Drilling End Grain

[sroxberg]

I need to drill some 3/8 holes in end grain for dowels.

Is there a style of bit that is better for end grain?

[JR1]

I like brad point but you need a good sharp bit.

[Brian Miller]

A brad point bit and my Shopsmith. Horizontal boring. Easy, peasy.

[Routerman]

If only a few, then a brad point but a sharp, new short one, not 5" long
If many then maybe a 1/4 brad followed x a 3/8 piloted counterbore.
Criticality: Presenting the sample square to the drill.
Off a bit? Then expect the bit to go in at some angle.
Appreciate that drill bits are only supported on one end.
As such it doesn't take much for them to enter at some screw ball angle.
Drill bushings, if applicable, will support the entry end of the drill (on larger work).
So if ever you can use a drill templet you stand a better chance of hitting the mark & drilling straighter.
The Essentials

[mike4244]

Drill with a center drill first,then any machine drill or brad point.
An import set of center drills is about $6.00 from Grizzly, Enco etc.
One tip, save a hardwood endgrain scrap, use it to straighten small bent drill bits.Run the bent drill up and down several times in the endgrain scrap on high speed.The bit heats up and straightens in the hole. I have done this many times over the years with drills up to 1/8" in diameter.
mike

[Howard Acheson]

>>>> Is there a style of bit that is better for end grain?

Yes, the best to use is a brad point bit. The spur keeps the bit cutting into the end grain without wandering. Standard bits want to follow the grain.