Essential Woodworking Drill Bits for Beginners

If you're starting out woodworking, selecting a set of drill bits is key to ensure that you can complete your projects with ease. It's important to understand the different types of bits, from wood and metal boring bits, brad point drill bits, spade bits, and forstner bits, so that you can choose the correct bit for the job. Having the right drill bit makes a huge difference in speed of work, but also creates cleaner cuts and finishes.

Take the time to research which woodworking drill bits are best for your woodshop needs, because it will make all the difference in your woodworking projects.

The Top 7 Drill Bits and Accessories Every Woodworker Should Own

1. Twist Bits

Twist drill bits are the versatile players of drilling, and they are often found in wood shops. With a pointed tip, these utility bits can be used to drill into materials such as wood, plastic, and metal with little to no tear-out. However, they can wander or wobble if they don't have a good pilot hole to start with, especially when drilling at angles. Twist bits are recommended for making existing holes larger.

2. Brad Point Bits

Although they may look similar at first glance, brad point bits contain some distinct features that make them more advantageous to use in woodworking. You'll find these bits in diameters ranging from ¹⁄₈" to 1".

Some features to be aware of:

• The pointed spur at the tip of the bit is there to help center it before drilling.
• Sharp spurs are also on the tips of flutes, which help prevent tearing the wood as the bit enters, and they also help remove chips.
• Brad point bits are best for making perpendicular holes.
• When making angled holes, they can jump out of alignment.
• Also, if you need to make an existing hole larger, it can be difficult, because the spur at the tip makes centering in the existing hole tough.

3. Forstner Bits

Forstner bits create clean, flat-bottom holes--which is perfect for tasks such as cabinet hardware or large diameter holes. Additionally, they work well for overlapping mortises. These bits are special because of the cutting edge along the perimeter that shears wood efficiently, while also creating a flat bottom. If you're drilling deep holes, it's advisable to use a vacuum alongside the Forstner bit to prevent wood shaving buildup and clogging.

4. Combination Countersink Bits 

The perfect tool for making a starter hole for screws, these combination countersink bits will make quick work of your projects. Not only does it create space for the screw shank, but it also counter-bores if needed—all while remaining flush with the wood surface. By easily adjusting the collar according to different screw lengths, you'll be glad to have this type of bit on hand, because it can handle multiple sizes that match various diameter screws.

5. Self-Centering Bits 

Self-centering bits are simple to use and will help make pilot holes quicker when installing hardware. There are many size options available, depending on what you need. They have a spring-loaded housing that's also sized to fit the screw hole on a hinge leaf -- this retracts while you're drilling, so that your pilot hole is perfectly centralized every time. Screws will always seat fully in their intended countersink, and hinges will end up exactly where they should be placed!

6. Spade Bit

When you need to drill holes in non-finished wood, spade bits are the perfect bits for the job. Just like with the other bits, a center point will guide the bit as you drill, and outside spurs reduce tear-out around the hole. These types of bits are available with spade widths of 1⁄4 " to 1 1/2". To avoid blow-out when exiting through the board, be sure to have support material on hand while drilling.

7. Drill Gauge

The best way to maintain your woodworking drill bits is by using a drill gauge. This handy tool not only accurately measures the size of the drill bit, but it also helps identify any wear on the cutting edges. With a drill gauge, woodworkers can check their woodwork drilled patterns to see if it matches precisely with the plans, so that no wood work is wasted and all their woodworking projects look as amazing as they envisioned!

Unlock Your Woodworking Potential with Top Quality Drill Bits from General Tools

At General Tools, we believe woodworking should be an enjoyable and satisfying experience. Our top-quality woodworking drill bits will help you make the most of your woodworking projects with precise and clean holes, every time. 

Our selection of drill bits includes brad point bits, forstner bits, combination countersink bits, and more. Whether you're a beginner or experienced woodworker, our drill bits and sets are the right tools to bring your project to life. We know that having the right equipment can mean all the difference between success and failure in woodworking projects. 

Contact us today to learn more about our woodworking tools, as well as the other hand tools and digital and specialty equipment we offer!