Where to get "step drill"(?) bit

[Doug Hobkirk]

I need a drill bit similar to the Kreg pocket hole drill bit. The bit needs to be 1/2" wide and create a flat bottom hole with a small pilot hole extending into the center of the hole.

Background - I need to make countersunk holes in several hundred wings for child rockers. The pictures show sample wings with the holes in place and the jig used to guide the drill bit. The opposite side of the wing is beveled 27 degrees.

Thanks.

[Dale Lesak]

How about a spade bit. first off they are cheap. you can regrind them to any shape you need.I have some I have made for counterboring, candles, they have a taper to them. and some have a flat bottom with no pilot hole at all. If you regrind the little wing tips they will cut a real clean hole.

[Mike Cutler]

WL Fuller, Warwick RI. If it's a drill bit, they'll either have it in stock, or make it. Nice people too.

http://www.wlfuller.com/

Specifically this type of bit, Style 3?

http://www.wlfuller.com/html/special_drills.html

[Joe Vincent]

A drill bit set up to do this is probably best, but a screw slot bit in a plunge router would be another option. Probably tougher to locate the hole accurately but you could set the plunge to the correct depth so that part would be easier.

http://www.holbren.com/home.php?cat=730

[Peter Quinn]

No need for custom. Morris wood tool makes them. Come to think of it they make about every drill bit you could ever want or need. Here's a link:

http://www.morriswoodtool.com/Counterbores.htm

[Mike Parzych]

Why not just get a Kreg bit? They're sold where the Kreg kits are sold.

[Doug Hobkirk]

Dale - I would think space bits would not work well when the wood surface is beveled, especially through a guide bushing.

Mike P - I need 1/2" D - the Kreg is much smaller.

Joe - Plunging my router into a steel bushing would scare me! (Maybe when I've got more experience)

Mike C - FANTASTIC! I will call tomorrow, although I expect the price might be too high. But it's definitely worth a call.

Peter - FANTASTIC! I imagine I can grind a flat on some 1/8" bits to make the set screw work for the center drill. And $17.40 seems pretty reasonable. I will probably order one of these to test after I talk to W Fuller.

[Joe Vincent]

Doug: Oh I wouldn't advise plunging a router bit into a bushing. Because you can do so with a drill bit, locating the hole with a drill bit will be easier and is definitely the way to go given the options supplied by others in their responses.

[Chip Lindley]

"space" bits should be available at the BORG!! *chucklechuckle*

[Ray Newman]

I would go to a machinist supply house as I saw what you are looking for @ one of the supply houses around here.

Or you could try the on line catalogues :
www.mcmaster.com/ (http://www.mcmaster.com/)
www.use-enco.com/CGI/INSRHM (http://www.use-enco.com/CGI/INSRHM)
www.shoprutlandtool.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/TopCategoriesDisplay?storeId=10001&catalogId=10001 (http://www.shoprutlandtool.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/TopCategoriesDisplay?storeId=10001&catalogId=10001)
www.reidsupply.com/catalog.aspx (http://www.reidsupply.com/catalog.aspx)

[Peter Quinn]

Doug, Morris probably sells the 1/8" pilots with the flat for the purpose, though I didn't dig around their site to find them. I recently got some long left twist doweling bits from them for my left rotation slot mortiser, and I can tell you that they are the SHARPEST drill bits I have ever seen in my life, just a fantastic piece of tooling. Morris was recommended to me by several other tooling manufacturers at an industrial show when I inquired about drills for odd applications.

It was kind of funny to have several different guys in the industrial tooling business tell me "Sure we can custom make you anything, but you may want to check with Morris first, because they probably already make it!"

[Bruce Wrenn]

I would go with the router bit. Make yourself a template guide of where holes are to go. Clamp guide on arm, then using template and plunge router, cut holes. As for guides, I like the brass set from Woodcraft for about $20. I use a similar jig to drill shelf pin holes. For better chip removal, use a larger diameter guide bushing. This way, all holes will be the same spacing. American Eagle # 143-0205

[Doug Hobkirk]

I need a drill bit similar to the Kreg pocket hole drill bit. The bit needs to be 1/2" wide and create a flat bottom hole with a small pilot hole extending into the center of the hole.
CONCLUSION
After reading every response I have two solutions:


Morris Wood Tool - flat-bottom 1/2" drill bit with space for pilot drill (7 choices for diameter) in center held by a set screw - $17.40 each
W Fuller - custom made drill bit - I specified 1/2" bit with a 5/32" D pilot protrusion that extends 3/4" and has a 3/8" shank - $35.10 each for 4 (1-2 weeks)

I chose Morris Wood Tool, but I think the W Fuller option is fantastic.

THANKS ALL!

[Michael Gibbons]

How about a forstner bit then finish the center hole with a small regular or brad point?