Patent Application
20220347766
Conventional drilling assist system include drill depth stops composed of cylinders (collars) having interior diameters only slightly larger than the constant diameter bits to which they are attached. U.S. Pat. No. 5,382,120 calls for a collar to be attached to a bit at a point where the distance between drill bit tip and collar is equal to planned hole depth. Operators advance bits until drill collars contact work surfaces. Marring may occur when rotating collars strike working surfaces, and wood splintering may occur around holes.
In a first collar type, a threaded hole extends radially inward through the collar wall toward the bit center. Collars become rigidly attached to bits when set screws are advanced in threaded holes until they strongly contact the lands of the bits. A different collar is required for each bit diameter, and users must be careful to avoid damaging the drill bit flutes when tightening the set screw against the bit.
In a second collar type, an extension is formed on each free end of a C-shaped collar. One extension has a threaded hole through it and the other extension has a smooth circular hole (no thread). A set screw passes through the smooth hole into the threaded hole in the opposing extension. Collars are placed on bits at proper points, then screws are turned until collars grip bits fixing them in place.
A third collar type consists of two short cylinders joined by a coiled spring as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,138,200A. A first cylinder is fixed to the drill bit using a set screw (first collar type) while a second floating cylinder is attached to the first cylinder via a coiled spring. The spring compresses when the floating cylinder strikes the working surface, but the floating cylinder stops rotating thus preventing marring of the working surface. Drilling continues until the spring is fully compressed. Marring is prevented, but this system is complex and is not robust.
A fourth collar type does not lead to marring of work surfaces. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 8,876,444 discloses a collar that includes springs that allow the bottom part of the sleeve to stop rotating when that piece meets the working surfaces. In another type, two cylinders are connected by two races and a set of ball bearings. One cylinder is attached to the bit (first collar type) while the second rotates with the first cylinder until contact is made with the working surface. Marring is largely prevented, and depth of drilling is limited. However, this system is costly, complex, and requires a new device for each drill bit size.
None of these devices keep drill bits aligned perpendicular to work surfaces or work with drilling tools having shanks that are smaller than their bits. The more expensive collars prevent marring, but the inexpensive collars due mar.
Prior art also includes cylinders that fit tightly over drill bit flutes. U.S. Pat. No. 5,078,552 discloses a cylinder that fits over drill bits that are inserted partway into drill chucks positions that set the correct depth of penetration when a cylinder strikes the work surface. Slippage of shanks within chucks will often occur with heavy drilling unless drill bits are fully inserted into drill chucks. These cylinders do not enable the drilling of holes at precise angles relative to work surfaces and do not align bits perpendicular to working surfaces. Marring of working surfaces and splintering of wood may occur.
Prior art also includes a tool that consists of a square, clear plastic plate and a cylinder mounted at its center. Numerous steel cylinders (bushings) resembling sockets having the same outside diameter but differing inside diameters are included with the tool. A single bushing is inserted into the plastic cylinder creating a drill guide. This tool reduces splintering and does not mar working surfaces but does not include a method of controlling depth of drilling. Only bits having a constant diameter can be used with this tool.
Prior art also includes placement of tape around twist and auger bits, and insertion of wires into drill chucks. The tape tends to deform when it meets the work surface changing the depth of penetration. Wires tend to mar work surfaces. None of these systems support precise drill alignment or drilling tools having shanks that are smaller than their bits.
U.S. Pat. No. 3,100,408A provides what is termed a portable drill press. This patent discloses a depth stop and guide device that includes a ring base, two long rods, and a bracket that engages the two rods and supports a second drill chuck. A depth stop is fixed to one rod at an appropriate point. Advancement of the drill bit stops when the bracket strikes the depth stop. The rods can be aligned perpendicular to the base or at modest angles. The top of the base includes beveled notches that permit the drilling of holes through the center of small cylindrical objects placed within the tool. This device is very functional but expensive, cumbersome, and does support the drilling of holes through the center of large diameter cylinders. This tool can be used with bits having constant diameters or bits that are larger than their shanks. This tool does not mar working surfaces but does not reduce splintering. The drill is fastened to the tool when in use, cannot be used for other tasks until separated from the tool, and is heavy.
