Using a Drill for Woodworking

Today, I learned three different methods for drilling holes in wood at the wood workshop, each suited for different tasks and needs.

Method 1: Traditional Hand Drilling
The first method involves using a manual tool (possibly called "banso," though the exact spelling is unclear). This is the most traditional method. The process includes marking lines on the wood, securing it in place, and then using a chisel and hammer to remove excess wood. While this method gives a lot of control, it requires a lot of patience and skill. It’s also hard to keep the groove depth consistent, making it more suitable for precise handcraft work but challenging for beginners.

Method 2: Machine Drilling
The second method uses a machine. You clamp the wood in place, change to the appropriate drill bit size, set the cutting depth, close the safety cover, and press the “on” button. The drill moves down by turning a gear. This method is faster and works well for small boards or shallow grooves. However, since it only uses round drill bits, it’s not ideal for irregular shapes, where CNC machines would be a better option.

Method 3: Handheld Equipment
The third method is suited for larger boards or deeper grooves, especially for cut-throughs. This equipment works similarly to a handheld polisher, offering more flexibility. It’s ideal for deep cuts and requires good hand control but offers greater versatility, making it useful for specific designs or larger wood pieces.

When creating samples or prototypes, using these methods can make the cutting process faster for smaller pieces. However, for more complex shapes, larger pieces, or when high precision is needed, CNC would still be the better choice.