Any tips for drilling blind holes in 9mm MDF as a starter for screws.

I don't want to go straight through by mistake and I'm a complete numpty with a drill, so any tips to make things easier are appreciated.

Thanks
Nigel

1)Use a bit of insulting tape on the drill bit as a depth guide.
2) Use a drill bit designed for the job, with a built in countersink.
3) Only leave enough of the bit sticking out of the chuck to drill to the depth you want.
HTH
Forget 2 just remembered it's 9mm thick.



[Edited on 22/10/07 by Confused but excited.]

A bit of broom handle cut to length and drilled through the middle so that the drill bit pokes out by the required amount when placed over the drill bit.

Cheers

Mark

Depends what you are trying to do.

Insulating tape works for me. Just be careful though cos if the bit bites at full revs it will pull through.

Other option is to drill through with the clearance drill and finish with c'sunk bit so screw head is flush or just below surface. I sometimes drill through with small dia drill about the size of the screw shank laeving some meat on for the screw threads to still bite in (prevents splitting).

Some electric drills have a depth stop bar.

quote:

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Originally posted by mookaloid
A bit of broom handle cut to length and drilled through the middle so that the drill bit pokes out by the required amount when placed over the drill bit.

Cheers

Mark

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Use a piece of rubber hose as the depth stop; doesn't harm anything on contact.

Get down to Machine Mart and buy a cheapie Clarke pillar drill for £35. It's not great, but it makes drilling so much easier. Holes will be perpendicular/square, cleaner and the drill has an adjustable depth stop for accurate repeatable holes.

Probably one of the best tools I bought whilst building.

Nick

PS - I haven't forgotten about alternator wiring, bonnet's off for a look tonight

Same idea as the rubber hose/broom handle. but I just slip a few m6 / 8 nuts over the bit as a stop if I am not wanting to go too deep.

john.

quote:

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Originally posted by DarrenW
Wouldnt want to nark the Witch would we, especially at this time of year

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Many years ago a guy was asked was there any low points during his Seven build........"yeah when I drilled a hole through my hand" he replied

Alex

quote:

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Originally posted by nick205
Get down to Machine Mart and buy a cheapie Clarke pillar drill for £35. It's not great, but it makes drilling so much easier. Holes will be perpendicular/square, cleaner and the drill has an adjustable depth stop for accurate repeatable holes.

Probably one of the best tools I bought whilst building.

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