Drilling Dymondwood for Bow Bolt

[Holm-Made]

Has anyone done a lot of this?  I'm having issues with my Dymondwood cracking during the drilling process and I'm trying to find out if I have some stuff from an extra brittle batch.  

Does anyone have quite a bit of experiance in drilling into the end grain of Dymondwood. Have you had any of it "pop" during the drilling?

I have found out that there is a less dense Dymondwood called LDX which is produced by the same company (Rutland Plywood).  I'm wondering if anyone is familiar with the LDX and if it wouldn't be a better choice.  Chad

[Crooked Stic]

You should use a brad point carbide bit and cool with water while drilling. Let the bit clean out often.The heat build up is what is craking the wood. Just dont get in a hurry and you should be ok.

[Holm-Made]

Do they make brad points in the 3/4" size?  I haven't been able to find them.  I thought the Forstner bit was what people were using for this application.  Chad

[Java Man]

Chad,

I use a carbide tipped forstner bit.  You can find the 3/4" bit on this page.
 http://www.rockler.com/product.cfm?page=2406

I've done quite a few in 5/8" size, with no trouble.

Gregg