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!