"Holy rail" question

[WPeters]

Has anyone used the holy rail with a drill instead of a router?  I was thinking about doing this (I don't have a holy rail yet).  If its possible what bits and collits or bushings to you recommend?

Thanks

 

[ccarrolladams]

The holes of 'Holy Rails' are actually milled as slots with rounded ends. They are not round holes so directly using them to hold drill jig bushings is not practical.

 

[VictorL]

In theory that's possible, but router is MUCH better. You'll cut holes with drill bit sooner or later. Plus depth of holes will be different.  Just a plate for router is not very expensive.  Or you can buy just bare set without systeiner and router bits.

 

[WPeters]

Rats, I was hoping others had did this or it was easily done.  We have a line boring machine so the only time i need to drill shelf holes one at a time is when we have a deep cabinet with shallow shelves.  The throat of the machine is only like 5 inches.  We have used a piece of plywood with 32mm spaced holes and used that as a guide, but it becomes inaccurate after some use.  I was hoping the holy rail could be adapted for this because of its accuracy.

 

[BlueRidgeWoodworksLLC]

Ever try one of these? http://www.precisioncasewerk.com/tp1950.html  I love mine and since you don't need it all the time for shelf pins you can still use it for setting knobs and pulls, euro hardware clips etc.  So it's not a one trick pony.

 

[WPeters]

Thanks blue ridge!  We do have one of those (picked it up at IWF). I should use it more.  I've found if I need a line bore in the middle of a large panel it doesn't reach well.  However, they are terrific for door and drawer pulls!

 

[Rob Z]

Blue Ridge, thanks for posting that link.

 

[BlueRidgeWoodworksLLC]

Thanks blue ridge!  We do have one of those (picked it up at IWF). I should use it more.  I've found if I need a line bore in the middle of a large panel it doesn't reach well.  However, they are terrific for door and drawer pulls!

Yeah, I can see that.  Doesn't come up much with me, but in the past I would just use a scrap piece of plywood to space it out from the backside.  It's nice to have something you don't have to rig though.

 

[Sparktrician]

Ever try one of these? http://www.precisioncasewerk.com/tp1950.html  I love mine and since you don't need it all the time for shelf pins you can still use it for setting knobs and pulls, euro hardware clips etc.  So it's not a one trick pony.

I successfully used the MEG Products Econo-Bore for many years before buying the LR 32 setup. 

 

[Knight Woodworks]

I have the pro-bore version.  I prefer it to the LR 32.

John

 

[WPeters]

How is it secured when drilling holes in the middle of a panel?

 

[Sparktrician]

How is it secured when drilling holes in the middle of a panel?

 

Therein lies the reason for the LR 32.  The Econo-Bore and Pro-Bore both index on the panel edge.  To use it toward the center, one has to remove the clamps that come attached to it, then figure out how to accurately clamp it to the midst of the panel such that it is consistent on all panels and perpendicular to the front panel edge.  It's a piece of cake with the LR 32.