US 24390008A provides what is termed a drill stand. This patent discloses a depth stop and guide device that includes a large diameter circular base ring that bears on working surfaces and a small diameter upper ring supported by members extending upward from the ring. Bushings of various sizes are mounted in the upper ring. The shank of a drilling tool passes through a bushing mounted within the upper disc. This device allows users to drill holes that are aligned perpendicular to working surfaces. If the drilling tool shank is fitted with a depth stop collar, holes can be drilled to prescribed depths. This device is attached to the drill because the bit cannot pass through the bushing. This device cannot be used to properly drill inclined holes even when placed on a beveled shim because the large diameter bits will bear unevenly on working surfaces. This device is commonly used with special Forstner bits having long shanks. If the device is modified to serve drilling tools having bits and shanks of the same size, the required length of tool becomes excessive, and a different bushing is required for each drilling tool diameter.
Many existing dowel jigs like the tool disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,782,006A are termed self-centering because they automatically place the bit at the center of an edge of a first work piece when clamped to that work piece. This functionality allows holes to be drilled in the exact center of an edge of a first work piece. However, these devices cannot be used to drill dowel holes in the broad face of a second work piece that is to be joined to the first work piece thus limiting their usefulness.
In general, sleeves and collars reduce the length of bit available for drilling making it necessary to purchase longer bits and they do not align bits perpendicular to working surfaces unless used in combination with other tools. Such tools cannot be used with drilling tools having bits that are larger than their shanks. Many such tools are designed for just one task.
Many existing depth stop tools can limit hole depth but cannot align drilling tools perpendicular to working surfaces or at various prescribed angles relative to working surfaces. Some tools serve to align bits perpendicular to working surfaces but cannot limit hole depth unless used in combination with other tools. Many existing depth stop tools rotate when they contact working surfaces marring them. Most depth stop tools do not reduce splintering of wood. Most depth stop tools only support the use of tools that have bits and shanks of the same diameter. One drilling tool maintains the tool perpendicular to flat working surfaces and limits hole depth, but only supports tools that have bits larger in diameter than their shanks (one shank size). Additionally, it is necessary to remove the drilling tool from the depth stop and alignment tool to change bits. This device also requires long drilling tools.
Embodiments of the present invention include a drill guide that facilitates drilling, tapping, auguring, and similar functions. This invention allows users to drill holes to prescribed depths perpendicular to flat working surfaces with no marring and reduced splintering of wood using hand-held electric drills. This invention allows users to drill holes to precise depths and at variable angles into flat work surfaces and both large and small cylinders using various kinds and sizes of drilling tools including twist, spade, auger, Forstner, and brad-point bits as well as countersinks, unibits, and taps. This invention can be placed on cylinders whereas other inventions require that cylinders be placed within them for drilling. This invention thus allows the drilling of holes at various angles of inclination through the center of both large and small diameter cylinders and cylinders having no free end. This invention allows users to drill dowel holes on edges and faces of workpieces that are spaced apart by various gauged distances and aligned at precise distances from work piece edges.
Drill presses allow users to drill holes to precise depths and alignments in work pieces small enough to fit within them. This invention allows users to drill holes to precise depths and alignments in work pieces that are too large for drill presses and can thus be used in the field and shops.
This invention does not require tools for adjustment and does not need to be fully disassembled for adjustment; thus, individual parts should never be lost. This invention supports the use of multiple drill tool diameters and types without changing components of this invention.
The drill guide with no attachments allows users to align holes perpendicular to flat working surfaces and to drill to precise depths with no marring and reduced splintering of wood. The drill guide supports the use of drilling tools having bits that are the same diameter as their shanks including twist, auger, and brad point bits. Multiple bit diameters can be used in the drill guide.
