Drilling 45 degree holes in 2x1

[Egg1]

Hi,
I am in the process of re-furbing my stairs. I have got some chrome tube to use as spindles-to fit these i need to drill some 19mm 45 degree holes in some 2x1 which i am going to use as a base rail. I have a small pillar drill set to 45 degrees but the problem i am having is keeping the wood perpendicular to the drill so that the hole is in the middle. Does any one have any ideas?

 

[ellisjean]

Hi,
I am in the process of re-furbing my stairs. I have got some chrome tube to use as spindles-to fit these i need to drill some 19mm 45 degree holes in some 2x1 which i am going to use as a base rail. I have a small pillar drill set to 45 degrees but the problem i am having is keeping the wood perpendicular to the drill so that the hole is in the middle. Does any one have any ideas?

Hi Egg1
Could you set up a temporary fence to the pillar drill base, position so when you place your timber against it your drill bit is in the centre?
If you have any 'G' clamps you could use them to hold the fence in place, and use other 'G' cramps to hold your timber against the fence so it doesn't move while you drill each hole!

 

[Egg1]

Thanks ellisjean that is a good idea. i will clamp my baserail beteewn 2 pieces of wood and then just slide it up for each hole. I will have to make the base on the drill bigger but nothing a bit of ply will not sort out.

 

[foxhole]

You will need to keep the spacing around below 100mm to avoid killing small children.Assuming you like small children.

 

[big-all]

you need to keep in mind your stairs are likely to be 43% or less