Extra long drill bits

Cheesyfeet

Where's the bast place to get long drill bits for drilling routes for wiring in bodies?  The ones StewMac do (Aircraft Extension Drill Bits) would be ideal, but not worth getting from there once postage and import fees are added.

Thanks

phil_b

https://www.axminstertools.com/long-series-drill-bits-ax21588

What size do you need 

mudslide73

I'll be needing one soon for a wang claw install but an electrician I know recommended a flexible extension (ooer missus!). 

axisus

Fleabay. Got em cheap and they do the job.

Some tools aren't worth getting cheap, but a drill bit for wood - no probs.

ICBM

axisus said:

Fleabay. Got em cheap and they do the job.

Some tools aren't worth getting cheap, but a drill bit for wood - no probs.

Not going to be used very often overall either.

I've got one a former work colleague made by welding a length of steel rod to an 8mm drill bit. It's not a high-precision tool to say the least - the rod isn't even quite perfectly centred on the bit - but at the speed it's running at it's fine.

Cheesyfeet

Thanks all, will have a look on eBay for some cheap ones 

Rabs

Amazon..  I use these when I drill the wiring for a solid body.... Always scary.. You must make sure you go slow and steady as they like to drift...

Silverline 677275 Extra Long Flat Bit, 25 x 400 mm: Amazon.co.uk: Business, Industry & Science

PeteC

I use a couple of long bits made by Maykestag - a 3mm and a 6mm with very long shafts 

they are available feom several UK suppliers

ive found them to be very good - but as Rabs says you do have to be careful when drilling not to use too much pressure or the drill will drift and youll end up off target 

also its usefull to drill a good pilot hole first if your drilling at an angle to prevent the bit from wandering at the start of boring 

The 3mm bit is about 8in long and the 6mm is about 12”.  Plenty for most jobs 

WezV

what a boring topic

I have a couple of long 8-10mm auger bits that are perfect for drilling wiring channels.  You have to hold tight though, they really want to pull into the wood and can curve when they do.  Once you get the grip correct, they are easy to control

https://www.axminstertools.com/fisch-sp-auger-bit-235mm-8mm-502074


I don't use them for trem claws, that gets done with a flexi shaft

PeteC

Ha !  Why do I get a small thrill when the bit emerges exactly where i wanted the hole - or is that just me ?  Small victories.....

Kalimna

PeteC said:

Ha !  Why do I get a small thrill when the bit emerges exactly where i wanted the hole - or is that just me ?  Small victories.....

And that is somewhat tempered by the appearance of a hole exactly where you *don't* want it. Of course, I would never make such a mistake. Never, nosiree!

ICBM

It’s that sinking feeling when you feel the drill break through to fresh air but you can’t see the tip of it in the cavity you’re aiming for...

PhilKing

Tell me about it.  I was widening the wiring channel in a custom built Les Paul and drilled out through the flame maple top!

Corvus

To guide bendy extra-long bits I put a sleeve on them, happens to be silicone because I had it for car vacuum lines. Any similar would do. You can hold the sleeve where it helps direct & steady the thing, also act as as a buffer so you don't munch your nice crispy cavity edges and the like.

WezV

I had one pop out the back if the guitar once.   Luckily it was some extra streaky black Limba.  Once I filled the hole you would have thought it was supposed to be there 

PeteC

Good to know it's not just us novice builders that have these issues 
Did you manage to source some @Cheesyfeet ? 

PeteC

Corvus said:

To guide bendy extra-long bits I put a sleeve on them, happens to be silicone because I had it for car vacuum lines. Any similar would do. You can hold the sleeve where it helps direct & steady the thing, also act as as a buffer so you don't munch your nice crispy cavity edges and the like.

Like that - I have a few lengths of aluminium tubing in various narrow gauges so will try that next time. 

abw1989

It's definitely a fun game. I taped a spirit level to my drill to help me out a little bit....

Cheesyfeet

I ended up ordering some of these after a final quick search, mostly driven by some shocking reviews for most of the listings on eBay.  Figured that if they are sold by a company that specialises in tools to the aviation sector, they must be reasonable.  They are only 6", but that's just long enough for my current project.

When they arrive, will do some test holes and feedback here

Cheesyfeet

Hmm, seems I messed up the link on my last post.

Anyway, got a couple of these https://skinpins.com/product/1-4-cobalt-aircraft-extension-drill-6/

and they arrived today.  I've tested the 1/8" one and it's very good - no wobble, good sharp hole with no wandering