long drill bit

[Clwydianrange]

Hello,
I want to have a go at making irish whistles. This will involve drilling a 12 to 13mm hole 300mm through hardwood on the lathe. Which is the best drill bit to use and best place to buy please.

keith

 

[xy mosian]

Hi,
Some turners may arrive any minute with better answers. However I was taught to use a lamp standard shell auger through a hollow tailstock. A bit of Googling may find some larger ones. A flute maker I new well used a standard twist bit brazed to the end of a bit of steel rod. Drive was provided by the lathe headstock, driving the wood, still needed some form of ring support at the tail end of the lathe though.
xy

 

[CHJ]

I'd say make up your own as mentioned above.

If you drill through the tail stock for starters you may have to use a second larger diameter drill to open out the bore in reverse mode with drill in the headstock chuck.

 

[Cheshirechappie]

Clico produce long series wood boring bits intended for use in power drills, so their use in a lathe would probably be OK. They come in a variety of lengths from 6" to about 28"; the 12" one should cover your needs. Not cheap, though. Flinn-Garlick Saws are one supplier - http://www.flinn-garlick-saws.co.uk/aca ... _bits.html

 

[grandad211]

Rowland Tools in High Wycombe sell long drills 400mm 600mm 800mm and 1000mm, 6mm upwards.

 

[Clwydianrange]

Thanks for your replies and help.