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In Googling "drill bit guide" came across this and other tools like it:

tool

Something like this seems perfect for being able to drill a straight hole through wood. However, I can't seem to find anything like it at Lowe's, Home Depot, or Menard's. Surely, I must not be searching properly as it would appear that such a tool would be a very handy addition to one's arsenal of precision tools.

What, exactly, is the industry term for such a tool that makes for the easy centering of a drill bit?

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I'm afraid the only proper solution is a drill press. Anything else is a poor approximation. Obviously not a practical solution for most of us. Most of us do the best we can to come close. Hope what ever you do works out for you. – bcworkz Dec 30 '12 at 22:38
Something like this Rotary Tool Drill Press Stand might be a cheap alternative to an actual drill press, if you already own a rotary tool of course. – Tester101♦ Dec 31 '12 at 14:34
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Are you pilot drilling first? Whether or not you use a guide, a drill press, or freehand, pilot drilling will result in more precise starting position and path of the hole. Even CNC machines are usually programmed to pilot drill holes beyond a certain depth and usually center drill all holes before running the final bit through. – alx9r Dec 31 '12 at 20:59

4 Answers

up vote 3 down vote accepted

Update 5/12/2013

While my jig below does work, this product is even better!

Big Gator Tools V-DrillGuide Standard Size Portable Drilling Guide

enter image description here

Original Answer

I am answering my own question here with an awesome, home-grown solution to my problem. I fastened two pieces of wood together at a 90 degree angle. Corner clamps made it easy to get it perfect. I then took a third piece of wood and cut a 45 degree bevel off the corner. This piece is my drill bit adapter that fits a number of larger-sized drill bits, but was made with my 3/8" bit in mind. I also made another for smaller sizes (not shown).

To hold the adapter firmly in place and tight against the bit, I use one of my smaller c-clamps. Using this custom guide, I was able to drill a near-perfect hole into the subject. I also used another similar custom assembly that works with a plug cutter bit for my power drill.

No expensive equipment required!

enter image description here

enter image description here

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Jig making for the win! – Fiasco Labs Jan 12 at 2:14
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Amazon carries a drill guide that looks almost the same as the one you found. The manufacturer brand is WoodRiver.

enter image description here

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up vote 0 down vote

Harbor frieght has this http://www.harborfreight.com/angle-drill-guide-95622.html. Reviews are mixed about its usefullness. Set up does seem more involved than the unit you are looking at,but may be more versitile.

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Take a 3x3 block of wood thats 1/2 inch thick and drill a hole in it. There's your guide.

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Yes, but how can I make sure that guide hole is perfectly straight? – oscilatingcretin Dec 31 '12 at 3:55

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