OCtoolguy Posted October 20, 2022 Report Share Posted October 20, 2022 I hate to do anything unsafely so I ask this question. I need to bore a 1.5 " hole in 3/4" cherry using a forstner bit. The speed chart online says not over 300 rpm. The slowest my dp will go is 620. What would you smart folks do? I want the hole straight so a hand drill is not an option. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dan Posted October 20, 2022 Report Share Posted October 20, 2022 Cherry will burn if you're not careful so go a little at a time. My drill press also goes 620 rpm at it's slowest. I drill a very shallow hole, wait a few seconds, then drill another and repeat until the hole is complete. OCtoolguy, new2woodwrk and Roberta Moreton 2 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
OCtoolguy Posted October 20, 2022 Author Report Share Posted October 20, 2022 17 minutes ago, Dan said: Cherry will burn if you're not careful so go a little at a time. My drill press also goes 620 rpm at it's slowest. I drill a very shallow hole, wait a few seconds, then drill another and repeat until the hole is complete. So it's ok as long as I take it slow? Thanks, Dan. I was hoping for that answer. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sycamore67 Posted October 21, 2022 Report Share Posted October 21, 2022 Make certain to secure the piece. OCtoolguy and new2woodwrk 1 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kmmcrafts Posted October 21, 2022 Report Share Posted October 21, 2022 I use some of the more pricey bits.. as you might know, I use the 1-3/8 and 1-7/8 bits to drill into my clocks I make.. and most clocks are made from Cherry.. I first was worried about the DP speed too.. then I believe is was maybe JT that mention he runs his bits fast.. I've never had a burning issue with a good sharp bit. I've also been using the same but since 2007 and never have sharpen it yet.. though it could use it I think.. Can't tell you how many holes I've drilled with that 1-3/8 bit but it has to be a lot... The bit I use and the oldest one is a Amana brand that I bought from Klockit.. I since bought a Freud.. nice bit but the Amana is still working better than the brand new Freud, LOL.. I think the biggest thing is make sure you have a good hold on it whether you're clamping it or just holding it with your hand.. Most my pieces are large enough that I have good leverage and not close to the bit so I just hold it by hand.. A dull crappy bit might rip it out of your hand though.. Bought a full set from Menards years ago too because I wanted different sizes.. I got what I paid for I guess as the whole set was about the same price as that one Amana or Freud.. I have used some of the odd sizes and they do work but not the best at all.. OCtoolguy 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dgman Posted October 21, 2022 Report Share Posted October 21, 2022 All of the above. I drill a lot of 1-3/8” holes for clock inserts and set the drill press at its slowest speed, which I think is 620rpm without any problems. OCtoolguy 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gonzo Posted October 21, 2022 Report Share Posted October 21, 2022 I agree, 620 rpm is not too fast. And like Sycamore67 said, make sure the piece is secured. OCtoolguy 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
OCtoolguy Posted October 21, 2022 Author Report Share Posted October 21, 2022 Yes, for sure it will be clamped well. Thanks all. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
don watson Posted October 21, 2022 Report Share Posted October 21, 2022 So it looks as if it is clamped well and you take it slow and easy, a little at a time, it should be ok. Good luck. kmmcrafts and OCtoolguy 1 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BadBob Posted October 21, 2022 Report Share Posted October 21, 2022 Clamp the wood, take small bites and give the bit time to cool off. Low cost carbon steel bits will loose their temper if they get to hot. I would wear eye protection. OCtoolguy 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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