Fitting teak plugs

[lustyd]

Hi all, I've just taken delivery of a lovely new piece of teak which will be used on the boat shortly. Now that I have it though I realise that I have no experience fitting those little teak plugs and also lack the confidence to give it a bash on my shiny new teak. I think I'm happy with the cutting off and sanding part, but the drilling has me worried in case I make the hole too big or too deep etc.

Do I just use a normal drill bit? What's the best way to avoid going too deep? from what I understand I just use varnish to "glue" the plugs in?

Thanks all, I know someone on here will be able to explain the process

 

[PaulMcC]

My usual method to avoid drilling too deeply is to measure the depth I want on the drill bit and wrap a bit of electrical tape around the bit at that point. Then just drill until the tape is flush with the surface of the wood.
Drilling teak isn't difficult and standard drill bits designed for wood are fine. It can be quite 'grabby' when drilling so best to have it well secured down before you start. Also (not a problem for drilling particularly) I found that it splits along the grain more easily than you would expect so definitely work drilling holes to the right size and not going a size too small.

 

[alahol2]

You can get the full set to do it properly, although a normal drill is probably OK. http://www.axminster.co.uk/8-piece-matching-plug-and-bit-sets-8-15mm

 

[lustyd]

You can get the full set to do it properly, although a normal drill is probably OK. http://www.axminster.co.uk/8-piece-matching-plug-and-bit-sets-8-15mm

I find it very hard to resist a little neat box of tools, I think that may be the solution

 

[sailorman]

I find it very hard to resist a little neat box of tools, I think that may be the solution

The only solution apart from those made by Stanley but prone to the counter bore pilot tip breaking off

 

[Daydream believer]

You really ought to used an eared twist bit of the correct size for your plug cutter to prevent splitting of the grain at the start of the hole. Or a dedicated drill bit with the pilot drill as well. By that I do not mean the cheapo Stanley DIY ones
Ordinary twist bits will not do a good job

 

[sailorman]

You really ought to used an eared twist bit of the correct size for your plug cutter to prevent splitting of the grain at the start of the hole. Or a dedicated drill bit with the pilot drill as well. By that I do not mean the cheapo Stanley DIY ones
Ordinary twist bits will not do a good job

Those mentioned in the link are really forstner bits & perfectly ok for the job

 

[PCUK]

You'll need a plug cutter of course!

 

[Hadenough]

And a pillar drill to cut the plugs. You can do it with a hand drill but it's easier with a pillar drill.

 

[pvb]

I use a Forstner bit, which drills a neat, flat-bottomed hole.

 

[northwind]

If you value your fingers, plug cutters really should be used in a drill press.

 

[sailorman]

The stanley plug cutters can be used free hand ( once you get the hang of it)

 

[yoda]

Hi all, I've just taken delivery of a lovely new piece of teak which will be used on the boat shortly. Now that I have it though I realise that I have no experience fitting those little teak plugs and also lack the confidence to give it a bash on my shiny new teak. I think I'm happy with the cutting off and sanding part, but the drilling has me worried in case I make the hole too big or too deep etc.

Do I just use a normal drill bit? What's the best way to avoid going too deep? from what I understand I just use varnish to "glue" the plugs in?

Thanks all, I know someone on here will be able to explain the process

You should glue the plugs in with a good quality glue. A foaming polyurethane wood adhesive, like the Evostick version sold at B&Q is excellent stuff and not expensive. It is also good for any other woodworking applications so well worth a £5 for a tube. It also sets in less than 10 minutes so you can be sure to get on with cleaning off the plug tops quite quickly. Also make sure the plug has the grain going the right way when you fit them!

Yoda

 

[parbuckle]

To steady a plug cutter I first make a hole in a strip of ply to use as a jig then start the cutter whilst inside the hole you can clamp the ply or kneel on the ply this method also works well if using a holecutter without the centre drill say if you want to remove a bolt that has been cast in resin.

 

[andygc]

You'll need a plug cutter of course!

If you look at Post #3, you'll see this link http://www.axminster.co.uk/8-piece-matching-plug-and-bit-sets-8-15mm. That's a set of plug cutters with matching Forstner bits. I have the set - it's very good for the price.

 

[Rikds]

Get the Axminster set. Whilst not "industrial" standard, I've used them for years and I love them!

 

[Rikds]

It's a personal thing but I WOULD NOT use foaming glue of any sort. I have seen the glue expand and foam and push all the plugs out of a laid deck. It can be a mess and a disaster. I know it does work but I have great reservations.

You should glue the plugs in with a good quality glue. A foaming polyurethane wood adhesive, like the Evostick version sold at B&Q is excellent stuff and not expensive. It is also good for any other woodworking applications so well worth a £5 for a tube. It also sets in less than 10 minutes so you can be sure to get on with cleaning off the plug tops quite quickly. Also make sure the plug has the grain going the right way when you fit them!

Yoda

 

[Scotty_Tradewind]

I too am drilling and plugging teak...... with my Axminster kit

where do you guys get the best teak plugs from if you'r not cutting you'r own please?

thanks
S.

 

[Hadenough]

It's a personal thing but I WOULD NOT use foaming glue of any sort. I have seen the glue expand and foam and push all the plugs out of a laid deck. It can be a mess and a disaster. I know it does work but I have great reservations.

+1 and it stains horribly. Varnish, good quality waterproof wood glue or if the plug can be as deep as it's diameter, nothing.

 

[sailorman]

I too am drilling and plugging teak...... with my Axminster kit

where do you guys get the best teak plugs from if you'r not cutting you'r own please?

thanks
S.

one makes one`s own with a Stanley plug cutter from No 6 > No12