how to use a lathe to center-drill a dowel

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  • pierhogunn
    Veteran Member
    • Sep 2003
    • 1567
    • Harrisburg, NC, USA.

    how to use a lathe to center-drill a dowel

    Like the title says, how would I use a lathe to center drill a dowel?

    I remember a few folks saying that using a lathe would be the way to go if I really want dead-center accuracy

    I know absolutely nothing about lathes beyond that they spin stuff 'round an axis, and that something called a tail stock can move back and forth along a set of guides

    I am looking at the HF lathe, or a grizzly lathe, something small and bench top

    the only other thing that I might be turning is a top piece for my flag poles
    It's Like I've always said, it's amazing what an agnostic can't do if he dosent know whether he believes in anything or not

    Monty Python's Flying Circus

    Dan in Harrisburg, NC
  • BigguyZ
    Veteran Member
    • Jul 2006
    • 1818
    • Minneapolis, MN
    • Craftsman, older type w/ cast iron top

    #2
    I plan on using my lathe to do just that tonight.

    You'll need a chuck with jas small enough to clamp down on the dowel. Chuck up the dowel, then put a drill chuck in your tailstock and use that to drill out the dowel.

    Comment

    • RayintheUK
      Veteran Member
      • Sep 2003
      • 1792
      • Crowborough, East Sussex, United Kingdom.
      • Ryobi BT3000

      #3
      If the hole to be drilled is longer than your longest drill bit, you'll need a hollow tailstock (opposite end to the drive), through which you can pass an auger. This method is good, but not faultless and - if you're not careful - you can blow through the side. Best practice is to drill halfway from each end.

      Ray.
      Did I offend you? Click here.

      Comment

      • Russianwolf
        Veteran Member
        • Jan 2004
        • 3152
        • Martinsburg, WV, USA.
        • One of them there Toy saws

        #4
        avoid the HF benchtop model. Not so good reveiws.

        The Grizzleys are okay if you get the one that's a JET/PSI clone or better. The lower level ones aren't worth it.

        As Far as drilling on the lathe, what was mentioned above. I did the process just last night on some pen blanks and couldn't be happier.
        Mike
        Lakota's Dad

        If at first you don't succeed, deny you were trying in the first place.

        Comment

        • BigguyZ
          Veteran Member
          • Jul 2006
          • 1818
          • Minneapolis, MN
          • Craftsman, older type w/ cast iron top

          #5
          Originally posted by Russianwolf
          I did the process just last night on some pen blanks and couldn't be happier.

          YEah, too bad I picked up that Rockler vise. I think I'm hooked on lathe drilling...

          Comment

          • pierhogunn
            Veteran Member
            • Sep 2003
            • 1567
            • Harrisburg, NC, USA.

            #6
            rockler vise?

            okay gents I have a small space and a small budget, what is a good lathe that I won't be cussing at?
            It's Like I've always said, it's amazing what an agnostic can't do if he dosent know whether he believes in anything or not

            Monty Python's Flying Circus

            Dan in Harrisburg, NC

            Comment

            • Russianwolf
              Veteran Member
              • Jan 2004
              • 3152
              • Martinsburg, WV, USA.
              • One of them there Toy saws

              #7
              how small a budget? New, you're looking at a minimum of $150-175. Used, depends on what you can find.
              Mike
              Lakota's Dad

              If at first you don't succeed, deny you were trying in the first place.

              Comment

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