Tips and tricks for choosing and using woodworking drill bits

[@davidcunningham8319]

My favorite thing about this channel is how you get straight to the point without any fluff and you explain everything so clearly. I have had so many AHA moments while watching your videos.

[@jeffstrong4311]

For many years I have been an armchair woodworker watching various craftsmen create all manner of stuff. This was because I traveled a lot. Now I am retired and I built a small shop and I have begun acquiring all the toys that I have always wanted. A week ago I bought a table model drill press and NOW I am outfitting it with all the drill bits and doodads. I live in a small coastal town in southern Oregon and even with Amazon getting things has been a challenge. I enjoy your videos because you demonstrate the products and give pointers. Good Job. Also, you are easy to listen to. Some of the other guys are like used car sales people.LOL

[@kennethvogt9379]

Jeff Strong Aw, don’t talk about Matt like that! ;-)

[@BobMuir100]

Jeff I cannot agree more, I have learnt so much and his attitude towards safety has saved me injury’s, of that I am also sure.

[@stephenrees438]

I too enjoy your tutorials. As a progressing newb I have improved my skills and knowledge by following this channel. Thanks!

[@BobHerres]

I'm quite handy. I'm very handy. I have lots of tools, and I even hold several trade licenses. One might assume a fellow like me would know everything there is to know about Drill Bits! Nope. I found every second of this video absolutely riveting! Today I totally can't believe today I'm watching a video about "Drill Bits?" and, learning so much stuff! In summary: Thank you for yet another Truly Fantastic Video! I guess smartest thing about me is for this channel, I always keep my Notification Bell turned "ON"!! My next challenge Is: Remember to to use: The Stumpy Nubs Channel as a "Reference Library"

[@BobMuir100]

As a guy that only owns twist bits I have learned so much in a mere few minutes it’s incredible, thank you. Going on web to buy some bits right now.

[@paulcasey8074]

I’m retired and had some experience with drill bits and woodworking years ago. I appreciate all the information! I’m going to spend a week watching all of your videos. Now off to the wife to explain why I need a new tool to make holes in wood when “you already have drills to make holes” thanks again!

[@gilbertomanzanilla4333]

As usual it was'nt a boring video. Thumbs up stumpy nubs for putting all that effort on having everybody that loves woodworking on the right side, clever ideas are always worth to watch and learn💯🇧🇿

[@MrWade-kf7su]

I’m now a little BIT smarter on drilling wood. Thanks!

[@thomasarussellsr]

🥁"Buh-dum-tish"🥁

[@timperry6948]

Ha! I see what you did there.

[@andrewshaw2934]

Even with many years experience in woodworking, I have almost unknowingly become reliant on such well explained, safe and knowledgeable advice. Thanks 🙏

[@SteveH-TN]

Thanks for sharing your experience in this video. Has been very helpful to me.

[@lucianmorn7273]

Your video's are never boring, they are always interesting ;-)

[@edwinfriedl2446]

James you're too good. The Fisch brad points are sold out until November. People must be following your advice. now I'll have to wait for a set.

[@flix4u]

I too didn’t know how much I didn’t know about bits. Thanks

[@watermain48]

Thanks James, that was a ton of great information you shared. Much appreciated.

[@mac243877]

Stumpy you’re never ever boring

[@pawpawstew]

What an awesome video on drill bits. I'd say you nailed it, but, it's... well... drill related. I sit here giddy as a kid at Christmas because my six-month back order of a Forstner bit set from Woodcraft is finally getting fulfilled.

[@michaelreed9652]

This is the number 1 place for woodworking information...........

[@fatherofdragons4880]

Run countersink bits in reverse when you get to the large part and it always comes out smooth and tear free

[@LogHouseFarm]

"We haven't made very many boring videos" Maybe some might find your videos boring, but not me, great info, as usual, thanks!

[@daonstream]

great videos man your one of my favorites

[@9700am]

Cool video, it’s good to have the reasons why boring through timber doesn’t always result in clean holes. I won’t choose a spade bit unless the quality of the hole isn’t that critical. Thanks from 🇬🇧

[@johnhuggins5021]

Interesting. I forgot Fisch brand forstner bits are made in Austria. So are my Freud brand forstner bits. I have their 16-piece Forstner Bit Set, and I have no complaints at all. It's nice having virtually no wood tear-out. But I'm not one to take a chance. So in addition to drilling a bit slower, I have had success in reducing tear-out on the exit side of the drilling process by simply placing a piece of blue painter's tape over the anticipated exit hole. It definitely helps to keep the pesky wood fibers from telling me, "Heck no! We won't go!"

