a cnc router and would this help compared to using end mills?

[@IDCWoodcraft]

Hi Marty. Spot drills are fine. It would be interesting to see if they would drill through on tiny pecks. you can use any tool that will fit in your router the cuts down or sideways.

[@Magicmike12345]

Thank you again Garrett. Another very useful post. I'm working out the process of drilling 3/4 holes for a cam pins on my spoil board.

[@IDCWoodcraft]

Hi East coast. This will get those holes mightly close.

[@kennethauthement5418]

Can you use a tapered ball nose for spiral drilling an .125 hole

[@IDCWoodcraft]

It would be tricky. I would not suggest it without a lot of experience to understand what the tool will be doing.

[@deanroadifer6013]

Thanks for all the info. Do you ever use a tapered ball nose to do tapered holes?

[@IDCWoodcraft]

Dean, you certainly can brother!

[@ranko84]

Thanks a lot, the video is very helpful!

[@IDCWoodcraft]

Rankoman, you're so welcome! Glad I could help!

[@maxgarcia9512]

Great video Garrett! I watched this because I was never able to get the instructions on the drilling process for your Bit holder. This helped me understand some, but not actually doing it. I woiuld like to learn it on your bit project. Do you have a PDF file type or a file type that I can open? That would be a good way for me to get it. Can you email it to me? Thanks again Garrett!!

[@IDCWoodcraft]

Hi Max. I have no file link you can download the tool holder file. You'll have to email me about it.

[@JJS8023]

Good. What about a hole size 1.25” using a 0.250” up mill cutter? Would you cut the material out in a pocket first then use a spiral toolpath to finish size?

[@IDCWoodcraft]

Hi JJ. Yes, it needs to be clear. You can save time by not pocketing out the whole hole. Create a plug if that makes sense

[@JJS8023]

@@IDCWoodcraft Hi, a plug would work if through hole. I should have mentioned a blind hole. I have made some practice holes to see how accurate they are. I may need to offset. I can have clearance in hole size, but need to follow up on your spiral cuts an need to offset lessons. Thanks.

[@woodknack1]

very good videos. Thanks you.

[@IDCWoodcraft]

Thanks Wood

[@Kevin-jd1rm]

Very helpful, Thank You

[@IDCWoodcraft]

You're welcome Kevin

[@DCDLaserCNC]

Garrett, it would not let you select the hole because you still had your toolpaths checked on. If you unchecked the toolpaths it will let you select the circles.

[@IDCWoodcraft]

Thanks for clearing that up. It was a strange stop for me.

[@woody987654]

Awesome info! I haven't yet started using my machine. I'm currently still setting it up. I am however ready to add my waste board, and this video on milling the holes has been very helpful. I am also using V-Carve Pro, so... I just need to make sure I have an 1/8" up cut end mill and re-watch the video as I plan the cuts in V-Carve! Thanks Garrett!

[@IDCWoodcraft]

Right on Frank! It will sure come in handy when you need to mill the holes for your waste board. Im happy that I could help my friend.

[@bubba6945]

This Garrett is a genius machinist

[@chanchalsakarde2768]

how to drill in steps movements, like lets say we have 400 nail to drills in circular points one by one and it need to drill on circumference in following example sequence starting from 0->10->240->45->28-> .......... -> 400 . How can we automate this ..

[@IDCWoodcraft]

chanchalsakarde2768, This one is a little tricky to walk you through over comments my friend. I recommend joining Kate and I for our live sessions we host every Wednesday evening at 8PM EST. We should be able to help walk you through it then brother!

[@harryten]

try to turn off the tool paths when using copy

[@IDCWoodcraft]

Hi Harry. I will That eill rliminate the duplication of all the others, won't it?

[@86OEd]

Excellent information...

[@IDCWoodcraft]

Right on Ed! Glad to hear it.

[@orsu2001]

I knew i was doing something wrong :D Man you are amazing cause i find answers in all your videos ! Thanks.

[@IDCWoodcraft]

ORSA!!! Hello. Thank you for sharing that. Let's me know I'm doing something right. Would love to see some of your work.

