Drilling Bench Dog Holes

[ddean5]

I need to drill 3/4" bench dog holes thru 3 inches of MDF. Which bit would you use (Forstner, Auger, Drill, Spade)?

[Screamer777]

Drill a shallow pilot hole and then use a Forstner bit. It makes a cleaner cut than say a spade bit.

[Jim Heinbuch]

I drilled the 3/4" dog holes in my bench in 3" of plywood with a spade bit using the levels on the Craftsman drill that I have. It seems to have worked just fine. I did this because I was afraid I would burn out my cheap forstner bit. My spade bit has spurs which made a fairly clean hole.

[Nick2cd]

if you are using MDF, i would agree with the previous forstner bit suggestion. the spade will probably give you some furry edges where as a sharp forstner will cut cleaner as it bores through with the sawtooth edges.

[Mike M]

MCLS sells a 3/4" spiral router bit (#7498) that they recommend for drilling dog holes with your plunge router. The bit is HSS instead of carbide so the price about $15. Since the bit is 3 1/4" long, depending on your router, you will only get about 2 1/2" through the stack and will have to finish up with a forstner bit or other drill bit. Also, make sure to back up the hole so you don't blow out the back side.

[Emmrys]

My bench top is 1 1/2" MDF. I drilled my 3/4" dog holes with an auger bit. It was amazing quick and left nice clean edges. As Mike mentions above, you do need to use a backer board so you don't blow out the back side.