For Woodworkers. Can I use tenon cutters with a portable drill?

Question

My husband just purchased a 12 Volt DeWalt DC759 portable drill - 1/2" VSR. Must have two speeds as it states 0-450/min 0-1500/min RPM.
I would like to know if it is possible to use tenon cutters ( 1" and 2" sizes) with this drill. Same goes for the 1" and 2" frostner bits. All of the cutters state "use with electric drill" I'm hoping a portable qualifies.
If yes, will it run my (I mean his!) drill down really quickly?
If no, what about an impact gun? 7.5A 1/2' square drive, 2100 RPM.
And finally last resort, anyone have any experience using the hand cranked ol' fashioned type drills? I've seen one at Lee Valley Tools that is supposed to do the job.
FYI: I'm looking to try my hand at making a few pieces of rustic furniture - as well as some railing for the cabin's loft. Please note, I have zero woodworking experience, this will be learning experience for me. THANK-YOU!!!

Answer 1

yep have a 1/2 vsr i use to cut tendons but a 2 " might give you a fit, i cut mine at 3/4 "

are you building beds? they take a 2" chairs take 3/4"

a electric drill will give you more torque

yes a hand drill or auger will work with bits thats how they use to drill holes,

Answer 2

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Answer 3

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Answer 4

I'm assuming you mean "round" tenons. Yes the portable battery drill IS electric. But wouldn't it be more fun and entertaining to use "hand tools" to form these tenons? You will learn about the properties of the wood you are using and gain great insight into how things were done that made the invention of modern tools to accomplish the task at hand. Just a quick reminder, measure twice, cut once!

Answer 5

Sure it will work. And DeWalt is my favorite brand; good choice. Did yours come with a spare battery? Just keep one on the charger while you use the other one.



Once you get into woodworking, you'll want to get a drill press for this type of work - even a benchtop model will do. You'll get truer cuts, so better joints, so a better finished project.

Answer 6

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Answer 7

I usually answer "Can I?" questions with "Certainly, but you may not be satisfied."



IF you could stabilize any drill for joint making, it might still not have the RPM's to do a decent job, considering that many routers with joint bits run at approx. 25,000 RPM's



Beyond that is the operator being able to keep the hand tool steady for a decent joint (Rustic or not)



The issue with a cordless will be a gradual slowing down as you drain the battery.



The Brace and Bit is still an effective tool, but to use even an auger bit at even 1 incnh diam. will be labor intensive, anything larger, might actually defeat the balance one has to maintain in using the brace.



Without knowing at all what kind of rustic furniture you're looking to build, you could search for a Clamping device for a drill, essentially creating a crude drill press, or just get a drill press.



You might be as well off with a set of hole saw drill bits.



Just my two "sense"

Answer 8

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Answer 9

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Answer 10

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Answer 11

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Answer 12

for both of your ?'s the cordless drill will not hord up to the taskBuy a good quality elec. drill at least 1/2 inch.The hand drill you speak of will work,but be prepared to get a real workout.As for the wood,try sticking with the soft woods,pine,spruce etc.Use what is green not dead.I'd let it dry for a few weeks before starting to "work"it.When the pieces are completed apply polyeurathane to keep wood from splitting/cracking....good luck,sounds like alot of fun!!!!

Answer 13

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