[@orsu2001]

I am full time truck driver in Belgium and i have a 3018 toy cnc and an Ortur diode laser...playing with them in my little left time in weekends 😂 So nothing for business but i Enjoy you teaching all that cnc stuff 😍💪

[@maxcooper9215]

Thanks a lot for this video and all the info. in your channel. I know nothing about CNC but yesterday I ordered the: Onefinity Journeyman "X-50". I know, is crazy buying something like this with no previous experience. But, I'm confident that, with videos like your's and some practice I will be good to go. I'm a welder by trade but cant work on the field no more and want to do welding at home. Have all the tools of the trade (TIG, MIG AND STICK) plus some CNC income too.Building a 24 x 30 Metal building on the back yard this week. Let u know how go. Thanks again!!

[@IDCWoodcraft]

Hi Max. There is something to be said for those who dive right in knowing little to nothing how they are going to get there. That was the same when I started this channel. You, my friend, will go far with this!

[@reidwilliams2046]

Thanks for this very useful information. I am fairly new to CNC routing and I have been searching relentlessly for CNC bits made to drill holes, like a normal drill bit. Amana makes some metric size bits but not imperial. I need to drill a lot of very slightly oversize 1/8" + .01" (.135" dia.) holes. So I guess what I need is either a 1/16" or maybe a 3/32" upcut spiral endmill using a continuous a spiral ramp. Any suggestions on which size bit to use?

[@IDCWoodcraft]

Hi Reid, you could use a regular drill bit but that is a really interesting sized hole. Closest you might be able to get is 0.1378" www.mcmaster.com/2958A66/ You can definitely used a endmill with a spiral toolpath. Try that first and let me know how it turns out.

[@jkdive8]

thank you this help me so much

[@IDCWoodcraft]

James, you're so welcome! Happy to help!

[@RobSandstromDesigns]

Thank you for the time ended effort put into this video. You have good instruction techniques. I am just getting into creating videos to help others learn. I enjoyed your teaching style and gained some insights on how to approach topics. Regardless of how much I think I know about a topic, I usually learn something new when i take the time to listen to what others are trying to teach. Once again - thank you. I do have one question because i didn't hear you cover this when going over the various bits. I actually purchased what was title core drilling bits for my CNC to make Cribbage boards. I was under the impression they were specifically constructed to allow efficient peck drilling on a CNC. My experience is they make short work of the task to drill my cribbage boards. Is there something I am missing about these specialty bits?

[@IDCWoodcraft]

I haven't heard of 'core 'drilling bits.. I got tired of peck drilling so designed my own crib board drill bit (since I sell bits, I work on my own designs). I think you'll like it. I did a short video on it. Watch it ...you'll be surprised how fast it is → kzbin.info/www/bejne/pIvTY6GMncifm9k

[@IDCWoodcraft]

Also, thank you regarding the instruction technique. If you're putting some courses together, I can share a bit of my 'behind the scenes' concepts. It's vital to engagement.

[@resorter66]

Great video on hole drilling different ways . I am going to go through all of your videos from start to finish 1 questing would you mind sharing your set up for the 1/8' bit you used and maybe a mfg and #. what video did you start with and are they listed some where. do you or could you do a how to use the tiling toolpath I have set of book cases to build that require a dado for the top and 4 dados for fixed shelves and 1 bottom also 3 adjustable shelves which require 3 sets of holes.. and a rabbit for the back. Material .75 thick 11.25 wide and 72 inches long My machine cutting area is 32x32 The board can be placed on the machine bed and extend past the front and back. THanks Jeff

[@IDCWoodcraft]

Hi Jeff. Tiling tool path video is on the slate. Unfortunately, it is a bit down the list. However, I am getting more requests these days for more advanced stuff. So will bump it up a bit. You can get that bit here on Amazon: amzn.to/3fwW8F6 Settings are Feed 25 ipm speed 16000

[@1070jake]

Been going crazy trying to do holes for t nuts. First try was going to take an hour and a half to do 16 holes! After watching this video I set it up as a spiral cut and the time dropped to less than 20 minutes! Once again you helped out a new CNC'r and kept me from losing my s**t! LOL Great video!