[@nobuckle40]

Thank you James. As a former machinist I know that not all drill bits are created equal. We used both high-speed steel and carbide bits. Our holes needed to be accurately bored. I have some saw tooth forstner bits and they do an okay job. Thanks for the information.

[@nobuckle40]

@@BTW... The shops I worked in we used Cleveland brand. I'll check into the SKF Dormer bits. Thanks.

[@debbiekorwin4000]

As always, I love your videos and I learn so much! Thanks so much!!

[@criswilson1140]

You didn't mention the other downside of brad point bits - that point likes to stick your finger when you pick them up. :-). Good video as always.

[@briantaylor9266]

I've added machinists' center drills to my arsenal of woodworking drill bits. When I need to start holes at a steep angle, their stiffness and pilot really keep the hole on target, especially when used on the drill press.

[@Walt1119]

Another fine video! Thanks so much for sharing your valuable knowledge with us!!! W

[@LordDeadSpider]

Great video, good info that I needed. I have always just hacked things together. Recently started to work on my home and take my time on things and try to do it right.

[@WCW4469]

Nicely done, thanks for the info.

[@kerryfoster1]

Very useful and informative video.

[@Crushwokery]

As aways perfect, thank you. 👍🇬🇧

[@gideonmack2318]

I use my bradawl to start any critical hole, stops twist bits wandering and much much cheaper than a self centering hinge bit.

[@tomtimmons2228]

Great tutorial. Thanks.

[@tjrobertsP55631]

Great video. The coatings explanation was very helpful. Have you done any videos on sharpening drill bits or drill bit sharpening machines? I would love to see one done if you have not. Thanks.

[@StumpyNubs]

I have a Tormek sharpening jig for drill bits. But you'd have to sharpen a crap load of bits to make the price worthwhile :)

[@octavmandru9219]

No word on auger bits? I prefer a manual drill, especially for precision work

[@StumpyNubs]

This focuses on the bits modern (power tool) woodworkers use most often. Traditional (hand tool) woodworkers use different bits, and that is the subject of a different video :)

[@mjschaeffer2112]

Stole my question 😁 Look forward to the hand tool drill bit video!

[@g.m.forsythe9626]

It was my question too! They now come with the hex inserts for power tools, so I wonder why they are classified as "for hand tools."

[@jerrybrown8356]

As always, another informative video! Have any recommendations on sharpening twist bits?

[@robertcochran3415]

Thank you. Great info! I'm curious too on which type of bit should be used to drill for dowel pins.

[@StumpyNubs]

Any good bit will work (though a forstner bit likely won't work with a dowel jig). I prefer a brad-point bit.

[@theeddorian]

One problem of small twist bits (even bradpoint bits) is encountered in the wood itself. If you are drilling in riftsawn conifer wood where the ring boundaries are roughly at a 45 degree angle to the board surface, the bit may deflect as you encounter the boundary between rings where the sharp boundary change uppermost and descends at angle to the bore. This is a definite problem when the density difference between early and late wood rings is very high, and if you are in a hurry, it can result in a snapped bit. It can also happen with other systems besides drills, such as pneumatic nail guns.

[@theeddorian]

@@peternelson5113 DF is one of my favorite woods and back when I was still leaning more on machine tools I had an 18 guage brad from a pneumatic nail gun bend at right angles and come back out the show surface. I found out by snagging my hand on it. That was one the experiences that shifted me to using hand tools. With hammer I could drive a small, finishing nail straight through the late wood. It might argue a bit but it went where I wanted it to. It's less of an issue when The rings are more at right angles or parallel to the nail axis.

[@researchcapt]

That sure drilled some information into me. :)

[@ptsd3243]

Perfect video! Thank you!

[@j.r.millstone]

I really liked that twist ending, it was pretty sharp and to the point, too. I auger have seen that coming.

[@andersonjimmy1691]

Do you have a brand recommendation for zero flute bits. Id love to see a video on counter sink bits - types/styles what size is good for what.... Thanks

[@dennismacwilliams196]

Thanks Great video

[@anothersomebody8195]

You didn't say why you liked the self centering bit or why the spring retraction was a benefit.... is it so you can avoid blowing out the backside of the material?

[@jeromelittle7075]

Thank you

[@BamboozledUS]

I am fairly new to woodworking and pondering investing more money in better quality tools, since, after all, the original plan was to have unique things that don't cost too much. And the decision is; I am surrounded by people who golf, go on cruises, travel, eat in fancy restaurants, spend big bucks on cable TV or spend a fortune on making quilts! The thought of making clean cuts in a nice piece of wood are much more satisfying than any of the above. So, decision made. My hobby for my future will be in woodworking. So, might as well make the investment.

