How much does an awl help for accurate drilling?

[shawnzilla]

Just wondering if anyone here has used an awl to create marks for drilling on your cp? Does this help with accuracy? The last panel I made, I found that I made of lot of drilling errors, where I was off ever-so-slightly (but enough to be a problem)

[somunny]

I normally drill a very small pilot hole first, rather than using an awl or centerpunch.

Pre-marking the hole couldn't hurt, unless *that* mark is off, as well.  

[DougHillman]

You'd even consider drilling without premarking the holes?  

I don't use an awl, but always mark the holes first.  Whatever sharp object laying around becomes my awl.  Phillips head screwdriver, screw, nail, whatever.  

Print a full sized template, tape it on your CP blank, and mark ALL your holes first.  Couldn't imagine doing it any other way.

D

[Minwah]

I normally mark first (also with what ever comes to hand ), but I think it depends on what you're drilling...for instance, MDF 'dents' as soon as you lean on it with a small drill bit, so I tend to just do that while I'm about to start drilling a pilot hole.

Metal of course is another matter...

[neuromancer]

The kind of bit you're using makes a difference too. Twist bits tend to wander, while forstner bits don't. Spade bits can on pine when the grain is very pronounced (or if there's a knot).

Whenever possible I clamp my work on the drill press, and then it's just a question of alignment  

Bob