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I've heard a lot of people make their own bits for drilling the bowl by grinding a spade on the grinder. I tried this and it makes a terrible noise and vibrates profusely while drilling. I have obviously not made this bit correctly. Can anyone post some pics for me to use as a reference when I make my next bit. Thanks.

I'll try to post a picture a little later, but I would try this:

1. Make sure your spade bit is sharp. You should be able to use the cutting edge as a knife. Make sure you leave a relief behind the cutting edge so it doesn't rub. The cutting edges should be furthest away from the center of the bit.

2. Make sure your bit is centered. Place the bit on a piece of paper and trace one side, flip it over and see if the profile of the other side is the same. An off-center bit will vibrate, especially if it's not sharp.


3. Try drilling a pilot hole with a Forstner bit. This won't fix the vibrations, but it will help your bit stay on center if your point isn't 100% perfect.


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If you have a look at my photo stream there are pics of me making bits, somewhere there is a thread;

viewtopic.php?f=43&t=5188&hilit=converting+spade+bits

https://www.flickr.com/photos/dmihandmadepipes/

David

I tried to edit the op with links to the images but it won't let me

I neglected to mention that I also cut 2-3" off the shank of the drill bit. This helps them be more rigid.


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Look at Davids stuff. He shows you exactly how you grind it.

Tim West sells them already profiled for only $10.

Thanks David. Those pics are exactly what I was needing. Already know where I went wrong. Thanks again