Forstner for chucking bowls

[BigDougal]

Hi

An old woodturning tutor showed me that it's fine to drill a 50mm hole using a forstner bit for the chuck jaws to get a bowl started. Now I've got a big pillar drill I'm keen to give it a go but my memory is rubbish and I can't find anything online about it. Before I go and buy a decent 50mm bit, I'd be keen to hear if anyone has got any experience doing it this way?

Thanks

 

[CHJ]

What accessory jaws are you intending to grip the blank with?

Are you talking:-
1. shallow 6mm deep recess or
2. something much deeper for spigot jaws?

If you are talking 6mm deep shallow recess there will be some reduced grip potential from lack of dovetail shaping of the recess, also you need to check the diameter of your dovetail jaws many brands are a little over 50mm and need a 52mm or greater recess.

If you are intending to use deep spigot jaws then 25-30mm diameter may be more appropriate.