Drill bits & depth stops

When it earns a place in your kit

Needed whenever the plan calls for a blind hole. A jig may require its own stepped or long-reach bit rather than a general wood bit.

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What to check before choosing

• Match the exact diameter, shank and guide-bushing requirements.
• Choose a stop collar compatible with the bit and a guide with a defined stop surface.

A practical setup sequence

1. 1

   Read the plan’s depth datum: the bit’s protrusion beyond the jig is different from the total length below its collar.

2. 2

   With power disconnected, set the collar using the jig’s gauge or instructions. Tighten it and check its position.

3. 3

   Drill scrap of the actual thickness, then measure the hole and inspect the back. Recheck the collar during repeated work.

A common mistake to avoid

A pointed bit tip can extend deeper than the full-diameter hole. Include that tip when checking breakthrough clearance.

Use it with