Drill bits for tapping

[ir3333]

What is your preference...Auger, Brad point or standard bit?
Also i bought new taps this year from CDL and they recommend a 5/16" bit but it is too small!
I get a nice fit with 11/32" ?

[buckeye gold]

What do you mean by too small. The spout only goes in a short ways. Most will recommend a regular tapping bit, but an Erwin auger bit does a good job

[DrTimPerkins]

A standard maple tapping bit that is sharp works best. Regular wood bits aren't designed for drilling into frozen wood or able to move out the shavings quickly.
Bits should be used for 2,000-2,500 taps and either resharpened (with a machine that is set correctly) or replaced. You should always match the bit to the spout to ensure you have the correct size. 5/16" to 5/16", 1/4" to 1/4", 19/64 to 19/64", etc. We've used the Lapierre bits for several years now.

[maple flats]

Bite the bullet and buy an official tapping bit in 5/16 if that is the designated size of the taps you bought. Then drill the holes in and out non stop in one motion. When done tapping, save that bit for next year. It is far better than the alternatives mentioned above. Also, when you set the tap, either use an official tapping hammer, or a "ladies hammer (light weight)" or I use the flat side jaw on a pair of 7" lineman's pliers. Which ever you use, tap lightly and listen for the sound to change. It will sound solid when it's properly set. Do not use a framing hammer or the back of a hatchet, they will set the tap too far in and might crack the bark. It's best to use a cordless drill, have it well charged, and drill at full speed if it has different speeds.
Improper tapping is often the reason for poor sap flow.

[mainebackswoodssyrup]

As Dr. Perkins eluded to, it depends on the spout used. You want a tight fit. If CDL told you to use a 5/16” bit based on the tap you used, that’s what I would do. Saying it is too small leads me to believe you might trying to drive it too deep.

[ir3333]

I understand you guys questioning the 5/16" tap not fitting the 5/16" hole...trust me
I have drilled holes with 3 different 5/16" bits and the taps will not go in 1/8".
These new 30 degree taps are 3/8" at the shoulder and taper down to a bit over 5/16" at the drip end.
Using an 11/32" drill bit they go in about an inch and are too tight to go any further so that's fine.
My friend has an auger bit that has a taper perfectly matching the taper in his spiles ..but I have
not seen anything in any of the manufacturers catalogues as nicely and purposely made.
How deep should they go? Where in the sapwood is the flow highest?

[Pdiamond]

You should mark you drill bits at 2 inches. If you have a very large tree with thick bark maybe pull pull off some of it to get to the tree. I have used regular bits and I have to agree with all the others on this one, get a tapping bit. They are worth the money.

[ir3333]

.....but where do I get an 11/32 tapping bit?
And how deep should the tap go?

[BAP]

Check the bit you have and make sure it is actually a 5/16” bit that you think it is and not a 19/64” bit.

[mainebackswoodssyrup]

What CDL spouts are you using?