woodworking question

[vshah]

what sort of bit do I need to cut a larger hole around a smaller hole like this?

i assume the smaller hole is just a regular bit, and I drill that first to center the larger one properly. but what sort of bit cuts the larger hole with a flat bottom? I want to do this to inset bolts/washers as shown in the picture to create easily removable and re-attachable legs for a coffee table i'm making.

Thanks,
Vivan

 

[Pantoot]

I am not a woodworker but I believe you are looking for a counterbore drill bit.
hmm...i guess i should have waited for an expert and just said, yeah, that!

 

[Malak]

http://www.amazon.com/HomePro-RBS024...uter+drill+bit

 

[UnklSnappy]

Forstner bit, and drill the big hole first.

 

[vshah]

Forstner bit, and drill the big hole first.

perfect, thanks

 

[Doppel]

You could also use a spade bit, since a cheap spade set can be had for nothing. It will make an uglier hole on the inside, but the outside that you see should be fine. That forstner bit seems it would make a nicer hole.

In any case I recommend you practice your technique on scrap first. That table looks like one I built recently but instead of bolts I used spade bits to bore out one inch thick holes, within which I put long lengths of 1" round dowels glued in place, then sanded smooth. I like the look and it is very strong, but there are a million ways to skin a cat!

Bulky tables of this nature can be made with construction grade lumber, which means very cheap, very strong/overbuilt, and comes for free with some of the rougher look if that is the goal.

 

[Tiamat]

Forstner bit then small bit after. The forstner leaves a little dimple in the center of the big hole. However, practice on scrap first. Large bits torque your wrist pretty bad if you aren't ready for it.

 

[Sluggo]

Large nuts torque your wrist pretty bad if you aren't ready for it.

Thats what she said.

 

[grohl]

Spade bits are so cheap, just get a set. Forstner will give better cosmetic result. Agree with practice on scrap.

 

[skyking]

spade plus the right sized washer will work fine.

 

[highland145]

spade plus the right sized washer will work fine.

This.

 

[vshah]

any opinions on these:

advantages are that the bolts wouldn't show through the other side of the table. these look pretty secure, good for attaching and detaching legs as required. i'd still use a spade bit, and inset these a little bit on the underside of the table so they're flush. the legs are metal legs with 3 holes for bolts.

 

[jaedaliu]

how much weight do you need to carry? We stole a "broken" wood table from our neighbor's trash. The legs screwed into the table top on a double headed lag bolt type of thing. One of them was bent. A quick Home Depot trip, and we had ourselves a "brand new" table.

Haven't had our neighbors over since.

 

[highland145]

how much weight do you need to carry? We stole a "broken" wood table from our neighbor's trash. The legs screwed into the table top on a double headed lag bolt type of thing. One of them was bent. A quick Home Depot trip, and we had ourselves a "brand new" table.

Haven't had our neighbors over since.

:biggrin:

 

[vshah]

the total weight of the wood may be 50 pounds, not too heavy. but as i said, the legs are metal legs with a top plate, the top plate has 3 holes for bolts or screws. so I don't think i'd be able to use those double headed screws.

 

[alkemyst]

There is more to the bit selection than just these two bits. Spades are a lot cheaper and like SkyKing said with a washer pretty much equal for most things that are not 'heirloom' quality. I'd recommend spade first, then drill your other hole.

Speedbor Max bits are also very good at putting big holes in wood, but also pricey.

The other recommendations require more accuracy and more than likely a drill press.

 

[skyking]

any opinions on these:

advantages are that the bolts wouldn't show through the other side of the table. these look pretty secure, good for attaching and detaching legs as required. i'd still use a spade bit, and inset these a little bit on the underside of the table so they're flush. the legs are metal legs with 3 holes for bolts.

I prefer using threaded inserts for those kinds of assemblies.
http://compare.ebay.com/like/350830739430?var=lv<yp=AllFixedPriceItemTypes&var=sbar