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How can I drill a hole into a large workpiece at an exact angle? (self.woodworking)

submitted 3 months ago by alleycat to c/[email protected]

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I need to drill holes at exact positions to affix large workpieces to my cnc for two-sided machining. My drill press is not large enough to reach all drilling positions, and drilling by hand often results in a non-90° angle. I know for metalworking there are magnet drill presses to drill holes in steel beams. But is there something similar for wood?

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[–] [email protected] 15 points 3 months ago (3 children)

Can you drill a thick ish square of wood in the drill press and then use that as a guide for the big piece? (Clamping it down). That's about what I would do. (I might use a metal insert on the guide if it's super super critical)

Note: I'm Not an experienced woodworker, I've used this before for drilling 3d printed pieces.

[–] CM400 13 points 3 months ago

Yes, making a jig is the way.

[–] alleycat 3 points 3 months ago (1 children)

This type of guide would wear out too fast, I think. It would also take away from the drill length, which I need to drill relatively deep holes (high depth to Diameter ratio).

[–] [email protected] 3 points 3 months ago

Then you likely want a hard drill bushing. That'll let it be thinner than a wood jig, but still tool steel to not wear out. (Wood to support the bushing)

[–] [email protected] 2 points 3 months ago* (last edited 3 months ago)

I mostly work with metal, but this is exactly what I'd do OP. If it's not an option, then there are jigs you can buy that will work.