I love his ability to teach topics which are rudimentary to him, but without sounding condescending or like a know-it-all. You can tell, he genuinely wants to pass on the best information for the good of the trade. You rock man.

At the ripe old age of about 10 my grandpa spent a Saturday ( all day) giving me lessons on this exact same subject. I must have drilled a thousand holes that day.That was more than 50 yrs ago and I still flash back to that day every time I drill a hole into anything. Grandpa is still behind me, waiting for me to do it right. And at the end of that day he gave me a can with dull bits in it, and watched as I learned to hand sharpen drill bits. I wish I had a dime every time someone has asked, "Where did you learn to do that" I'd also give all those dimes to Grandpa if he were still here. Great video...somewhere down the road,someone is going to be thankful they watched this video.

It's like being in the shop with dad. Albeit a dad that is articulate and doesn't swear a lot. LOL Thanks for making these!

I once used the kitchen countertop as a backer by mistake. Wife was happy though- she finally got her granite upgrade! :)

You know when the drill bit has lost it’s temper when it starts swearing and throwing things around the room!

A Chinese proverb translates as, "To teach is to learn twice". As you said, I can't tell you why I am doing what I am doing. You did a fine job, Scott.

As a machinist general rules of thumb I use are: anything under a 1/2" center punch then drill. Over 1/2" then center punch, pilot drill then drill with final size. Usually trying to use a pilot drill roughly same diameter as the webbing on the final drill size. Also a trick I use when making sure drill is in right place is to spin drill opposite drilling rotation and see where contact is. It will show a small mark without actually drilling through said material. Then put it on right rotation and drill away.

As a recently-retired guy, I’m having a great time watching all of your lessons and trying to apply them to my new hobbies -home and barn repair. Thanks for sharing your expertise. I had a long career in education and appreciate a lesson well delivered. I’m also a photographer and want to comment that the light in your shop for this video is beautiful. It looks as if you hired a high-priced lighting director and crew from the big city - but I’d be willing to bet it’s just early morning or late afternoon available light. In any case, it enhances the great content you’re providing. Keep up the great work, Scott.

having been framing for 12 years now , the way he speaks sounds like poetry to me ..

Years ago, I learned a tip for using hole saws (that I have since applied to spade bits as well.) If it is possible, and if it matters, cut your hole about halfway through, then switch to the other side. The pilot bit will have already come through and you just use that hole to finish the cut. This leaves the rough area that happens when the saw cuts through inside the hole, not on one side or the other.

I think one of the reasons I enjoy your channel so much is because you remind me of my own dad. we spent many a day in the garage building things, by the time I was 11 I was using a table saw and a drill press. I was excited that I bought my first Black and Decker 1/4 drill with my own money. it stayed in my tool box for many years until I replace it with a 3/8 and then adding a 1/2 drill. He has passed on now and you are actually 5 years younger than me but still I appreciate you demeanor and you appreciation of good tools.my Dad was very much like that. There is nothing quite like building something with your own two hands. Thanks again.

"Let me put this away so I don't lose it" THIS IS GENIUS

If you need to go crosswise through round metal stock, take a mill file and make a small flat spot, then center punch in that. The bit will be much less likely to walk.

EC is one of the few channels I drop what I'm doing for. Great moves, Scott! Keep it up! Proud of you!

Im a GC, my son is 6 and loves listening to your videos in the morning on the way to school. We both head out for work together, and he fills his brain with construction knowledge daily

learned to drill holes 1975 7th grade brooklyn high school brooklyn ohio industrial arts class Mr jack howell chambers he was the best not only a master woodworker but a master in life lessons he passed away this year and the undertaker was schocked at the amoumt of his ex students showed up taught me everything about wood tools welding house building maintenance etc rip mr chambers i use something every day you taught me

Interesting, as a lay person in all things construction, I never realized the number of intricacies in drilling. I've always used my cheap chinamart drill at top speed, top pressure with no variation. This will have a huge impact on every project I do for ever to come. Thanks!

This is clearly a guy who loves his craft and has spent hours upon hours working at it. No book could ever replicate his expertise. Awesome.

Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! I lost my dad in 2015. He knew everything about tools. Good to know there are still knowledgable souls out there .

This channel is pure gold.

good info about backing off as the bit exits the steel. I hadn't thought of the mechanics of what's happening where the bit intersects the metal. The tendency is to push harder and drill faster, so it's good to hear the reasoning behind slowing down and easing up.

