I am wanting to make my own tiki torches, by drilling a hole 2 1/2 in wide by 5 inches deep in the end of a small log. I can't seem to find spade bits any bigger then 1 1/2 in, and nothing long enough to drill 5 inches deep. Can any one tell me if this is possible? Surely in this day and age it is!
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At that depth, my preference would be to use an auger bit but similar to spade bits they cap out round 1-1/2". Forstner bit (as the other two mentioned) is your best bit at 2-1/2". Make sure you have a drill up for the task with second handle to provide better control.– dicelessSep 30, 2014 at 15:10
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3 Answers
You want a Forstner bit and an extension shaft.
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Beat me by one minute while I was getting the Amazon link! :) Good point about the extension shaft.– DoresoomSep 30, 2014 at 13:21
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2At the price that will cost, you might as well just buy the torches. Sep 30, 2014 at 17:54
The tool you need is a 2 1/2" Forstner bit. There's going to be a lot of torque resistance, so you may need to use a drill press instead of just a handheld drill.
answered Sep 30, 2014 at 13:20
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32 1/2 is manageable by hand and especially since this is not finish quality work. Just run the bit slowly (~400 rpms) so you don't burn the wood and dull the bit.– dicelessSep 30, 2014 at 15:03
Other methods:
- Drill with the spade bit then put the log in a lathe and enlarge the hole out with a boring tool.
- As above but put the boring bit in the lathe and bring the log to the tool. You'd do this if the log is too big for the lathe.
- Drill lots of small holes covering the area of the intended hole, then chisel out the remaining wood.
