AmericanLongRifles Forums
General discussion => Gun Building => Topic started by: LOZ on March 09, 2018, 09:20:39 AM
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What is your favorite drill size for #10 screws in Curley maple stocks? #8 screws? # 6 screws? You get the idea. Also after creating the screw theads in the wood do you use bee’s wax, soap, or something else to allow the screw to thread in easier.
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I use gimlets. Then wax on my screws.
https://www.garrettwade.com/set-of-seven-steel-twist-gimlets-gp.html
Kevin
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Gimlets are probably the most traditional way, for sure, but I use regular drill bits. I take a caliper and measure the body of the screw not including the thread, and use whatever the closest size is for a pilot. Then I bees wax the screws, and thread them in, being careful not to strip the hole. After the threads are formed, I keep the screws waxed, and take care to only use the screw in that hole...seems like they are all a little different. This helps me to keep hole-stripping and cuss words to a minimum.
Greg
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As with most things today..... google it. There are tables available that show pilot hole sizes, and clearance sizes for both wood screws and machine screws. Years ago, I printed one off, laminated it, and it hangs over my bench.
Easy peasy !
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I do as g-pennell does but I use canning wax (paraffin wax) on the threads. I vary the hole size depending on the hardness of the wood and drill down only about 2/3 or 3/4 of the length of the screw shank ;).
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I drill a pilot hole and thread the wood. Then put a drop or two of CA glue in the hole to harden the threads. I wax the screw threads with beeswax.
Hold on!! Someone is knocking at the door. IT'S the HC police!!! They'll never take me alive!!!
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I use tapered drill bits from Woodcraft that are sized, you guessed it as # 6, 8 and 10. They have an adjustable countersink that tightens with an Allen head screw to set the length. Foolproof and they are not expensive. Perfect every time.
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Thanks for the advice. I have drilled with a smaller bit the full length and a larger bit half way. Seems to work OK. l'll check into the gimlets and the Woodcraft tapered bits.