Holes can be drilled to precise depths perpendicular to work surfaces even if the drill guide must be held in an awkward position. For example, holes can be drilled into one side of a wooden post while standing on the opposite side.
The drill guide includes a centering and alignment system that properly aligns itself with its attachments. The canting base attachment includes an alignment system that conforms to the alignment system formed in the drill guide.
The drill guide, when mounted on a canting base attachment, supports the use of drilling tools having bits that are the same size as their shanks as well as drilling tools having bits that are larger in diameter than their shanks including Forstner and spade bits, countersinks and unibits. Drilling depth is precisely controlled; thus, countersink holes are properly formed, and unibits repeatedly form correctly sized holes in thin metal sheets. The canting base permits users to drill holes through the center of large and small diameter cylinders and cylinders having no free end. Holes can be drilled to precise depths that are inclined at variable angles relative to flat or cylindrical work surfaces using many kinds of bits. Canting angles can be accurately set and marring of work surfaces is prevented.
The canting base includes gauge structures that permit operators to place it on the work piece so that the drill bit passes through the marked hole location even when the marked location is not visible when drilling. This invention supports both common drilling tasks and the drilling of holes where operators are in awkward positions.
The dowel jig attachment to the drill guide enables users to drill multiple dowel holes to prescribed depths in the edges and faces of workpieces that are evenly spaced apart and accurately aligned at one setup location. Self-centering dowel jigs can only be used correctly on uniformly thick edges of workpieces having zero or two veneered or finished faces. If workpieces have only one finished or veneered face, then holes should be located at work pieces' structural centers, not their geometric centers. It is often desirable to locate dowel holes closer to one face than another to increase joint strength. Self-centering dowel jigs cannot be used on the broad faces of workpieces.
Like other dowel jigs, this dowel jig must be properly positioned on an edge or face of a work piece at a first location. This dowel jig attachment is termed self-aligning rather than self-centering because the dowel jig can be automatically and correctly positioned at a second location on an edge or face by simply placing it against the work piece using a previously drilled hole and the work piece edge as guides. This dowel jig does not force users to place dowels at the geometric center of an edge. Good joinery requires that the face-to-dowel hole distance be constant and does not require that dowel holes be placed at the geometric center of work pieces. Consider a shelf supported by dowels. For reason of increased strength, dowel holes will desirably be located below the shelf's geometric center. With this self-aligning dowel jig, dowel holes can be accurately located at any location including geometric and structural centers.
With the dowel jig brace removed, the dowel jig attachment can be placed at any location on faces of work pieces. Dowel holes for shelving can be installed that do not fully penetrate the work piece because holes will be drilled to prescribed depths. The dowel jig attachment will be secured to a standard fastened to the work piece.
It is an object of the present invention to allow users to drill holes to prescribed depths that are aligned normal to work surfaces without marring and with reduced splintering of wood using drilling tools of multiple sizes that have bits and shanks of the same size.
It is a further object of this invention to allow users to drill holes to prescribed depths that are aligned normal to work surfaces using drilling tools having bits that are the same size or larger than their shanks without marring of the working surface.
Some depth stop tools can be used to drill through the center of small cylindrical objects placed in them but cannot be used on large diameter pipes or on installed pipes having no free ends. It is an object of this invention to allow users to drill holes to prescribed depths through the center of large and small cylindrical objects in both shops and fields, and at variable inclinations, even if they have no free ends.
No existing depth stop tools that attach to twist bits can be used with drilling tools having bits larger in diameter than their shanks. Many existing depth stop tools are secured to bits using a set screw that can be easily lost and which requires a tool for operation. Set screws must bear on the lands of bits to work properly and to avoid damaging drill tools. Other depth stop tools are disposable, lack precision, or deform during use changing depth control. Another kind of collar fits several sizes of bits, but has an appreciable length reducing the maximum depth of drilling for a given bit length.
