If you are reading this piece, you probably have the basic knowledge of power drills at your fingertips. So, you must know that for the tool to be effective, it needs to have the right bit for the job.
There are many types of bits out there, and our focus will be the spade bit. This unit is more familiar than you may think, and you must have seen your resident electrician using it in his wiring tasks.
Well, we decided to do wholesome research on this accessory so that you know what it is about and its best uses.
What is a Spade Bits?
The fact that this unit is also known as a wood-boring bit should give you a hint that it is specially designed for drilling through wood and other softer material such as plastic. It is characterized by a paddle at the bottom with a few sharp points and a sharp bottom edge such that when it spins, it will cut through wood effortlessly.
These units are known for tearing out, which refers to splintering as it enters and exits the workpiece. Further, they are also pretty popular for cutting through scrappy holes without difficulty.
You may also come across spade bits with holes on its body to facilitate the pulling of electrical cables through holes in the wall. They feature long shanks on which you can use a string to attach the cable to the unit.
Uses of Spade Bits
As we mentioned earlier, this is a unit designed to bore holes through wood effortlessly. In most instances, this bit is used in areas that will be covered later on.
This unit is mainly used by plumbers and electricians to drill holes to insert pipes and wires. You will also find this unit useful in woodshops for delicate woodworking tasks.
Another fact that you need to keep in mind is that this type of bit is not only suited for softwoods. You can also use it on hardwood, fibreboard, and plastic-laminated wood.
Lastly, this bit could also be used on an impact drill when you need to bore holes in tough tree stumps.
How to Use a Spade Bit
Let’s give you a rundown on how to use this unit well. First, due to its long central point, always have a piece of wood behind your workpiece to not damage the bench on which it is resting.
*Now, secure your workpiece on a clamp and then mark the central point of the hole you intend to drill.
*Next, if your drill has adjustable speed, set it to the perfect level that would not damage your working material. Luckily, some power tools come with charts to guide you on the speed setting, depending on the material.
*With that, it is now time to drill your hole. Place the drill’s tip on your pre-marked hole and activate the power tool. Keep in mind that these bits generate more torque than other regular wood-boring units, and so you have to do your best to keep it steady.
*Lastly, you should minimize tearing out as much as you can, and there are a few tricks you can use. They include slowing down the drill before it gets to the workpiece. Also, you could stop drilling and flip the workpiece over when the center point breaks through the wooden surface.
When Not to Use a Spade Bit
Even though this type of drill bit has many advantages, there are certain instances when you shouldn’t use it at all. These include:
- When trying to enlarge a hole.
- When drilling through tougher material such as metal, tile, or glass.
- Drilling a hole where the bit’s center point drills through the wood to the other side.
Other Tips on Using the Spade Drill Bit
As we conclude, we thought it wise to give you some tips on how you can get the best out of your drilling unit. They are:
- Avoid using slow speed while drilling. Instead, adjust to a higher setting when the hole starts.
- Ensure your bits are always sharp as this will assure you of their effectiveness for the job. For DIYers, a bench grinder or mill file would be pretty useful.
- While drilling, you could use a board on the workpiece’s backside to ensure that the hole does not blow out from the second side.
Wrapping It Up
Hopefully, this article has taught you everything you need to know about a spade bit. This accessory will help you boreholes through wooden material, and you intend to cover them later on.
And if you want your bit to remain effective for a decent duration, re-sharpen it regularly and store it well to minimize rusting and other forms of corrosion.