So, who's boring?

When you want to make (or bore) a hole through a piece of wood you will need a drill.
Most drill that you see about nowadays are powered by electricity, but you will probably have to use a HAND DRILL, as shown top left.

The object that actually does the cutting is a DRILL BIT (next one down). These cone in various sizes. You choose the size you need and fasten it into the CHUCK of the drill. For a tight fit for 5mm diameter dowel you will need a 5mm diameter drill bit. If you want to be able to turn the dowel in the hole you will need the next size up, 5½mm.

Keeping the drill straight is difficult, and for many jobs it is essential that the hole isn't slanted in any way, so you will need some kind of DRILL STAND. The one shown left is typical. Be warned, they are still awkward to use.

Now here's an interesting fact . . . . .

Feel like some fractions? (and a litte history?)

Before the UK changed to metric measure they made drill bits with diameters that were 'fractions of an inch' - and they still do!

So if you want to drill a hole that's absolutely perfect for 5mm dowel try to find a drill bit that's thirteen sixtyfourths of an inch diameter - that's 13/64. It will be just a tiny bit thicker than a 5mm bit - and just the job!

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