What Drill Bits are Best for Wood?

Choosing the right drill bit for your woodworking project is crucial for achieving clean, precise holes and avoiding damage to your material. The correct drill bit not only enhances the quality of your work but also makes the drilling process more efficient and safer.

This blog will guide you through the different types of drill bits best suited for wood, helping you understand their specific uses and advantages. We will also address key considerations for selecting the best wood drill bits and highlight the differences between wood and masonry drill bits.

Types of Drill Bits

Drill bits come in various shapes and sizes, each designed for specific materials and applications. While some drill bits are versatile and can be used on multiple materials, others are specially crafted for specific tasks. In woodworking, using the right drill bit type ensures clean cuts and prevents damage to the wood. This section will focus on the types of drill bits that are ideal for wood.

Lip & Spur/Dowel Drills

Lip & Spur or Dowel drills are specialised wood bits featuring a centre point and two raised spurs that ensure straight drilling. These drills cut through timber quickly when used with a power drill and produce clean-sided holes.

Flat Wood/Spade Bits

Flat wood bits, also known as Spade Bits, are excellent for making rough holes in wood. They are available in larger diameters, ideal for creating clearance holes for cables and wires. However, they tend to leave a rough finish and can cause splintering at the hole's entry or exit when driven straight through the timber.

Cavity/Installation Drill Bits

Cavity drills, or installation drill bits, are designed for drilling through cavities in construction work, including formwork, blanks, beams, joists, and panels made of both soft and hard wood. These versatile drills are perfect for installing cables and can drill holes in timber up to 120mm thick through cavities up to a metre deep. They come in diameters from 8mm to 26mm and lengths of 400mm, 600mm, 800mm, and 1000mm, fitting most standard 3-jaw drill chucks.

Forstner Bits

Forstner bits create flat-bottomed holes and can drill through materials like wood, plastic, plywood, and MDF, depending on the material's thickness. Preferred over flat bits, Forstner bits produce holes with clean edges and greater accuracy. They are unique in their ability to drill overlapping holes, edge notches, and angled holes. Forstner bits will cut even if the centre spur does not engage the workpiece. Available in sizes ranging from 10mm to 50mm in diameter.

Hinge Cutters

Hinge cutters are power tool attachments designed to cut clean, precise, flat-bottomed holes, ideal for fitting recessed cantilever door hinges in MDF and chipboard furniture, such as fitted kitchen units and bedroom cabinets. These cutters feature a tungsten carbide-tipped head with a centering point that guides the drill for accurate results.

Choosing the Best Wood Drill Bits

When selecting the best drill bits for your woodworking projects, several key factors should be taken into account to ensure optimal performance and results.

Material of the Wood

Different types of wood, such as softwoods and hardwoods, require different drill bits. Softwoods like pine and cedar are less dense and can be drilled with standard bits, while hardwoods like oak and maple are denser and may require stronger, more durable bits.

Diameter and Depth of Holes Needed

The size of the holes you need to drill will influence your choice of drill bits. For clean, precise holes, hinge cutters are ideal. For larger diameter holes, consider spade bits. Additionally, the depth of the hole will determine whether you need a standard length bit or an extended bit.

Type of Project

The nature of your project also plays a crucial role in selecting the right drill bits. For cabinetry and fine furniture making, precision and clean finishes are essential, making hinge cutters and Forstner bits suitable choices. For construction projects requiring large holes for pipes or wiring, spade bits and cavity drills are more appropriate.

Best Practices for Drilling Wood

Preparing Your Workpiece

Proper preparation of your workpiece is essential for achieving clean, precise holes. Ensure that the wood is securely clamped or held in place to prevent movement during drilling. This helps maintain accuracy and prevents accidents.

Accurately mark the locations of the holes with a pencil or a marking tool. Use a ruler or measuring tape to ensure precise placement. For larger projects, a template or jig can help maintain consistent spacing and alignment.

Drilling Techniques

Using the correct drilling techniques can significantly impact the quality of your work. Adjust the speed of your drill according to the type of wood and the size of the bit. For larger bits and hardwoods, use a slower speed to avoid overheating and burning the wood. Apply consistent, moderate pressure to allow the bit to cut smoothly without forcing it.

For large or deep holes, drill a pilot hole first with a smaller bit. This helps guide the larger bit and prevents it from wandering, ensuring a more accurate and cleaner final hole.

Safety Tips

Safety precautions are essential when drilling wood to avoid injuries and ensure a smooth workflow. Always wear safety glasses to protect your eyes from wood chips and debris. Hearing protection is also recommended when using power drills for extended periods.

To minimise splintering and tear-out, use a backing board beneath the workpiece. This supports the wood fibres as the drill bit exits the material, resulting in cleaner edges. Additionally, drilling at a steady pace and avoiding excessive pressure can help maintain a smooth cut.

Drilling Wood FAQs

What Drill Bit Should I Use for Hardwood?

For hardwood, it is best to use high-speed steel (HSS) or carbide-tipped brad point bits. These bits are designed to handle the density of hardwoods, providing clean, accurate holes without burning or damaging the wood.

Can I Use Metal Drill Bits on Wood?

While metal drill bits can be used on wood in a pinch, they are not ideal for this purpose. Metal bits lack the precise point needed for clean entry into wood and can cause splintering and tear-out. For best results, use drill bits specifically designed for wood.

How Do I Maintain and Sharpen My Wood Drill Bits?

Maintaining your wood drill bits involves keeping them clean and free from pitch and resin buildup. Sharpening can be done using a drill bit sharpener or a fine file, focusing on the cutting edges. Ensure you maintain the original angle of the bit for optimal performance.

How to Prevent Splintering When Drilling Wood?

To prevent splintering, use a backing board beneath the wood being drilled. This supports the fibres and minimises tear-out as the bit exits the material. Additionally, using a brad point bit and drilling at a steady speed can help achieve cleaner holes.

Are There Special Drill Bits for Drilling Large Holes in Wood?

Yes, there are several types of drill bits designed for drilling large holes in wood, including spade bits, hole saw bits, and Forstner bits. Each type is suited for different applications, but all can create large diameter holes efficiently and cleanly.

How Do I Know When to Replace My Wood Drill Bits?

Replace your wood drill bits when you notice they are dull, chipped, or no longer cutting cleanly. Signs include excessive resistance during drilling, rough or splintered hole edges, and visible damage to the cutting edges.

Can I Use a Drill Press for All Types of Wood Drill Bits?

Yes, a drill press can be used for all types of wood drill bits. It provides greater precision and control compared to a handheld drill, especially for repetitive tasks and when drilling large or deep holes. Using a drill press can improve accuracy and reduce the risk of errors.