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How much does an awl help for accurate drilling?

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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  ;D

Bob

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