[@IDCWoodcraft]

Hey Larry. Good to see you again. It's surprising how fast spiral drilling is. Once you do it, you never go back to that old fashioned peck drilling lol

[@bdizzle5700]

Can I spiral drill in carveco?

[@IDCWoodcraft]

bdizzle5700, try reaching out to Carveco on that one brother! They will be able to help you better on that specific software. Here is a link: carveco.com/contact-carveco/

[@sonofballard]

Hi Garrett! Thanks very much for sharing all the great information. I’m using this technique to drill some larger holes (.75” diameter) with a .25” endmill and I wonder what you would do about the small column of waste material left at the center of the holes? I’m also working in plywood, so I’m considering a compound spiral bit to reduce tearout. Any reason not to use that bit? Thanks again for your help!

[@IDCWoodcraft]

Thomas, you could use a pocket toolpath to get rid of that excess. Have you tried running using climb instead of conventional on your toolpaths to reduce tearouts? It might help instead of using a compression bit. With a compression bit, you typically have to run the bit at a large depth of cut to get the benefits that bit offers and might not be that effective for drilling when it comes to evacuating chips.

[@mr.p9882]

Garrett, making a bit holder and needed this info!! Thanks...I have French Cleats on my wall, and will be making a "shelf" to hang on the wall holding all the bits...at least the ones I have now!!!

[@IDCWoodcraft]

Mr. P, right on! I'm glad it was helpful for you! Be sure to send over a picture of your shelf!

[@Tom-ir9nb]

Garrett, I'm thinking of making a cribbage board. Of course, it's a lot of holes. Thanks for the information on drilling.

[@IDCWoodcraft]

Tom, awesome! I'm glad I could help. I'd love to see pics of your finished board!

[@danzuckschwerdt8462]

Nice job. Very well explained. I was working on a project involving some holes and I am glad I watched this video before I went and hit start.

[@IDCWoodcraft]

Dan, right on brother! Happy to hear it helped you before you hit start on your project.

[@breadventurer]

If I need a very clean look on the rim of the hole, do you think a compression bit could be used for spiral drilling?

[@IDCWoodcraft]

Hi Brea...only if you start the hole cutting process past the upcut part of the bit.

[@breadventurer]

Thank you for your advice Mr. Fromme! Would it be possible in Vcarve to peck drill to a depth beyond the up-cut part of the compression bit, then resume to make the rest of the hole with a spiral profile path once the down-cut portion of the compression bit is at the material surface? For example, if i wanted to drill a 0.375 in hole with a 0.25 in compression spiral bit?

[@IDCWoodcraft]

@@breadventurer Yes you can do that. Don't allow the peck to be more than .05

[@saradonohue528]

Please make a dedicated "spiral drilling toolpath" video. This one is packed with information but is so hard to follow from 17:30 to 19:30 where it counts! Thanks!

[@IDCWoodcraft]

Hi Sara. I will get that on the list.

[@michael.a]

This is very helpful. Been struggling to figure out how to drill. I feel a lot more comfortable now bcos I know what to do from your video. Suggestion, for next video is drilling on a CNC Router with a brad point drill bit. Well done.

[@IDCWoodcraft]

Hey Simi. I will consider thi. However, I tend to keep my videos geared toward those who are just starting out. But, of course, when I get a challenge such as this, it's hard to resist. Please do tell. What are you considering with drilling on your router?

[@ronhitchcock1512]

Great info. What's the min. glass thickness you would recommend? 1/8" ok?

[@IDCWoodcraft]

Hi Ron. 1/8" is perfect. I do picture frame glass all the time.

[@stakwalderbak5331]

Thanks for this great explanation and practical tips. I don't quite understand why you would use the profile cut rather than a plunge cut. My guess is that it works because the diameter of the spiral bit is half the diameter of the hole so the profile cut would work out. However can I assume that if you wanted to drill a hole that is greater than twice the diameter of the end mill that you would use a plunge cut?

