Avoiding Wood Splitting

[morpheus83uk]

Hello,

I am wondering if anyone has any suggestions / guidance on how to avoid wood splitting. Whenever I use my SDS drill with a hole saw / forstner bit the wood always seems to split on the opposite side to me drilling. I have tried applying less pressure, slowing the drill down throughout and towards the end but nothing seems to stop it and I am trying to get a nice neat finish when doing these things.

I have also noticed this happens when using my wood bits when drilling holes. The material in question is pine.

Any help greatly appreciated.

Thanks

James

 

[Roger928]

Use a sacrificial backer. Usually a block of wood behind the hole. Forstner bits make the cleanest holes.

 

[Tigercubrider]

Clamp a bit of scrap wood on the other side

 

[foxhole]

When using spade bit (flat bit) the spike allows you to stop before complete penetration then you can use the point to drill back from the reverse side preventing splits.

 

[morpheus83uk]

Brilliant thank you for your quick replies I will give it a go next time I am drilling holes!

 

[morpheus83uk]

Thanks guys that did the trick!