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

[@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!

[@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!

[@stevegribble293]

FINALLY!!! Someone answered my question... "Can you drill with a cnc"? THANK YOU, SO MUCH. I am really eyeballing the Longmill, because of your videos.

[@IDCWoodcraft]

Hi Steve. You're totally welcome. It's those obscure things that we think about, but can't find a solution to. That's when you know you need to make the content about it. Please be sure to let me know when you order your CNC. If you decide to get the long mill, can I ask a favor? Can you use the links that are in my description of the videos? It gives me a little pocket change.

[@stevegribble293]

@@IDCWoodcraft Yes, I will. Have been wanting to know if you can drill ⅛" holes in ⅛" 6061. Been everywhere for months. Was not going to buy a cnc unless you could. YOU, finally solved that. One more question, please. If I sent "YOU" the specs to cnc'ing out holes in a simple, 4½" x 7½" x 3", plastic project box, could I pay you to make & send the file? Would it be good for 100's of uses? Can I store & retrieve it permanantly? Do you do simple programs like that for people, for a fee?

[@IDCWoodcraft]

@@stevegribble293 I don't normally create files for people. I teach them how to create them themselves. I'll take a look at your project. But I do not see an email from you.

[@stevegribble293]

I'm just not sure I can create the files. I'm 77 and not "real" techy. Lol I have invented and now reinvented a gold extraction process that sells all over the world. I'm about to put it back on the market and am the point of needing the LONGMILL CNC for 2 pretty simple but highly repetitive jobs. I'll try to attach this picture of a 4¾x8x3 inch project box. The 4 Rocker switches are ½" holes. The vibratory speed control hole is 9/32". The incoming voltage monitor rectangle hole is 57/64 x 35/64 (14.06mm x 22.64mm) The main pump rectangle is about 3" x 19/16. Plus 5 holes down the side for Jack plugs. (7/16) Takes me a couple hours to do all this on a Jet Mill with a Digital Read Out, by hand. (and no room for error without losing a $10 box) From what I'm seeing, it appears that the LONGMILL CNC could do all this in 10 minutes. The Aluminum drilling is 1/8" pilot holes thru 3/4" square tube (one wall only) and flat bar for 1/8" rivets. All of the Aluminum is 1/8" wall. (I loved your video on drilling and the use proper bits). Watched it twice! O.k., here comes the picture of the project (electronics) box. Hope you get this Garrett. I completely understand if you haven't the time. Maybe you know somebody that would? Thank You for the great videos Steve Gribble 2325 N W Highland Ave. #23 Grants Pass, Oregon 97526 Cell - 925-642-8457

[@IDCWoodcraft]

@@stevegribble293 you cannot send an image through KZbin. You'd have to email it to me.

[@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.

[@raygodbout]

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

[@IDCWoodcraft]

Raymond, glad to hear you got it sorted brother!

[@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!

[@richardduque4701]

Just to let you know that you are my go to guy for cnc knowledge, thanks

[@IDCWoodcraft]

Wow...Thanks Richard! And glad to have you here!

[@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.

[@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!

[@letrishacreationsfrometsycom]

God bless you

[@IDCWoodcraft]

Thank you!!!

[@SawdustersCreations]

Very informational and helpful to me as a beginner.

[@IDCWoodcraft]

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

[@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.

[@woodknack1]

very good videos. Thanks you.

[@IDCWoodcraft]

Thanks Wood

[@mohammadlateef7543]

actually you are more than good and thank you alot

[@IDCWoodcraft]

Thanks Mohammad!

[@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!

[@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!

[@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.

[@johnborowski7221]

As always, no time wasted by watching your videos ty, jjb

[@IDCWoodcraft]

johnborowski722, glad you liked this one brother!

[@Kevin-jd1rm]

Very helpful, Thank You

[@IDCWoodcraft]

You're welcome Kevin

[@86OEd]

Excellent information...

[@IDCWoodcraft]

Right on Ed! Glad to hear it.

[@victorsmith311]

Good information, thanks!

[@IDCWoodcraft]

Thanks Victor

[@jw4321]

This was excellent. I had no idea. !

[@IDCWoodcraft]

Hey John. Pretty wild, huh?

[@jw4321]

I have been planning to add a wasteboard using taunts. I requires dozens of holes. I was going to use a drill tool path. Now I see the light! 😄

[@ebernabeo]

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

[@IDCWoodcraft]

Eddie, you are so welcome my friend.

