Drill Straight Holes On The Wood Lathe
My Secret For Drilling Straight Holes On The Wood Lathe
The biggest challenge for me when making my own tool handles is getting the hole centered and straight using a drill chuck in the tailstock.
I discovered a secret and now I get perfectly straight holes every time!
I drill the hole first! Before I shape the handle. That way if the hole is crooked or off–center, I put a pointed cone live center in the tailstock, center it in the hole I just drilled and shape the handle.
The handle will be centered around the hole. I prefer to start with a scroll chuck on square stock for the initial holding. I install a Jacobs type chuck in the tailstock and usually drill a ¼” pilot hole 2” deep first. Then I use the final size drill bit and finish the hole.
This method is excellent for pepper/salt mills too!