drilling the holes

[Judy Hunter]

On my last project, 3 layers of 1/4 baltic birch, When I drill the holes it pushes the back out a bit so shen I cut it chips off the last layer of the bottom layer between holes if the holes are close together.
dull bit? pushing to fast? bad wood?

[dgman]

Hey Judy, Sounds like your bit is dull. Are you using a drill press or a hand drill? With small bits you want a faster speed and make sure you use a backer board.

[Dawie]

you beat me to it dgman, my thoughts completely
david

[WigWag Workshop]

I was having that same issue, using a "cheap" drill bit that came with my "off" brand Dremel tool.  I purchase some Flying Dutchman bits, I no longer have that issue.

[GrayBeard]

Same answer here...the smaller the bit the higher the speed and the greater the need for a SHARP bit!

~~~GB~~~

[boxmaker]

Dgman is on it. Judy I also change my backer board after it starts to look like swiss cheese. I figured if my backer board is full of holes there is not any support behind those tiny holes. Hey Wisconsin, I see the train is running again.

                                                          Mark

[dunk]

I have a scrap piece of wood that my project wood rests on, this helps to avoid blow outs as you described. 

[GrayBeard]

One thing I forgot to mention....

Don't Bear Down on the drill as it is going through!
That usually is the result of a DULL bit.
It is easier to avoid when drilling metal because the bit begins to BURN the drilling compound and you then KNOW your bit needs to be changed!

~~~GB~~~

[Russ C]

I agree I think your drill bit is dull. You didn't mention backer, do you use one? 

[Judy Hunter]

Thanks guys!  I use a small drill press. Threw the bit out, put is a teeny tiny one from Mike. WHAT A DIFFERENCE.
my backer board is a plastic like cutting boards are made out of. I change it out when it gets holy.

[jimbo]

Yeh cheap drill bits in the smaller variety are crap you can see them shimmer when you turn the drill on, so when you use a 1mm bit it drills at 1 1/5mm because of the wobble. I have just ordered some from Mike so they will be a lot better that the ones I have been buying at home
Jimbo

[Dan]

Sharp Bits are the most important. Only use a drill press, for drilling. I use a bench type for 1/16" holes and a Dremal drill press for smaller holes. I also buy the smaller bits from F/D.

Dan