"Arch" wrote in message
...
While waiting for Hurricane Charley's windy demo, I found an old
'palimpsest' of my notes re making holes in wood. (the real reason for
this post is to use that sporty word G) Anyway, I thought to offer
some thoughts on making holes for beginners to consider and for others
to disagree with or offer a better way.

4. D-bits and gun drills will enter and straighten a hole that began
true then wandered with the grain. If you don't force.
11. Long bits will spring off center. Work out the spring by repeatedly
running through with the same size bit. Consider drilling with a series
of undersized bits and cleaning up with a final D bit.

Related to both of these points is the core drill. I used core drill
extensively in an earlier life as a machinist to straighten and enlarge
holes. As with a reamer they cut along their length. I used them primarily
to enlarge holes to their final size.