It is an object of this invention to allow users to align drilled holes perpendicular to work surfaces and to control the depth of drilling when using drilling tools having bits that are larger than their shanks and to eliminate the need for supplemental tools and fasteners.
Self-centering dowel jigs cannot be used to drill dowel holes in the faces of flat work pieces. In addition, self-centering is not desired when work pieces have only one finished or veneered face, or when drilling dowel holes for mitered joints. It is therefore an object of this invention to permit users to drill evenly spaced-apart holes to specific depths into edges of work pieces that are located at constant distances from edges.
It is a further object of this invention to allow users to drill evenly spaced-apart dowel holes in the faces of work pieces.
It is an object of this invention to allow users to drill dowel holes for multiple bit diameters and variable spacings including standard spacings.
It is an object of this invention to allow the creation of both blind and through mitered joints.
Three new drill guide and depth-stop tools named Multiguide, Triguide, and Uniguide (hereinafter drill guides) stem from the original drill guide invention described above. These new drill guides, without attachments, allow users to drill holes to precise depths perpendicular to flat working surfaces and alleviate certain deficiencies of the original drill guide invention that became evident to the inventor after filing of the parent application.
Another embodiment is a new canting base attachment to the new drill guides that allows users to drill inclined holes to precise depths into flat working surfaces and through the center of cylinders on which the canting base is placed. Unlike the canting base attachment disclosed in the parent application, the new canting base is configured to be bolted to drill guides. Thus, users can hold a new drill guide and new canting base attachment as a unit with one hand while operating a drill with their other hand. Convenience, stability, and safety are increased compared to the original drill guide and original canting base disclosed in the parent application.
A new dowel jig attachment allows users to accurately align drill holes separated laterally by gauged distances through both edges and faces of workpieces. The new dowel jig does not have sliding pin adapters that connect drill guides to a dowel jig which are needed with the original dowel jig. This change eliminates the potential for inadvertent slippage and misplacement of dowel holes.
The new dowel jig body has a front flange projecting from its front face and a rear flange projecting from its rear face whereas the original dowel jig had a flange on only the front face of the dowel jig. Only the front flange is used when drilling dowel holes in edges of workpieces. Both flanges are used when drilling dowel holes into faces of workpieces. The addition of the flange to the rear face of the dowel jig aligns the dowel jig body parallel to the workbench surface and the workpiece and aligns drill bits perpendicular to workpiece faces.
The integral clamping system shown in the parent application was not useful in all cases and has therefore been removed. External clamps engage the dowel jig brace and the workpiece in the case of edge holes, or the dowel jig body and workpiece in the case of face holes. This change increases convenience and reduces the size and complexity of the dowel jig body. Additionally, it provides a means of securely holding the dowel jig body in correct position regardless of workpiece size and shape.
These inventions generally relate to woodworking and joinery, although the inventions can also be used with other crafts and materials.
The parent application includes a brief discussion of other embodiments that would serve as bushing carriers but does not include any drawings or claims related to those embodiments. Triguide and Uniguide disclosed in this continuation-in-part (CIP) application serve as bushing carriers.
Drill presses allow users to drill holes to precise depths and alignments in small workpieces. These three new drill guides allow users to drill holes to precise depths and alignments in workpieces that are too large for drill presses and can thus be used in fields and shops.
Like the original drill guide disclosed in the parent application, Multiguide, Triguide, and Uniguide (drill guides) allow users to:
Multiguide is most useful when 1) drilling just a few holes to one precise depth that are aligned perpendicular to flat working surfaces, and 2) in spur-of-the-moment situations because it is quick to set up for depth and includes many bushing sizes.