[@IDCWoodcraft]

Hi Stak. I use the profile because it creates a smooth transition as it moves downward. Plunge goes in steps and actually takes longer.

[@davidorourke9920]

Do you think starting the hole with a down cut bit in order to make the top edge of the hole cleaner would be a good strategy? (Only drilling a very small distance of course)

[@IDCWoodcraft]

Hi Dave. The better option would be to rough out the hole with an up bit. Then finish the final profile with a down bit. I didn't think about that at the time I did the video

[@Jaloja]

Ooo thanks for this.. Common sense is so rare...

[@IDCWoodcraft]

lol...yes it is. But I think we all have a lack of it somewhere.

[@Jaloja]

@@IDCWoodcraft Common sense has become rare to the point of becoming rare gems. You almost have to mine for it. Its not just laying on the surface anymore.

[@AceWorxLLC]

Thanks Garret! I’m fairly new to the CNC world and would be completely lost without you and your videos!

[@IDCWoodcraft]

AceWorx, you are so welcome brother.

[@alanbushy4679]

very helpful. I didn't see this topic covered in any of the Ventric tutorials. Thanks

[@IDCWoodcraft]

Hi Alan. No, you won't find this in tutorials. drilling like this is more advanced stuff.

[@joesmyth2072]

Guess I'll use my drill press.

[@IDCWoodcraft]

Hi Joe. Of course, that works too.

[@joesmyth2072]

By the way, I just found your videos, I've been doing this (CNC) for about 2 years and yours is one of the best videos I have found, thanks I'm hooked!

[@IDCWoodcraft]

@@joesmyth2072 thank you Joe. Especially coming from a fellow CNC'er

[@jimaikman2875]

This was very helpful Garrett. I never really payed much attention to the different types of drilling and always wondered why the software wouldn't let me make a 1/4" hole with a 1/4" end mill... now I know :)

[@IDCWoodcraft]

Thanks @Jim. Yes, those quirky little things we struggle to figure out

[@josephunthank363]

Hi Garrett. Your videos have really been helpful to me. I have realized I have NOT been cutting holes the best way. I'm making some wood toys that need a fair number of holes. The holes are 5/16" diameter. The rest of the machining is all profile cut outs which I've been doing with a 1/4" spiral upcut bit. And I confess I've been cutting the 5/16" holes using the pocket toolpath and changed to the profile toolpath with a spiraling ramp after watching your drilling video the first time. All holes were in 3/4" wood with plunge rate of 20 ipm. I understand I could increase that for the spiraling cuts. Today in watching your video again, I realized you were using the 1/8" upcut bit for 1/4" holes and you emphasized the space available for wood chip ejection. Now for my questions: How much space should allowed relative to bit size for spiral drilling or and specifically how small of holes can be cut with spiral drilling using 3/16 and 1/4" bits? Thanks for your response!

[@IDCWoodcraft]

Hi Joe. You actually don't need much space at all. If you're drill 5/16", a 1/4" bit will do fine

[@letrishacreationsfrometsycom]

God bless you

[@IDCWoodcraft]

Thank you!!!

[@dovetalerwoodcraft]

Garrett, thank you! As a new CNC-er, I'm flying by the seat of my pants a little, learning as I'm going. Your videos have been super helpful, and this one particularly so. I knew there had to be a way to use an end mill in a corkscrew fashion... I just couldn't figure it out! Thanks for saving me about 24 hours of trial and error! Really appreciate what you do. Thanks!

[@IDCWoodcraft]

Hi Dovetaler. You are welcome. What types of projects do you do that requires holes in it?

[@stevenirish6160]

Thank you

[@IDCWoodcraft]

Steven, you are so welcome!

[@dalgguitars]

thank you

[@IDCWoodcraft]

DALG Guitars, You're welcome.

[@sauletto1]

Good stuff.

[@IDCWoodcraft]

Thanks Steve!

[@mikehalverson6775]

thank you

[@IDCWoodcraft]

Hi mike. Welcome.