"No substitute for doing this and no substitute for thinking about it while you're doing it." If only that didn't need to be said. Good stuff. Thanks again for the great videos.

I have been drilling wood and metal for many years. Some of what you were saying is new to me. It means a lot when you are trying to figure out what’s going on with your work to understand more aspects of it so you can get better results. Thank you for coming to the rescue. This is why I watch your channel. Thanks for the information and the patience with which you do it.

Im not even planning on drilling metal but I stayed fot the whole video. This guy KNOWS his craft

Anyone who enjoyed this should watch the history of power tools that the Discovery Channel did. Mr. Irwin owned a pharmacy that sold liquor and the man who invented The modern-day auger bit sold him the patent for his liquor bill. The rest is history.

thanks for the video, great tips. Here's a tip: to keep a bit from drifting, start it in reverse a couple of turns and then forward.

I’m sure glad a real craftsmen finally put a KZfaq channel up. I just recently found your channel but I appreciate it. In today’s world a lot of young people don’t think much about guys like us. And you’re are a lot more articulate than most of us so good on you. I’m right over in Boise so I just may have to take a weekend at the end of that house to take a look around. Best of luck!!

Thank you for spending time going deep on the basics that people either take for granted, or can't learn about because everyone in the know takes them for granted!

I just wanted to saw a quick thank you for your awesome videos as they actually help people to improve their skills and techniques

The most important statement about bits is at 9:54-9:56. LOL

Scott, I feel like I learn at least 2-3 new or different things every time I watch one of your videos. Thanks for taking the time to put out well thought out content.

My favourite KZfaq channel by far I have learnt so so much from you mate I'm building my first spec home in Melbourne And you are a go to guy far information that is direct and spot on the money Much appreciated my friend Much respect from Australia

I was wodering if you would be willing to do a small video on center punches and the different types I love your show and keep doing what your doin

Some good beginner lessons here. I remember when I first started in a machine shop. After a few weeks of sweeping floors, they put me with a journeyman machinist who showed me how to use a drill press. He then set up a fixture on the drill press and gave me a basket of 500 parts to drill. After a few hours of drilling, he came to me and showed me how to tell when my bit was getting dull. We then went to the bench grinder and he showed me how to sharpen a drill bit, then let me sharpen the one that I was using until he was satisfied with it's appearance. I quickly learned that a few extra minutes sharpening created a much better cutting drill that was easier to work with. Thinning the web on a large drill made a much easier point with less cutting force, but was harder to master than sharpening. I learned that 50 surface feet per minute is generally a safe cutting speed for mild steels, 300 series stainless steels and grey cast irons. Some quick mental math tells us that 12 times the cutting speed in sfm (surface feet per minute) divided by the drill diameter times Pi would give a fairly safe place to start. On a 1/4" drill bit that equates to 12 x 50 sfm (600) divided by 3.14 x 1/4 (0.785). Thus 600/0.785=764 rpm. Full speed on a drill motor of 750 rpm, and half speed on a 1500 rpm drill motor. I shortened the above formula and used the constant of 600 divided by the drill diameter time Pi which is fairly easy to do in one's head without using a calculator. I also learned early on to avoid stringers . . . those long spirals of steel coming from the drill bit. They quickly wrap the bit and spin at the same speed causing cuts to hands holding the workpiece . The remedy is to momentarily stop feeding, back up slightly, the begin feeding again. When done properly, it will cause the stringer to break and fly away. Especially on a drill press, when properly practiced, this "woodpecking" technique results in a much safer operation. Drilling ferrous metals takes a bit of practice and patience, but once mastered produces good results for anyone.

This channel has all the information that a dad should teach his kids about working and tools! Thanks internet dad!

Thanks so much! I had asked in another video comment section JUST THIS MORNING that you make a video on this (because I didn’t see in on your channel page). Next thing I know, KZfaq puts this in my feed! Watching you is like taking courses at a trade school. 👍🏻

Drills are my favorite tools. I have probably 9 or 10 drills. Cordless, corded, drill presses, 12v, 20v max, 18v. I LOVE drills.

I've found that people not paying attention to what is behind what they're drilling to be the biggest source of injury... Pro tip: your hand or thigh makes a terrible backing material to prevent blowing out the exit... And it will hurt the whole time too.

