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264759 William Ghio <bghio@m...> 2018‑01‑18 Re: Holdfast holes
> On Jan 18, 2018, at 7:05 AM, Thomas Johnson  wrote:
> 
> Greetings one and all -
> I have a pair of 5/8" diameter holdfasts that I am wanting to put to work.
> I drilled a 5/8" diameter hold and tried to ream it out a bit with the 5/8"
> bit but the bench is 4" thick at that point (hard maple) and I clearly am
> going to have to open up the holes a bit.  So here's my question - what
> size hole is recommended?  I'm clearly going to have to go on-line and buy
> a 21/32 bit ... or 11/16"?  I'm cheap.  I don't want to but a 21/32 and
> find out it's too small - or a 11/16 and find out it's too big.
> Help :)
> 
My holdfasts are 11/16" and live happily in 3/4” holes. As has been noted, a
5/8” HF will work fine in the 3/4” hole. Since you already have holes drilled,
an auger bit, if not Cook’s patent or similar, will not work to chase the hole.
I paid $10 at Harbor Freight for a set off four large twist bits and used the
3/4 bit to drill holes in my bench. The bits are 6 1/2 inches long so should be
able to fix your 4 “ bench — if you have something to drive a bit that size.

Bill

Recent Bios FAQ