Drill bits

[bluefinn]

Wasn't sure where to post this but I'm small scale (6 trees) . I'm using 7/16 stainless steel spiles. The bits at the stores are to big to fit the chuck on my drill. I picked up a 7/16 spade bit that is small enough to fit. Will this type work? I did a test hole on a cut log & the spile doesn't seem to tap in as far as it should. Just don't want to screw things up.

[unc23win]

A 7/16" hole is a 7/16" hole as long as it is round it should be fine. It might be harder to do with a spade bit but as long as you make your hole round it should work. I am not sure about the spile depth I don't use those spiles most spiles you tap them in and listen for the sound to change to a thunk that is when you stop. The sound might also be different in s log than a live tree.

[Maplebrook]

A spade bit is not the best bit for drilling a tap hole. You will get sap, but there will be leaks. Did you check out an auger bit for use with a brace?
Darren

[maple flats]

Wasn't sure where to post this but I'm small scale (6 trees) . I'm using 7/16 stainless steel spiles. The bits at the stores are to big to fit the chuck on my drill. I picked up a 7/16 spade bit that is small enough to fit. Will this type work? I did a test hole on a cut log & the spile doesn't seem to tap in as far as it should. Just don't want to screw things up.
If you are using 7/16 taps, just get a bit that is reduced shank. A official tapping bid is best, but they don't come with reduced shanks. So get a coated 7/16 bit with either 3/8 shank or 1/4" as necessary. Sanitize the bit and go. Then after the season, sanitize again, then wrap in wax paper with vegetable oil and stor that ijnside a zip lock sandwich or snack bag, don't use it for anything other than tapping. It is really best to buy new each year, but might not be justifiable with 6 taps. Use a twist bit or even better yet a Forstner bit, that will have the best hole because it cuts the sides of the hole cleaner.

[backyardsapman]

I have used a spade bit for the last 6 years and it seems to work just fine.

[adk1]

I have never used a spade bit in a tree but have in woodworking. I wouldnt recomend using it for tapping. IF nothing else, get a regular bit. THere is allot of technology that goes into a true tapping bit but if you are only talking 6 trees then I dont know if you can justify paying 3x the price for a true tapping bit. I have the Canadian 5/16" maple tapping bit and it is amazing.

[johnallin]

or even better yet a Forstner bit, that will have the best hole because it cuts the sides of the hole cleaner.

Now that's a great idea...nothing drills much cleaner than a Forstner bit, and most have 1/4" shanks on them. That's advice that belongs in "Backyard Sugar Making" I don't think a spade bit could carry a Forstner's lunch box.

[Limitpusher]

I used a spade bit the first few years I did sugaring. Just be careful, go slow, you might have to back it out a few time the clean chips out, spades were not intended for a ton of chip removal. Take it from a machinist, a bit is a bit, some are just better, like mine. I didn't like the geometry of the tapping bits so I made my own and it beats my buddy's Forstner's bit.

[bluefinn]

Thanks for the input. I used the spade Saturday & a couple are seeping, not to bad though. Today is in the 40's & dripping good. I can't get to them until late tonight. Are they ok to sit in the buckets all day at them temps ?

[unc23win]

They should be fine.