Thanks for the videos, I've been in the trades for twenty-eight years. Your approach to the teaching aspect of carpentry gives me some hope for the future. I learned something new about hole saws about two weeks ago that you may want to pass along. The same two hole saws I use for door locks work perfectly for plumbing pipes around sinks. The one inch for the supply lines and two and one eighth for the drain, just mark the center points, drill and install. Works great with drywall, paneling and cabinets, I drill from both sides if possible to prevent splinters.

It’s the second video I’ve seen of yours. The way you explain things is fantastic for a total newbie, like myself, to doing anything in a workshop. You speak in an informative and cohesive manner which ensues a level of understanding and confidence in your viewer that very few other channels do. Thank you.

Thank you Scott. Cover how to use a concrete bit properly i see to many pushing harder than they need to and not letting the hammer work properly on the drill. Just like pushing to hard on a jack hammer let the hammer do the work.

Who "shot up" your workshop? Also, thank you for bringing us these little pieces of you. In my youth I used to work summers building houses with my godfather. Each video, for me, is a trip down memory lane.

It was worth while for me. I learn something on almost all of your videos. Thanks so much!

Powerful useful instructions. You are a pro and a great teacher

Don’t forget the marvellous adjustable bit, nothing else will drill holes from 3/4” to 3” in wood, so well !

You forgot step bits. A good quality step bit is worth every penny

One of the reasons I watch this is to teach me how to train apprentices better. In that vain, a spade bit will blow a nasty hole on the exit. So just drill deep enough where the tip comes out the back side of the board, turn board over and come in from the other side. Thanks so much and keep up the good work!

Thank you very much for your patience and clarity. I didn't get much instruction on these subjects as a kid, this gets me going in the right direction.

You can patch a hole in wood too. Use a dowel rod that's the same diameter (drill a bigger hole if needed), glue, and a pull saw to cut the rod flush. If it's going to be visible in furniture or something you'll need to match the color and material of the dowel to the work and be mindful of grain direction (for cosmetics).

16:53 - Thats how I drilled through my thumb muscle. Now I stand on the part on the floor.

I really hope you realize how invaluable your videos are to many people. Just watching a few (although I think I've watched them all) of your videos has literally years worth of tips, tricks, and advice in them. Stuff that would normally take decades of working in the trades to learn. You know there's certain things you just can't google. I really hope more people see your videos. Great content from someone with so much knowledge doesn't just show up every day!

That bit at the end where you talk about thinking about your work is brilliant, as I age I am learning more and more that you literally are your thoughts at any given moment. The stream of endless thoughts in your head is you.

You have no idea how relieved I am to hear that you, of all people, have trouble sharpening twist drills. This information shows me the sharpening is difficult, not necessarily that I’m a knucklehead. I’ve ruined so many trying to learn.

Hey, EC, How about doing one on hand-powered drills, like braces, eggbeaters, whimbles, and hand-cranked drill presses?

Thanks for taking the time to make these videos. As an amateur DIY guy, I'm learning a helluva lot about what I SHOULD have done in the past, and some fascinating basics about what I NEED to do in future !!

Thank you! I noticed you used a corded drill. I still have my old 20-year old corded Milwaukee drill. There is something about the sound from it that a cordless can't match. Also, the power is nice to have when drilling into steel. I am so happy one of your videos came across my feed. I shared your channel with my 14 year old son in hopes he can see the enjoyment the trades can be.

One thing I would add on safety: be careful of having your hand too close to a spinning drill bit, especially if you are wearing a glove. A drill with a half inch chuck will put a hurtin on your fingers if the bit gets tangled in your glove.

@17:05 Did someone pattern a shotgun on the upper back wall of your shop? Is that dappled mood lighting? :)

What a great video! You have completely redefined what I understand about drilling. "Try to visualize what is happening at the point of contact with the drill bit and the steel." So many great lessons in less than 18 minutes. Thanks again!

The instruction on backing-off on the pressure and increasing speed at the very end of drilling through metal / steel and why this is the point where drill bits often break, made it worth the time spent watching the whole video, all by itself. I had experienced this problem many times and never thought through what was happening or that it could be avoided. Another great instructional video that took me to a new level of understanding and competence with a core skill that is critical and foundational to most home projects. Thanks once again!

Thank you for offering your two “bits” in this “boring” subject.

Did someone shoot out the top of you shop?

Great video. I’ve been using tools for about 60 years and am still learning. Thank-you.

