How to Cut Wood With Drill Bits

Drills aren't just for sinking screws.

Drills are common household tools. They can be used to secure screws during different assemblies, and they can also sink mollies or start nail holes for hanging, all tasks that are performed often around the home. But drills are also useful for cutting holes in wood, a basic skill that any amateur or novice carpenter should have. Before attempting to cut your holes, you should know a little about which drill bit is best for the type of opening that you need.

Things You'll Need

• Drill
• Spade bit
• Hollow center bit

Instructions

1. Use a spade bit or other auger bit to cut rougher holes in wood.

2. Begin the cut on the side of the wood that will show, since the exit hole will be ugly. Push the drill against the wood with light to moderate pressure, since this type of drill bit propels itself well and with high speed.

3. Choose hollow center bits if you are cutting through damp or green wood. Select a drill speed that you can control easily, since these bits enter quickly. You may wish to work from the backside of the wood, though hollow center bits leave fairly clean holes.

References

• Popular Mechanics: 5 Better Ways to Cut and Drill Wood: This Weekend