In the previous article, we have already discussed wood-splitting issues when screwing, but sometime you’ll also encounter this issue during drilling, especially if you’re drilling a larger hole or working with a thin strip of wood. Don’t worry; in this article, we will discuss thoroughly how to prevent wood from splitting when drilling. So, let’s fasten the bit in the chuck and do some clean holes.
How to Keep Wood from Splitting When Drilling
Before we talk about prevention first, we have to understand why wood even splits when drilling.
Why Does Wood Split When Drilling?
Wood splits mainly due to the force exerted by the drill bit, which can cause the wood fibers to separate. Unfortunately, there is no thumb rule because there are several factors like wood type, grain orientation, and drill bit choice all play a role.
Now, let’s zoom in and understand how to keep wood intact when drilling.
- Clamp the Wood
Securing the workpiece is always the best practice; it doesn’t matter whether you’re cutting, sanding, or drilling. Use a clamp or a vice to minimize vibrations and movement; unexpected moves can cause wood splitting during drilling.
- Mark Your Spot
Before drilling, mark the exact spot where you want the hole. Use a center punch to create a small indentation (if you don’t have Brad Pint bits). This will help guide the drill bit and reduce the risk of wandering, which can lead to splits.
- Choose the Right Drill Bit
Certainly, choosing the appropriate drill bit matters the most. For wood, opt for a twist bit or a Brad point bit. These bits have a sharp point that helps prevent them from wandering around, which prevents wood splitting.
- . Drill at the Right Speed
Using the correct drilling speed is crucial for achieving perfect holes.
High-speed drilling not only generates excess heat but also may cause the wood to split. Start at a low speed and gradually increase if needed. - Go in Reverse
When drilling through thin or delicate wood, try reversing the drill’s direction to back the bit out periodically. This can help prevent splintering on the exit side. It is also helpful when drilling a deep hole because reversing periodically removes the excess material accumulating on the bit groves.
- Use Pilot Holes
For larger holes or when drilling near the edge of the wood, consider making pilot holes. A pilot hole is a smaller hole drilled before the main hole. It provides a path for the drill bit, reducing the likelihood of splitting.
- Keep your tools sharp
Always ensure your drill bits are sharp. Dull bits are more likely to cause tear-out and splitting. Also, it puts an extra toll on your tools. You must regularly sharpen or replace your bits for clean and precise holes.
General FAQs
A: While you can reduce the risk with most drill bits, twist bits and brad point bits are your best bet for woodwork.
A: You can use a nail or a small screw to create an indentation on the wood’s surface which help guide the drill bit.
A: It depends on the wood type and thickness. Start slow and increase the speed as needed, keeping an eye on the wood’s condition.
A: Generally, I won’t recommend it because hammer drills are designed for masonry and concrete, and they are heavy as well. Stick to regular drills for woodwork.
However, some hammer drills also have a rotary-only option that can be used for regular drillings such as wood, plastic, and metal.
Conclusion
Secure the workpiece, mark the drilling spot, use a sharp Brad bit, make a pilot hole if necessary, keep speed slower, and go in reverse if the hole is deep. If you follow all these steps, you’ll significantly reduce the wood-splitting chances.
Hopefully, this information will add some value to your skills. If you have any questions, write them down, and happy crafting!