Drilling jig

[Qweaver]

Hi All,
Is there an economical clamp on drill press or jig available for drilling straight/plumb holes in timbers?  A magnetic drill would work but they are very expensive.  I only have 24 1.5" holes to drill and I can't justify spending hundreds of dollars just to make those few holes.

Quinton

[FrankLad]

What size holes are you wanting to drill?

We are really liking the drilling jig used for Timberlinx installation.  It does a little more than what you want, since it not only has to keep the drill perpindicular but it also ensures the pipe and pin holes meet.  It was $215, which I think is a really good price considering what it does.



I imagine you can do something similar with some brass bushings sized to your drill bit, mounted in a metal plate to keep the bushing (and thus, the drill bit) perpindicular against the board.

[Raphael]

  Timberwolf carries drill guides in a variety of sizes and configurations, made by ProTool I believe.  Sizes are diameter ranges in mm.  These appear to be well made but aren't a cheap solution either.
  I recall thinking with luck and patience I could get a working boring machine with bit on eBay for less.  Jim may be short on 1.5" bits at the moment but he can set you up with a decent machine that's fun to use, displays well when you are done and can only appreciate in value as it's already a collectible.

[Jim_Rogers]

You can make one of these yourself for your bit and brace:



If you don't want to make one, get two plastic speed squares and joint each one to one side of a piece of angle iron and it will do the same thing.

A boring machine will hold the bit at 90° in two planes and is easy to use and doesn't require electricity at the site....

We have machines for sale starting at $170 (plus shipping) and with a good $30 bit you're good to go.

Look at my gallery for pictures of machines and bits.....

Jim Rogers

[Jim_Rogers]

Here is a drawing should someone want to create their own, bit guide jig:



Jim Rogers