Multiguide allows users to drill holes of just one size to one maximum depth that aligned perpendicular to flat working surfaces. Rotating drill chucks meet Multiguide, not working surfaces, when maximum hole depth is reached avoiding any marring. Multiguide bears on working surfaces around bits reducing wood tear out. Multiguide allows user to drill through holes of various sizes at just one setting that are aligned perpendicular to flat working surfaces. A first small diameter hole might be drilled as a pilot hole and a larger hole might be drilled at the same spot forming the completed hole.
No tools are required for depth adjustment for Multiguide. Furthermore, setup times for Multiguide are short.
Users can drill holes to prescribed depths that are perpendicular to flat working surfaces using Multiguide and drilling tools such as Forstner bits by holding their shanks against notches in the edges of Multiguide. It is necessary to raise the base of Multiguide to provide space for the bit. This can be done by placing a simple block or the canting base attachment beneath Multiguide.
Multiguide supports both functions (maximum hole depth and perpendicular alignment with working surfaces) without requiring that it be connected to an electric drill. Multiguide excels when just a few holes of just one size must be drilled to some maximum depth, and when multiple through holes of different sizes must be drilled.
Triguide is similar in form to Multiguide and identical to Multiguide in function but has three replaceable bushing carriers (bushing inserts with steel bushing) rather than multiple fixed bushings. Triguide thus has a longer service life than Multiguide.
Users can drill through holes having as many as three different sizes with just one set of three bushing inserts. For example, a user might have two drills, each holding a different bit diameter. With corresponding bushing inserts installed, users can drill pilot holes with one drill and bushing, then drill full-sized holes using a second bit and bushing. Holes will be aligned perpendicular to flat working surfaces. Other embodiments having more or fewer bushings in each plate can readily be developed. Additionally, bushing inserts and bushings can be replaced by full-sized bushings having threaded edges.
Uniguide differs greatly in appearance and form from the original drill guide, Multiguide, and Triguide in that it has, in its most simple form, just one somewhat cylindrical body that contains top and bottom bushing inserts that limit depth of drilling and align drill bits perpendicular to flat working surfaces. Long drill bits can be used with Uniguide by attaching one or more segments to its top and installing a top bushing insert in the top-most segment rather than the body. Bushings work best with twist bits. Uniguide can also be used with drilling tools having bits that are larger than their shanks such as Forstner bits. Uniguide provides infinitely fine depth control for many drilling tool types. Uniguide can be used in tighter quarters than the original drill guide, Multiguide, and Triguide because it has a smaller footprint. Uniguide is best used when many holes of the same diameter must be drilled.
The parent application required that Multiguide have 1) a large centering pin recess at its center that could receive a smooth (i.e., non-threaded) centering pin projecting upward from attachments, and 2) a multiplicity of smaller alignment pin recesses that could receive alignment pins projecting upward from attachments.
The centering and alignment system disclosed in the parent application kept Multiguide centered on canting base attachments and on individual sliding block adapters used with dowel jig attachments, but Multiguide could not be secured to canting base attachments. Additionally, the parent application required that a sliding pin adapter be provided for each sliding block used with dowel jig attachments.
This CIP application discloses a new centering and alignment system that 1) allows drill guides to be secured to canting base attachments and 2) eliminates the need for sliding pin adapters. A shallow threaded hole is formed at the center of the bottom of all three new drill guides that can receive the threaded end of either a connecting bolt (used with a canting base) or a centering pin (used with the dowel jig). Connecting bolts secure drill guides to canting base attachments. Centering pins engage matching recesses in dowel jig sliding blocks.
A multiplicity of shallow threaded alignment pin holes are formed at constant radial distances from the center hole in drill guide bottom faces that can receive threaded alignment pins when used with attachments. The new drill guides disclosed in this CIP application have threaded alignment pin holes in their bases, matching recesses in canting base and dowel jig attachments, and threaded alignment pins.
This new centering and alignment system enables drill guides to be secured to the canting base attachment and eliminates the need for sliding pin adapters that might inadvertently slide on sliding blocks.
