Calling on any #woodworkers of the #cosohivemind for advice:
I have a small project that will require drilling roughly 1" holes through 1.5" cedar raised garden bed panels to install PVC drainage pipes. (I have a large T-shaped central area between beds where rainwater accumulates during heavy storms, and want to let it drain down downhill out the back.)
Am I correct that I want to use a spade bit for this rather than a forstner?
This bit set seems to be a good value:
https://www.homedepot.com/p/DIABLO-6-Piece-SPEEDemon-High-Speed-Steel-Spade-Bit-Set-with-2-Bonus-Bits-8-Piece-DSP2920-S6-2/312500152
@VolleyB
I had a feeling that would be the case. Appearance is not a major issue here, though. This garden setup is 7+years old, and it's quite discolored. The holes and drain pipe will be hidden by gravel I'm using as a filter for the drains.
@voltronic yeah go with the spade bits then, nobody is going to see the backside
@voltronic if you don't care about finish
spade is faster and easier, IMO.
-if you dont go too fast/hard, it doesn'T rip the wood that much
@voltronic I've used a spade bit for exactly that purpose.
I found my hole saws cut faster/cleaner/easier through thicker wood, but they can be a bit more expensive.
My kit looks like (and probably is) this one:
https://www.harborfreight.com/34-in-2-12-in-bi-metal-hole-saw-assorted-set-14-pc-57525.html
@voltronic Anything over an inch or so, I usually go to a hole saw. Faster, easier, cleaner.
@voltronic hobby woodworker here, the forstner will make a nicer cleaner hole. I can't remember the last time I used a spade bit because the splinters. But use what you got, they'll both get the job done. Spade bits are certainly easier to maintain and keep track of.