Installing EZ Lok threaded inserts ?

[Brian Runau]

I have the 1/4-20 inserts, the drill bit and install tool. The tops I am using these in are 30" x 84 and 30 x 70. To big to put on the drill press. I did a sample and after drilling the hole I chamfered the edge of the hole and a little wax on the threads of the insert. Went in square and fine.

The drill bit that came with the inserts is 25/64" but has a really long point on it. I need to drill a 1/2" deep hole in the bottom of my tops BY HAND and not have this point go through the top. I tried a 3/8" bit with a shorter point and this installed fine without splitting the wood. I am working with cherry.

I am concerned about using the bit that came with the inserts and drilling through the top. The 3/8" has a shorter tip, but I am concerned about splitting the wood. I don't have a 25/64" shaft collar on hand or I would use this as a stop on the drill bit that came with the set.

Thinking I need the shaft collar before I proceed?

Appreciate any suggestions.

Thanks.

Brian

[Kevin Jenness]

Make a wooden stop block by drilling through a block of the appropriate size. Done on a drill press it will ensure your pilot hole is square to the surface. You could shorten the point on the larger drill with a dremel.

[Jamie Buxton]

Got a plunge router? Does it have a depth stop? Get a straight bit designed for plunging. It will make a flat-bottomed hole. Also it will be exactly at right angles to the surface.

[Patrick Varley]

Think you got your answers. Drill guide or router. Make a smaller pilot hole that's square to the top then enlarge with the right size bit for the insert. You don't necessarily need a stop collar. A piece of duct tape will mark the right depth on the bit...just go slow.

If you don't want to make a drill block, you can just get something like this: https://taytools.com/products/dowel-...-guide-jig-kit

While this is no different functionally than a block of wood with a hole in it, I prefer it when making multiple holes since the guide hole won't get enlarged from repetitive use.

If you really hated your wallet, you'd use this an excuse to buy something like the WP Drill Guide (though there are cheaper options): https://www.woodpeck.com/auto-line-drill-guide.html

[Brian Runau]

I found a video online that shows using the 3/8"bit. I plan to use my stop collar from my kreig jig as a stop with this. Will use a predrilled block for square. Thanks brian

[Bill Dufour]

Use a threaded drill bit in a micro counterstop cage. Repeatable depth setting to 1/1,000 inch. Right angle is set by the cage.
Bill D.

1/2 deep hole you may need to look for longer stroke cage then my second link. Check Browns

https://www.panamericantool.com/25-6...-nas-907j.html

https://www.panamericantool.com/5-8-...cage-4097.html

[Brian Runau]

Here's my test using 3/8" bit with Kreg collar. Came out pretty square. Thanks. Brian

20230618_092539.jpg

[Brian Runau]

Use a threaded drill bit in a micro counterstop cage. Repeatable depth setting to 1/1,000 inch. Right angle is set by the cage.
Bill D.

1/2 deep hole you may need to look for longer stroke cage then my second link. Check Browns

https://www.panamericantool.com/25-6...-nas-907j.html

https://www.panamericantool.com/5-8-...cage-4097.html

Bill, Great inexpensive suggestion. Thanks. Brian