The Bit you Need to Read
When it comes to bits, there is a bit of information we would like to share. Not all bits are created the same, they come in different shapes, styles, materials, and sizes. For the purpose of making volumes we are going to need to make many holes and screw stuff in.
When drilling into wood with a screw and without a pilot hole the screw can easily split the wood. This is especially true if you are using an impact driver drill. Typically, this occurs more around the edges. With joinery, since the edges are being joined with glue and screws, splits and shanks in the wood can mess up a good-looking volume very easily. This is one reason we pre-drill. For joinery you should be using R4 GRK #8 1/4” screws. The shank (diameter) of the R4 GRK #8 is 1/8” so a 1/8” brad point drill bit will be excellent for making the pilot hole on your joining pieces. The R4 GRK screws do have a countersink design so the head will drill and sink itself in. This feature makes them easier to get below the surface and fill later with wood filler.
When going nuts with t-nuts it is important to get clean holes and the bit you use for them can make the difference. Depending on which T-nut you use you will either need a 7/16” or 1/2” brad point drill bit. If you go with our recommendation of Escape Climbing’s Industrial T-nuts than you will need to do 1/2” holes.
A suggestion for making the holes is to use scrap wood underneath the piece you are adding holes to. This will further reduce the likely hood of splintering or splitting in the wood. Another method could be to drill the hole through to the point of the tip protruding out the opposite side, then flip the piece over and drill through the remainder.
For the screws on the T-nuts you will need a Philips head.
If you want to make your volumes last longer by using volume screw inserts, than you will need a 1/2”Forstner bit. This will be used to start your hole and make the screw insert sit flush. It makes a pilot hole for you in the process making the next hole easier to align. 9/32” brad point bit will be used to make the hole that goes all the way through for the volume screw insert. Note that the volume screw inserts will fit GRK R4 #9 and #10.
The bits you will need for screws if you go with our recommendation are the T25 and T15. If you go with the GRK screws, we suggest ones that included it in the packaging. If you want to get longer bits than the ones provided in the package, they do make them. The longer bits are useful in the T25 version when setting. They can also be used to insert the volume screw inserts along with a hammer.
That all the bits you need. So to recap 1/2” brad point drill bit, 7/16” brad point drill bit, 1/8” drill bit, T15 bit, 1/2” Forstner bit, 9/32 brad point drill bit, Philips head, and T25.
Make sure the bits you use are not dulled, and be sure to drill straight holes.
If you want to learn how to make professional volume buy the book. It includes plans (dimensions and angles) and all the knowledge you need to make volumes for yourself.