Jim Kaczmark
05-31-2009, 8:43 AM
I'm using Leigh Valley dowel, plug & tenon cutters to make plugs for filling recessed holes in stair treads. After cutting the hole and plug, all of my plugs seem too loose in the hole. On the 1-1/4" hole / plug, I have about 1/32" of play between the hole and plug. On the 1" hole / plug, I have about 1/64" of play.
For the 1-1/4" hole I'm using a 1-1/4" plug cutter number 06J30.20, and a 1-1/4" Leigh Valley saw tooth forstner bit number 06J01.20. For the 1" hole I'm using a 1" plug cutter number 06J30.16, and a 1" forstner bit number 06J01.16.
I'm using a drill press and clamping the boards to the drill press table before cutting / drilling. I'm starting / completing the cut gently so as to mimimize heat build up or wandering of the tool bit. Because of the quantity of holes, and because the wood is hickory, I purchased two sets of bits / plug cutters. It did not matter which bit or cutter I used, the results were the same, so I doubt that I have an out of tolerance item on my hand.
This is my first time trying to cut plugs and fill holes & thought the plugs should be tight enough to drive in with a dead blow hammer, & not as loose as i'm experiencing.
Any comments will be appreciated.
Thank you,
Jim Kaczmark
For the 1-1/4" hole I'm using a 1-1/4" plug cutter number 06J30.20, and a 1-1/4" Leigh Valley saw tooth forstner bit number 06J01.20. For the 1" hole I'm using a 1" plug cutter number 06J30.16, and a 1" forstner bit number 06J01.16.
I'm using a drill press and clamping the boards to the drill press table before cutting / drilling. I'm starting / completing the cut gently so as to mimimize heat build up or wandering of the tool bit. Because of the quantity of holes, and because the wood is hickory, I purchased two sets of bits / plug cutters. It did not matter which bit or cutter I used, the results were the same, so I doubt that I have an out of tolerance item on my hand.
This is my first time trying to cut plugs and fill holes & thought the plugs should be tight enough to drive in with a dead blow hammer, & not as loose as i'm experiencing.
Any comments will be appreciated.
Thank you,
Jim Kaczmark