Hints for Huge Holes

Comparing the Cutters

When a project calls for a big hole, do you let out a little groan? Lots of woodworkers do. But big holes need not pose problems. Here are some easy ways to do the job.

Chucking a big bit into your drill press offers the easiest method for hogging out a large hole. Large Forstner or multispur bits will drill flat-bottomed holes that don't go through the part as well as through-holes. (Forstner bits have smooth rims; mutlispur bits carry teeth along their rims, as shown in the photo at left.) Holesaws and adjustable circle cutters offer two more choices for big through-holes.