[@JoseSalas-wn7im]

Hi, thank you for the informative video on drill bits. I am thinking about going into woodwork and wondered about about multi-woodwork stations. Do you have any comments or suggestions about them? Just to be clear, the station comes equipped with some power tools. I used to see vendors at a State fair or expo. Thanks Frank.

[@fungato4clown1]

I am looking to increase my quality of the bits I have in general. Could you mention maybe several companies that provide medium to high end bits? Thanks. New to the craft and I love watching the videos.

[@StumpyNubs]

I only use Fisch bits. (Link below the video) I don't waste my time with junk anymore. Not worth it.

[@mark22732]

Any thoughts on hole saws? While they are often my first choice, for larger holes, I often prefer them to spades (assuming Forstners arent practical)

[@TrevorDennis100]

Whenever possible I position the drill press fence so the work piece is hard against it, and hold with two clamps. One problem I have is that my drill press does not go as slow as I'd like for 50mm and above holes, but it is what it is, and once the teeth have sunk a milimetre or so into the wood it stays steady (so long as it is clamped). Then I cut for a few seconds, and withdraw and rub a candle against the teeth. This clears the chips and lubricates which stops the hole saw getting to hot. One of the advantages of extending the drill press table (which is one of those wood shop projects we all do) is that it makes it easier to clamp.

[@josephs2581]

have you tried woodowl bits? they seem to be metric only but at least the overdrives are fantastic (haven't tried the others yet)

[@seamusday1964]

Any tips on clearing centering bits? They always seem to get jammed up on hardwoods

[@TrevorDennis100]

We've usually got a bit of candle in our apron pocket for waxing planes, so I rub the candle on the side of the bit every time I withdraw to clear chips. This lubricates the bit and pushes chips out. Especially useful with hole saws (which James did not mention today).

[@chadgreen100]

Your link for the brad point bits is for the Chrome-Vandium set but two years ago you also had high praise for Fisch's HSS set. Do you have a preference for one over the other?

[@StumpyNubs]

The HSS are ultra-premium bits with special tip geometry for very, very clean cuts through delicate veneers, etc. They only available in a few sizes and are quite pricey. The CV set is their every day use premium set.

[@CsongorHalmai]

I have a strange bit in a cheap set of drill bits I bought 2-3 years ago. It has bumps on the side, where a normal (like brad point) bit has its spiral. What is that drill bit good for? I had an idea that perhaps I could use it as straight router bit (for sideways movement) but it didn't work well even in MDF. What is it?

[@Warshipmodelsunderway]

Do you have a recommendation for a high quality brad point set in fractional? I tried buying a couple of random sets off of Amazon, and they weren't just a little off, they were visibly wobbling in the drill press. You absolutely get what you pay for when it comes to drill bits.

[@StumpyNubs]

www.woodworkingshop.com/product/af36475/

[@Warshipmodelsunderway]

@@StumpyNubs thanks!

[@martylts]

False advertising! You said this video was going to be boring. I am still wide awake :}

[@AntonioEligius]

When's your next yappin' video? I need more yappin' to watch

[@annielariviere5393]

What about tim bits

[@StumpyNubs]

I didn't feel it was necessary to include Timbits in this video because I think it's common knowledge that they are delicious.

[@anothersomebody8195]

@stumpy nubs I have no clue what a tim bit is, so that would have been helpful for the ignorant masses, as would the hole saw and counterbore which both seem to be missing. You didn't mention why you like self centering bits and why they were different than the countersink bits. The video was helpful, but I would watch it if you made a long, more thorough video even if repeated everything already said here.

[@nrdkraft]

I keep trying to blow the sawdust off my screen after drilling😆

[@poolcrusher90]

He said making "boring". I can't say he is boring. Lol

[@Pete.Ty1]

😊👍

[@jeffb5798]

"...but very few boring videos..." Au contraire... you've made many _boring_ videos (bwa-ha-ha - jk, I enjoy the channel)

[@zafarsyed6437]

This was completely /semi pointless! It wasn't nearly boring enough! Plus I wanted to see some smoke and charring coming from high speed bits, spurs, and bores!

[@ironwood1621]

You’re wrong. None of your videos are “boring”. Not even a little “bit”.

[@chrisemens4022]

....very few boring videos. 👍

[@OtherThanIntendedPurpose]

very boring video... good job ;P

[@SavageVoyageur]

This video is very boring, kidding. Nonetheless I learned things. Thanks.

[@jasonm2477]

Oh you've made plenty of boring videos =D

[@michaelmcnicholl608]

Very few boring videos! Lol.

[@backpacker3421]

I'm guessing you are expecting us to tell you not to worry; all your videos are boring videos. But I won't do that, I tell you!