The Forestry Forum
General Forestry => Timber Framing/Log construction => Topic started by: Qweaver on June 01, 2006, 10:37:47 AM
Hi All,
Is there an economical clamp on drill press or jig available for drilling straight/plumb holes in timbers? A magnetic drill would work but they are very expensive. I only have 24 1.5" holes to drill and I can't justify spending hundreds of dollars just to make those few holes.
Quinton
What size holes are you wanting to drill?
We are really liking the drilling jig used for Timberlinx installation. It does a little more than what you want, since it not only has to keep the drill perpindicular but it also ensures the pipe and pin holes meet. It was $215, which I think is a really good price considering what it does.
(https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/12895/shed_05_a.jpg)
I imagine you can do something similar with some brass bushings sized to your drill bit, mounted in a metal plate to keep the bushing (and thus, the drill bit) perpindicular against the board.
Timberwolf carries drill guides in a variety of sizes and configurations, made by ProTool I believe. Sizes are diameter ranges in mm. These appear to be well made but aren't a cheap solution either.
I recall thinking with luck and patience I could get a working boring machine with bit on eBay for less. Jim may be short on 1.5" bits at the moment but he can set you up with a decent machine that's fun to use, displays well when you are done and can only appreciate in value as it's already a collectible.
You can make one of these yourself for your bit and brace:
(https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/10095/JR-Bit-jig.jpg)
If you don't want to make one, get two plastic speed squares and joint each one to one side of a piece of angle iron and it will do the same thing.
A boring machine will hold the bit at 90° in two planes and is easy to use and doesn't require electricity at the site....
We have machines for sale starting at $170 (plus shipping) and with a good $30 bit you're good to go.
Look at my gallery for pictures of machines and bits.....
Jim Rogers
Here is a drawing should someone want to create their own, bit guide jig:
(https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/10095/JR-Bit-jig-drawing-s.JPG)
Jim Rogers