[@ParkerEdwardsParties]

Thanks Garrett

[@IDCWoodcraft]

Hi Parker. you're welcome!

[@mikehalverson6775]

thank you

[@IDCWoodcraft]

Hi mike. Welcome.

[@reginaldcass7615]

This video solved a problem that I have. By using this method, drilling a 1/2" hole 3/8" deep with a flat bottom can be solved buy using a 1/8" bit, and a spiral cut. Absolutely awesome description and demonstration,

[@IDCWoodcraft]

reginaldcass, right on brother! Glad to hear that this video helped you

[@joederek9757]

Great job explaining!

[@IDCWoodcraft]

Joe, I'm happy to hear that this video helped you brother.

[@ParkerEdwardsParties]

I like this guy

[@IDCWoodcraft]

That gave me a smile. thanks

[@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

[@Thunder198]

you are amazing thank you...

[@IDCWoodcraft]

Thanks Ibrahim!

[@andersenssteelcompany634]

Thansk for the video.. gretting from Denmark

[@IDCWoodcraft]

Andersen, you are so welcome brother!

[@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!

[@ronnorris1504]

Thanks for sharing. I continue to follow

[@IDCWoodcraft]

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

[@iancullen6303]

thanks garrett very helpful as always

[@IDCWoodcraft]

Ian, you are so welcome. Glad this video helped you!

[@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!

[@Ryan-fc9le]

Bless you

[@IDCWoodcraft]

Hi Ryan! Thank you...and blessings back to you.

[@Ryan-fc9le]

@@IDCWoodcraft Partly for the sneeze and partly because of the good tips in the video. Appreciate it!

[@IDCWoodcraft]

@@Ryan-fc9le lol. I forgot about the sneeze Thank you

[@laynemimstx]

nice video, on the spiral plunge, the it uses the plunge rate as it's feed rate, until it gets to bottom, then switches to standard feed rate for the last circle. just keep this in mind for controlling quality of cut with feeds.

[@IDCWoodcraft]

laynemimstx, you bring up some great points my friend. I hadn't thought of that brother, thanks for the info!

[@currycases]

One of the most useful CNC videos I’ve seen so far. Thanks so much!!!

[@IDCWoodcraft]

Hi Curry. Thank you, and you're welcome!

[@robrome2546]

Thanks Garrett . Saves a great deal of time. Great information.

[@IDCWoodcraft]

I'm glad this helps, Rob. It took a bit to figure it out with Vcarve.

[@ClinToneCust23]

Thanks!

[@IDCWoodcraft]

ClinToneCust23, thank you brother! I appreciate that.

[@robertnla70549]

Great job Garrett !!!

[@IDCWoodcraft]

Thanks Robert!

[@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.

[@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 😍💪

[@robertlang9749]

awesome video. thank you for sharing that information with everyone

[@IDCWoodcraft]

Robert, you are so welcome my friend.

[@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!

[@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!

[@Clebergomes2010]

Show de bola!

[@IDCWoodcraft]

Cleber, right on brother!

[@luchoperez3472]

Thank you very much for sharing!

[@IDCWoodcraft]

Hi Lucho. you're welcome

[@pt115823]

Thanks for another awesome video

[@IDCWoodcraft]

You're welcome Peter.

[@sauletto1]

Good stuff.

[@IDCWoodcraft]

Thanks Steve!

[@robierobert2639]

As a total newbie, your videos are invaluable.😊

[@IDCWoodcraft]

robie, glad you like them my friend! Happy cutting!

[@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.

[@charlestrotter7326]

Great information. Heading out to the shop right now to put this to use! Thank you.

[@IDCWoodcraft]

CharlesTrotter, you are so welcome brother!

[@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?

[@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.

[@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!

[@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!

[@jimm.5664]

All this info is very helpful.

[@IDCWoodcraft]

Yes, this drilling video was a surprise to many people. Even the experts.

[@brucekiefer2209]

Always learn something from you Garrett!

[@IDCWoodcraft]

Thanks Bruce. That's my goal.

[@billysheppard31]

Very interesting video very useful

[@IDCWoodcraft]

Hi Billy. Yes, it's one of those rare things people don't teach. What kind of projects do you do?

[@billysheppard31]

Waiting on two machines to come in one laser burner one router should be in this week sometimes then we'll start trying to work with him have some ideals that I think will sell

[@billysheppard31]

Already have one customer waiting for me to get set up

[@IDCWoodcraft]

@@billysheppard31 excellent start!

