Mark J Posted November 14, 2024 Report Posted November 14, 2024 When I am preparing a turning blank for one of my projects (as I am now) I need to drill multiple 1/8 inch holes in the blank. These are of various depths and can be as little as 0.15" to as much as 5" in length. A standard twist drill bit is about 2 3/4 inches in overall length. By "shorting" how much of the shank I put into the chuck I can drill a hole up to 2" deep (or if I'm feeling luck, a tad more). For the really deep holes I have some 6 inch long "aircraft" style bits that work. But a hole that needs to be 2 1/2 or 3 inches deep is a challenge. I wish I had a 4 inch long 1/8" drill bit. That would really fit the bill, but I've never seen one in stores; there are standard bits, then the next size up is 6 inch. So comes the question, is there a reason I shouldn't/couldn't take a 6 inch long bit and cut 2 inches off the shank? Bad idea? Hard to do? Is it hardened steel? All I have to cut it with is an hand hack saw (complete with dubious blade). The aircraft bits only have flutes for the first 1 1/2", so I am going to do some further looking on the internet in the hopes I can find some 4" (and 6") bits with longer fluted sections. But I could use the bit tomorrow, hence the post. P.S. It needs to have a round shank. The quick fit hex shank bits are convenient for a lot of applications, but the ones I have tried have had too much run out. Quote
Beechwood Chip Posted November 14, 2024 Report Posted November 14, 2024 I did this with an angle grinder and a cut off wheel. Seems to work fine. 2 Quote
Mark J Posted November 14, 2024 Author Report Posted November 14, 2024 Thanks. Wish I could find a bit with that much flute length. Haven't seen one in stores. Quote
Tom King Posted November 14, 2024 Report Posted November 14, 2024 I used a metal cutting disk in a Dremel to shorten the bits that come long in the Star mortise chisel and bit sets. It cut very easily. Those come long so you can cut them exactly like you want so you can seat it all the way home in the chuck to eliminate the possibility of it getting pushed up into the chisel cutting edges. 1 Quote
Beechwood Chip Posted November 14, 2024 Report Posted November 14, 2024 On 11/13/2024 at 9:01 PM, Mark J said: Thanks. Wish I could find a bit with that much flute length. Haven't seen one in stores. https://www.mcmaster.com/catalog/130/2800/28965A731 1 1 Quote
Immortan D Posted November 14, 2024 Report Posted November 14, 2024 I used the Dremel heavy duty discs for metal to do just that, no problem at all. 1 Quote
legenddc Posted November 14, 2024 Report Posted November 14, 2024 https://www.rockler.com/rockler-premium-extended-length-drill-bits?country=US&promo=shopping ? 1 Quote
Popular Post Mark J Posted November 15, 2024 Author Popular Post Report Posted November 15, 2024 I successfully cut down one of my 6" long bits to 4". The hack saw wouldn't touch it, but I was able to cut through the shank with whatever disk came with the Dremel. I was surprised how long it took. Thanks for the drill bit suggestions, too. Definitely more flute length, so I may replace my 6" bits. 3 Quote
Popular Post Beechwood Chip Posted November 15, 2024 Popular Post Report Posted November 15, 2024 On 11/15/2024 at 9:23 AM, Mark J said: The hack saw wouldn't touch it, but I was able to cut through the shank with whatever disk came with the Dremel. I was surprised how long it took. I bought an inexpensive Harbor Freight angle grinder and a 10-pack of cut-off wheels ages ago, and I'm happy I did. I only use it occasionally, but there are times when it's the right tool for the job. 3 Quote
legenddc Posted November 15, 2024 Report Posted November 15, 2024 You could try chucking the longer bit in the lathe and use the hand hacksaw while the bit is turning if you don't have another way. Wouldn't be an expensive mistake if it doesn't work. Quote
wtnhighlander Posted November 15, 2024 Report Posted November 15, 2024 A hacksaw is probably not hard enough to cut the drill steel. 2 Quote
Mark J Posted November 15, 2024 Author Report Posted November 15, 2024 All it did was scratch off the black coating. 2 Quote
Mark J Posted December 7, 2024 Author Report Posted December 7, 2024 On 11/14/2024 at 11:47 AM, legenddc said: https://www.rockler.com/rockler-premium-extended-length-drill-bits?country=US&promo=shopping ? I bought the 1/8" bit above. I've used it a few times and it works well, especially for deep holes. It definitely clears the chips better (but I still use peck technique). 1 Quote
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