Thank you so much for this great information! I'm in my 20s with a lot of work left to do, but growing up I didn't have the greatest mentors to show me how to do all of this. While better late than never, I will for sure pass this knowledge down to my children some day.

7:22 I love when you're drilling on a ladder holding the drilled next to your head and it spins around and slaps you in the face.

Starting out in the machine shops in and around Houston, TX as a young cub, if you called a drill a "Drill Bit" you got told right away that's a drill and a bit goes in a horse's mouth. They would say... "there are drills and drill motors. Get it right cubby!". haha :) Now go get me a bucket of steam... and use the sky hook!

Definitely worthwhile. These seventeen minutes have saved me tons of time, money and probably injury. Great work. Please continue to make these videos.

You have one if the best channels. You are a very knowledgeable and patient man. I'd love to get to spend time with you and learn from you first hand. Thank you for your time and sharing the information that you do.

Did you play Ralphie on the Christmas story?

Can I suggest more light for your videos? It will make your camera adopt a deeper depth of focus. Not that there's a problem with the shallow depth of field, but that requires manual focus in my opinion. You guys are producing great content, I don't want to undervalue what you're doing

As always lots of great info. I've been in construction and owning and operating a lumber yard and hardware store for 35 years and I picked up a couple of great tidbits about drill bits and drilling. Thank you!

I learned something new again, as is often the case when watching your videos. Thank you for packing them so full of small nuggets of wisdom.

Love the channel and content...but didn't touch on drilling into masonry, concrete, etc.

Listen to conference call < watch new video about drilling

I really enjoy you! Thanks for spending time with us.

You've really just completely changed my approach to drilling into flat bar and for the better. I often had my drill bit bind up in the last mm or so and got to where I could feel it was coming up and stop before that happened. I wasn't really sure what to do next because I didn't actually understand what was happening to cause the problem. Thanks so much for your channel and patient explanations. You're a great help to those of us trying to reuse, repair and (hopefully) make something of good quality.

drill holes put stuff in'em.

Never place your hand next to a hole saw as you drill. I did that once with a 2 1/2" hole saw going through a propane tank. It hung up, jumped out, and tagged my hand. Let me tell you, hole saws are not in the business of leaving material, nor are they in the business of giving material back. Luckily I didnt get hurt too bad. Just a scar on my hand, and a stupid story to tell about the day I was complacent.

Helpful indeed. Your insight is appreciated. Great to learn from your experience.

Some of these things I learned myself intuitively over time, but your calm clear explanations expanded and refined my knowledge. Thanks.

17:17 what’s with the ventilation there?

I"ve never heard anyone use the term "drill motor" before to refer to a drill. Maybe it's a regional thing. A drill is a device that turns a drill bit. "Motorized Drill" perhaps, "Electric Drill", but to me, the motor is only one component to the assembly I refer to as the "drill". It would be like calling an automobile an "engine". "Dad can I borrow the engine today?", "My engine insurance finally went down", etc. Just pointing out differences, not criticism. However, "Octagonal Tang (8?)" @ 4:52, is hexagonal, 6, unless you've got something weird there.

Very thoughtful. Thank you for taking the time to explain this.

I appreciate your time and thank you for all the videos.

Hex drive, not octagonal

Milwaukee isnt the company it once was, the after sales service is terrible, they push new tools over any repairs. Makita gets most of my tool dollars now a days. aAlso, too much advertizing on Milwaukees side its not necessary when you have good tools.

Very very helpful. Thank you Scott

As a builder apprentice and dentist I can’t be agree more with you what are you saying about using ours senses to work on any material, tool, bones, dentin, enamel, wood, steel all of them give you a sign. Great teacher cheers

Great video, very clear explanation of it all. Thanks for the tips as well!

Brilliant content! So informative. Thank you for all the information.

Very much worth while, I've learned a lot..I appreciate the details. Thank you.

Appreciated. Filled in a few gaps in my skill set.

It has been worthwhile. Thanks for this lesson👍🏼

Great work, great info!!! You’re a joy to watch and a encyclopedia to learn from. Thank you!!!

Very, very useful and informative. Thank you.

Very well articulated. I love these detailed informative videos. Keep it up! Thanks

Good advice on drilling the finished pieces.

I learn something everytime I watch your videos. Thank you for sharing your knowledge.

I salute you Sir, for taking your time and explaining all these little details about drilling, in great clarity, indeed.

These are some phenomenal videos man! Great info. Thank you for taking the time to teach this stuff. Awesome.