Replies

1. 
   Steinmetz | Dec 29, 2007 07:17am | #1

   Clamp the workpiece and run at highest R P M

1. 
   BriMcG | Dec 29, 2007 07:43am | #3

   My thoughts exactly.Thanks!

   Brian

1. 
   Steinmetz | Dec 30, 2007 02:29am | #11

   A standard rabbeting or hinge rabbet bit won't plunge unless you work it up and down to remove the swarf. HOWEVER, there's a bit that has a third cutting edge that excavates the hole without any bother.

1. 
   BriMcG | Dec 30, 2007 09:02am | #14

   Thanks, I used an upcut spiral bit and it worked like a charm. Thx again, Brian

2. 
   dalefv | Dec 29, 2007 07:18am | #2

   Hello!

   This is the first time I am using this and so this is my first answer.
   I am assuming you have a regular 1/4 inch bit but you need a flat bottom in the hole. I have used router bits to do this and one problem is that you can start a fire. Can you drill a hole with a regular bit then use the router bit to make the bottom flat? You may need to clamp the piece to the drill press or be really careful not to let the router bit dance across the work in some other way.

   By for now,

   dalefv

1. 
   BriMcG | Dec 29, 2007 07:44am | #4

   Hadn't thought of that. Thanks for the reply!

   Brian

2. 
   flairwoodworks | Dec 29, 2007 08:04am | #6

   Dale,

   I think that the reason you could start a fire with your straight router bit is because you were using a regular (non-plunge) straight bit.  For plunging straight down (as in a drill press) you need a bit made for plunging.  Have a look at the carbide tips of your bit.  They likely span a total of 2/3 the diameter of the bit with a solid steel center portion.  Plunge bits have cutting edges from the edge to the very center.  As a side note, you can use a standard bit for plunging, as long as you move your router laterally as you plunge.Chris @ flairwoodworks

    - Success is not the key to happines.  Happiness is the key to success.  If you love what you are doing, you will be successful. - Albert Schweitzer

3. 
   flairwoodworks | Dec 29, 2007 08:00am | #5

   I would think that most tool stores sell individual 1/4" forstner bits.  I know that Lee Valley does.

   Chris @ flairwoodworks

    - Success is not the key to happines.  Happiness is the key to success.  If you love what you are doing, you will be successful. - Albert Schweitzer

4. 
   dherzig | Dec 29, 2007 06:13pm | #7

   If you have a plunge router, why use the drill press? Why not clamp the board to the bench and use the plunge?

1. 
   BriMcG | Dec 30, 2007 09:13am | #18

   Thanks for the reply. It's just that for the this application I feel more comfortable with the drill press and it was quicker.

   Thanks again, Brian

5. 
   PADDYDAHAT | Dec 29, 2007 06:58pm | #8

   BMG, Lee Valley sells them either HSS OR CARBON STEEL, see here

   http://www.leevalley.com/wood/page.aspx?c=2&p=42244&cat=1,180,42240

   All the best,Paddy

1. 
   BriMcG | Dec 30, 2007 09:08am | #17

   Thx Paddy, Used a spiral upcut for now. Worked great. Need a new Lee Valley catalog too. Thx for the reminder. Brian

6. 
   Routerman | Dec 29, 2007 08:00pm | #9

   3 styles of router bits will drill a good hole on a drill press.

   1) Solid carbide, spiral or straight

   2) Plunge pointed brazed on carbide do ok and

   3) HSS straight bits, most of them!

   Notwithstanding, 1/4 drill bits in hss are 3 bucks, why bother with a router bit?

    

   Routers

1. 
   BriMcG | Dec 30, 2007 09:06am | #16

   Thx, used the upcut spiral that I forgot I had. Guess I was making a mountain out of a mole hill. Thx for the reply. Brian

7. 
   mike4244 | Dec 29, 2007 08:17pm | #10

   If you have a 1/4" endmill, it works better than a router bit in a drill press. You should be able to buy single1/4" forstner bits at hardware or box stores. How about a brad point, still flat bottom with a small point.Even a spade bit with the point ground off works in a drill press if the work is clamped.

   mike

1. 
   BriMcG | Dec 30, 2007 09:04am | #15

   Thx for the reply. Used an upcut spiral that I didn't realize I had. Think thats the same as the one you mentioned. Thx again, Brian

8. 
   cdober | Dec 30, 2007 05:55am | #12

   I recently bought a 1/4" Freud Forstner from Home Depot. I hate the place, but there are a few good products there. They sell quite a few different sizes of the Freud bits individually; price is ok for a single bit.

   Cliff

1. 
   BriMcG | Dec 30, 2007 09:00am | #13

   Thanks, coincidentally,  I was there this afternoon and you're right about price but they were out of 1/4". Little gremlins following me everywhere!

   I'll find one.

   Thx again, Brian