Drilling straight holes without drill press?

[prvz27]

Hi guys!

I've been working on some floating shelves and I have reached the stage where I need to drill around 9cm holes into the wood for these brackets to go into https://www.bunnings.com.au/carinya-100-x-76-x-20mm-adjustable-floating-brackets_p3961804

However, I'm having a real hard time to drill these holes straight with a cordless drill. I've used a few techniques such as this one below, but still can't get a square or even slighty close to square hole.

Is there any tool I can grab from Bunnings that may assist other than a drill press or any other techniques to achieve this?

Would appreciate your help, thanks guys!

Technique

[Brad]

I use the Milescraft version of

https://www.carbatec.com.au/portable-drill-guide 

I fitted nylon set screws to fix the slop in mine.

[MitchellMc]

Hi @prvz27,

I've replied to your question on the laminate cutting post but thought I would reply here as well for the benefit of others who might see this discussion. There is the Haron Dowelling Jig which is used for drilling straight holes to insert dowels into. This jig can be used to drill a straight pilot hole which you can then follow with the correct size for your bracket.

It is extremely hard to get a perfectly straight hole with a hand drill alone. If you have further difficulties you might like to investigate whether a local Men's Shed could potentially help you out. They certainly have the right equipment and I have heard of them taking on small jobs for a nominal fee.

Let me also mention some amazing members @Poppop, @r23on, @WoodenGregsWood and @woodenwookie who have some great woodworking experience to see if they can contribute to the discussion.

Mitchell

[r23on]

like brad I would suggest the drilling guide then you are able to do any angle you like with ease. They can be found at most woodworking stores is https://www.timbecon.com.au/milescraft-drillmate-portable-precision-drill-guide or as Brad has indicated Carbatec. 

also http://www.timberbits.com/milescraft-1318-accudrillmate  or  https://www.cwsonline.com.au/shop/category/?search_custom_partial_keyword=drilling&submit= they can also be picked up on eBay 

If you have access to a drill press, grab a block of steel drill the size you need into the block and clamp the steel block in place then drill the required hole. I have knocked up a quick drawing as a guide if you want 1/2 sizes then they can be add. I would not use a timber block the drill will wonder

Hope this helps

[prvz27]

Appreciate all the different tips here guys. Went ahead and bought the Haron dowelling jig and managed to get a nice square hole, beauty! 

[MitchellMc]

@prvz27,

 I'm glad that worked out well for you. Please update us when you're finished, I can't wait to see what the desk area looks like once the shelves are installed.

Mitchell

[woodenwookie]

If you’re going to be doing this often, or woodworking in general then I do recommend either the portable drill guide as mentioned or better yet spend a little and get an actual drill press. I got one on a whim without knowing how much I’d use it but I’m using it all the time.

Bunnings has an Ozito one on the cheap side for $149(NZD) and you go up from there. I got a Toolline branded one for about the price of a Ryobi.

The cost you’d pay for them will be returned with the use you get out of them.