Ask WWGOA: Cutting Square Holes

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Question:

What is the best piece of equipment you can buy to cut a square hole in a piece of wood and what is the best way to cut a square hole?–any size from 1/2″ to 2″ square?

Submitted by rwhayes323

Answer:

There are many ways to cut a square hole. One method is to layout the hole and drill away most of the waste using a Forstner bit whose diameter is as close to the hole’s width as possible. If the hole goes all the way through the work piece, then use a scroll saw to cut the square sides. If the hole goes only part way through the work piece, then use a chisel to cut the square sides.

Bruce


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9 Responses to “Ask WWGOA: Cutting Square Holes”

  1. Mark

    you mention that there are many ways to cut the square hole but only discuss one. What are the other method?

  2. David Maxwell

    Or, if what you want is a relatively small square hole, use a morticing bit

  3. John

    There is an old tool ( that I have ) that works like a valve seater that will drill a square hole.

  4. Ellie

    Is it worth the money for a casual woodworker to invest in a mortising attachment for a drill press. Some kits come with 4 square hole drill bits with chisels and the fence and hold down attachments. Here in Canada King sell a kit for about $100.00. Model MA-511.

  5. Burton r Schriber

    I have a question, I just reviewed your video concerning finishing (2 Faces Mage Easy). I noticed all of the clamps mounted on the wall in the background. Do you have a video on building or mounting those clamps. Or could send me a few photos so that I can copy your technique. I have several clamps to mount and have been looking for a great method. Thank you

  6. Robert Taylor

    Hi...I have a bench top that cme with square holes for use with the vice. I have not seen any in our local wood shops. I live in a small town in central WA. How would I keep the pegs from falling through after I make a few?

  7. J.R. Sloan

    What about using one of those reciprocating tools with the snap-on or bolt-on saw &/or grinder blades. I had a flooring subcontractor use one of those for trip around the footers in a room prior to installing moldings, and it worked like a charm, using a 2x4 as a shim/guide. If a single (or a few) square mortise(s) is/are needed, seems like one of these would be just the ticket.

  8. Judith S.

    I use a drill for most of the cut & then I use a Whiteside square corner chisel bit to square it up.

  9. Mike Zimmer

    I want to cut square holes through a 2" thick piece of pecan I'm using as a desk top. And at a slight angle.