Chip out tactics

[Alden Cole]

So I had some bad chip out when drilling pin holes for a knife. The wood was Desert Ironwood and I was using a portable drill. I did tape up the handle in order to prevent it from chipping, but it is still pretty deep. Does anyone have any tactics that they use to combat or fix chip out? Thanks a lot!

 

[Dennis Morland]

Depending on the size and location - I have used clear epoxy mixed with sawdust to match the wood scale material. Not perfect - but usually works fairly well.

 

[Ty Adams]

You can put another piece of wood under your material while drilling just make it's flat. Use a sharp bit, little pressure, and don't drill thru all at once. Lift your bit and let the swarf clear the hole before drilling again.

 

[Chris Railey]

I do not have a better fix but to prevent it I cut my scales thicker than I need so I can sand any tear out.

 

[C Craft]

Back the piece, sharp bit and easy on the pressure when it is about to cut thru!!

Another thing I have done is clamp the scales on the handle and drill the hole with a small bit first. Then drill the scales on both sides with a larger size bit from the outside to inside. That way if you get chip out it will be on the inside!!

Once you have the larger hole drilled. Line the holes in the scales and the handle with a bit of that size on both ends and now drill with the final size you need, (whatever that may be)! This makes for perfect alignment for the pin! You don't want to get all glued up and the pin will not go thru!!

It sounds like a lot of hassle but when dealing with wood that easily chips out it is well worth the trouble!!

 

[Alden Cole]

All of these sound like good ideas that I should try. Thanks guys.
Ty: Sorry for the newbie question but what is swarf?

 

[Dennis Morland]

Not Ty. But from Webster's . . .

swarf
[swôrf]

NOUN

1. fine chips or filings of stone, metal, or other material produced by a machining operation.
   

 

[Alden Cole]

Aha, I see now. Thanks!