Favorite Drill Size For Screws

[LOZ]

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.

[WKevinD]

 I use gimlets. Then wax on my screws.
 https://www.garrettwade.com/set-of-seven-steel-twist-gimlets-gp.html

Kevin

[Greg Pennell]

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

[smallpatch]

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 !

[P.W.Berkuta]

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 .

[EC121]

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!!!

[deepcreekdale]

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.
 

[LOZ]

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.