[@mattivirta]

can i use 1 flute 4mm tap drill 6mm hole 21.87mm deep MDF , bit have 1 Flute 4mm 22mm . need made my first work sboilboards holes grid to 22mm MDF how made this Vcarve pro, have only drill mode but not found spiral drill mode anywere.

[@IDCWoodcraft]

Matt, this one is a little tricky to walk you through over comments my friend. I recommend joining Kate and I for our live sessions we host every Wednesday evening at 8PM EST. We should be able to help walk you through it then brother!

[@robertlang9749]

awesome video. thank you for sharing that information with everyone

[@IDCWoodcraft]

Robert, you are so welcome my friend.

[@ankerstraat60]

I stumbled upon this video about drilling, very helpful! I definitely will check out your other video's and subscribe to your channel. Thanks for your efforts of teaching us how to do stuff on the CNC.

[@IDCWoodcraft]

ankerstaat60, you are so welcome my friend.

[@Clebergomes2010]

Show de bola!

[@IDCWoodcraft]

Cleber, right on brother!

[@skipwilson7044]

Thank you very much! I am new to cnc and have been learning how to use my machine off of KZbin! Your channel is a huge help I do have a question about the drilling, what is the recommended minimum step over you would use for spiral drilling? I want to do a .300 in hole, could I use a .250 bit and pocket or spiral drill it or would peck drilling with full retract be the better option? Or, would It just be best to order a 1/8 endmil? Thank you again

[@IDCWoodcraft]

Great question Skip! For a 1/4 inch bit cutting a 0.300" hole I would recommend a stepover of 0.1". Spiral drilling would be a perfect option for this hole size. If your hole size is exactly .25 and your cutting with a 1/4 inch bit, I would then recommend peck drilling with full retraction.

[@skipwilson7044]

@@IDCWoodcraft that sounds great, thank you very much!

[@podman63]

Great video especially the spiral tool path Vs the drilling tool path Thanks 😊

[@IDCWoodcraft]

Thank Pod!. Hope this gives you some ideas. BTW, did toy see I made the Christmas block video you requested? Was it good enough of did you need more info?

[@andersenssteelcompany634]

Thansk for the video.. gretting from Denmark

[@IDCWoodcraft]

Andersen, you are so welcome brother!

[@jeffteeter501]

I am a retired master cnc machinist and I have recently acquired a Shapeoko XXL 3 machine. I have enjoyed your videos and I am reminded and learn from them. When it comes to drilling, my most efficient method was a little macro that I made that pecked the first peck at 3 times the diameter of the bit, subsequently the pecks diminished by a percentage until complete. Are there any cad/cam programs today that will allow me to do the same?

[@IDCWoodcraft]

Jeffteeter, very good point my friend. Consider looking into Fusion 360, it is a very powerful CAD/CAM software with excellent toolpaths like that.

[@SawdustersCreations]

Very informational and helpful to me as a beginner.

[@IDCWoodcraft]

Robert, right on brother! I'm happy to help!

[@SystematicMechanic]

Helpful video. After watching I just tried out Bore in Fusion 360 which did a continuous spiral cut to depth and that worked a lot better than plunging into stock with a spot drill or an end mill. Thanks!

[@IDCWoodcraft]

SystematicMechanic, glad it did the trick brother nice work!

[@sergiykharchyk4207]

Thanks for the video. Newbie here. I use easel software. When I try to cut out let’s say a circle 3/4 in. I end up with totally different results. I chose cut inside path option

[@IDCWoodcraft]

Sergiykharchyk, your problem is a bit too tough to diagnose over comments brother. Drop by my live session at 8PM EST on Wednesdays. Id be happy to point you in the right direction there brother.

[@edmelzark1069]

Great content now if I want to make cribbage boards, I would use the 2 d ramp spiral method correct ?? Thank you Ed

[@IDCWoodcraft]

Ed, you would still use the same method that I showed you in the video!

[@doggoneproductions]

Just getting into CNC work. Your videos are great.

[@IDCWoodcraft]

Profbyers, thank you! And I want to officially welcome you to the amazing world of CNC my friend!