Broke my counterbore...

[Michael]

In a piece of 1x2 red oak (not for a boat). Was trying to create a pilot hole going through it crossways. First time I used it. The bit seized, then broke as I was trying to back it out. Was I running the drill too fast? It is a Stanley item, which I (still) think is of reasonable quality. Or should I use a different brand?
Thanks.

[NormMessinger]

Unless it was a tiny bit, <1/8", say, my guess is that you didn't pull it out often enough to clear the chips.

--Norm

[Michael]

It was a #8, 7/64" bit.

[Dave Fleming]

Michael, go here for real counterbore/countersinks.

www.wlfuller.com (http://www.wlfuller.com)

[BrianCunningham]

Just curious, how are you going to get the broken bit out?

[Ross Faneuf]

Although you will not find them at the hardware store, Fuller has a line of screw profile (countersink) bits which are 'fast action' with a single twist. These are very aggressive, and should probably be avoided for any use besides a drill press. I got some and instantly broke several, as they tended to drill agressively, choke, jam, and break. It may be the Stanley has a similar problem.

I have found the garden variety Fuller to be tough and reliable.

[Michael]

I didn't even try to get it out. Fortunately it was a "test run" on some scrap, before I got to my actual project. Putting the thing in the drill and pulling the trigger, the dang thing goes around like it's bowed or something. Hard to have much confidence in a pilot hole when I hold it up and it's spinning around a circle in the air a half inch around.

Thanks for the link! I'll order one of these after I break the replacement Stanley I bought...I was able to finish this project by stopping and backing out a couple of times on each pilot hole.

[This message has been edited by Michael (edited 01-04-2002).]

[NormMessinger]

"I was able to finish this project by stopping and backing out a couple of times on each pilot hole."

Welcome to the ACB (Association of Competent Borers), grasshopper.

--Norm