[@IDCWoodcraft]

@@billysheppard31 this is awesome. You're putting the cart in front of the horse which makes you HAVE to buy the horse.

[@furniturepheonix]

Great info. Detailed ! Thanks

[@IDCWoodcraft]

furniturepheonix, you're welcome! Glad it was helpful!

[@gregsettle1581]

Thank you for another very helpful video Garrett. Drilling basics for CNC is an area that I did not know anything about, and now I feel confident in doing any drilling I need to. Great video!

[@IDCWoodcraft]

Greg, thank you so much for the support brother! Glad this video "drilled" down some ideas in your head about how to do things properly on the CNC.

[@gregsettle1581]

@@IDCWoodcraft You are welcome Garrett! Right after I finished the video I created spiral drilling toolpaths for 2 projects where I need to be drilling holes. Perfect timing!

[@IDCWoodcraft]

@@gregsettle1581 You never know what I have out there in instructional videos lol

[@fredscott413]

very useful thank you.

[@IDCWoodcraft]

Hi Fred. Glad it helps. What kind of project are you planning on drilling on?

[@fredscott413]

@@IDCWoodcraft Im not sure yet,I just ordered the Onefinity router and was a manual machinist for 30 years and done everything with metal and plastic but now retired and gonna have some fun,Ill take all the help I can get so Ill be watching all your shows,thanks.see you in the funny papers.

[@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?

[@NickJones-zp7sp]

Yet another great video. Thanks Garrett!

[@IDCWoodcraft]

NickJones, you are so welcome my friend.

[@oldtech_76]

Great info!

[@IDCWoodcraft]

Thanks Jonathan

[@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?

[@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.

[@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

[@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

[@seansopata5121]

Makes me happy that my cnc has a dedicated drilling block.

[@IDCWoodcraft]

seansopata5121, It's great to hear that you're enjoying your CNC setup! A dedicated drilling block can really streamline the process and enhance precision.

[@seansopata5121]

@@IDCWoodcraft we've got two at work. An older Biesse RoverK, and a masterwood 485 that can handle 58x200 inches, or two doors at once. 5 axis. It's great

[@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.

[@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.

[@mounirdaou9021]

helps a lot. thanks for the video

[@IDCWoodcraft]

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

[@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!

[@deanroadifer6013]

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

[@IDCWoodcraft]

Dean, you certainly can brother!

[@douglasadams4540]

Great info learned a lot but I use Easel and most stuff I can’t do. But I did lean enough I can do what I need to do

[@IDCWoodcraft]

douglasadams, so glad this one helped you brother!

[@CiaranWhelan]

A really informative video as I am starting out in CNC. Thank you for this content.

[@IDCWoodcraft]

Hi Ciaran. Welcome to the amazing CNC world. Have you made any projects yet? What are they?

[@CiaranWhelan]

@@IDCWoodcraft not yet, the last thing to do before making a dust shoe of some sort is to finish the spoil board. I found this video by searching how to make holes so I can use stainless pocket screws to hold the MDF panel down. I will then start off by machining slots to mount T-Track down. I've only just finished building the Queenbee Pro on the weekend. Everything working and checked.

[@richardwilliams5520]

I've always used peck drilling, but I will combine it with spiral drilling now.

[@IDCWoodcraft]

richardwilliams5520, That sounds like a great idea! Combining peck drilling with spiral drilling can help improve chip evacuation and overall drilling performance. Good luck with your projects!

[@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

[@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.

[@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

[@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!

[@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?

[@xyloidify]

Well done! I loved how you compared the tool paths and times. It made it very clear. Thumbs up and subscribed.

[@IDCWoodcraft]

Hi Steve. Welcome to this little family of CNC'ers! You're gonna find a little community developing here. Make sure to say hi to them. Super glad you joined.

[@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?

[@IDCWoodcraft]

Please share how this video helped you...

[@JoeCorrado]

Thanks for another bit of new info Garrett!

[@IDCWoodcraft]

Hey Joe. You're welcome, my friend!

[@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.

[@miguelcereceres6977]

Any specific spiral bits you can recommend for drilling?

[@IDCWoodcraft]

Hi Miguel. Anything upcut for this type of process

[@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.

[@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.

[@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

[@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

[@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.

[@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

[@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