Canting base attachments to drill guides allow users to drill inclined holes into flat working surfaces. Canting bases align with cylinder centers when placed upon cylinders having zero or more free ends. Holes can then be drilled through cylinder centers that extend to precise depths. The new canting base is secured to drill guides using a connecting bolt. Users thus manipulate both the drill guide and canting base attachment with just one hand while operating a drill with their other hand. This increases stability, convenience, and safety compared to the original canting base attachment. A shaft slidingly connected to the canting base raises the back end of the canting base when secured in a lower position.
The new dowel jig attachment disclosed in this CIP application differs from that disclosed in the parent application in that the new dowel jig has no sliding pin adapters. A centering pin recess and a multiplicity of alignment pin recesses are formed in the top surfaces of the center and each outboard sliding block. A threaded centering pin and a multiplicity of threaded alignment pins are installed in recesses in drill guide bases. These simple changes eliminate sliding pin adapters, the possibility of inadvertent movements, and misplacement of dowel holes.
The integral clamping system disclosed in the parent application did not work in all cases and conditions. The new dowel jig disclosed in this CIP application does not have an integral clamping system but has more convenient and secure surfaces for exterior clamping devices. The dowel jig brace disclosed in the parent application had two gusset plates. The new dowel jig brace disclosed in this CIP application has only one gusset plate and thus has increased space for placement of external clamps. External clamps can be employed to secure dowel jigs to a wide variety of workpieces and configurations.
Self-centering dowel jigs can only be used correctly on uniformly thick edges of workpieces having two veneered or finished faces. If workpieces have only one finished or veneered face, then holes should be located at their structural centers, not their geometric centers. It is often desirable to locate dowel holes closer to one face than another to increase joint strength.
Good joinery requires that face-to-dowel hole distances be constant and does not require that dowel holes be placed at geometric centers of workpieces. Consider shelfs supported by dowels. For reason of increased strength, dowel holes will desirably be located below a shelf's geometric center. The new dowel jig disclosed in this CIP application does not force users to place dowels at the geometric center of an edge. Dowel holes can be accurately located at any location including geometric and structural centers. The new drill guides and new dowel jig attachment disclosed in this application-in-part application enable users to drill multiple dowel holes to prescribed depths in the edges and faces of workpieces that are evenly spaced apart and accurately aligned at one setup location.
Self-centering dowel jigs cannot be used on broad faces of workpieces. The dowel jigs disclosed in both the parent application and this CIP application can be used to drill dowel holes into edges and broad faces of workpieces of various thicknesses and sizes.
Dowel jigs must be properly positioned on an edge or face of a workpiece at a first location. This new dowel jig attachment can be automatically and correctly positioned at a second location on an edge or face by simply placing it against the workpiece using the last drilled hole and the workpiece edge as guides. The new dowel jig is thus described as being self-aligning rather than self-centering.
The new dowel jig brace disclosed in this CIP application has only one gusset plate and provides three suitable locations for external clamps. The new dowel jig brace can readily be used to drill holes into the narrow ends of long workpieces and is much more convenient and secure than the original dowel jig brace because it provides more suitable places to mount external clamps.
With the dowel jig brace removed, the dowel jig disclosed in the parent application could be placed at any location on faces of workpieces. However, it became evident that the integral clamp could not be used to secure the dowel jig in place on the workpiece. The dowel jig disclosed in this CIP application can readily be clamped in place on the faces of workpieces using external clamps.
The dowel jig disclosed in the parent application lacked a convenient method of aligning the dowel jig with the workpiece so that the drill bits would be aligned perpendicular to the workpiece face. The new dowel jig disclosed in this CIP application includes a flange added to the rear face of the dowel jig body that comes into play when dowel holes are to be drilled into the faces of workpieces. A scrap of material having the same thickness as a workpiece is placed beneath the rear flange and the front flange (alignment edge) is place on and against the end of the workpiece that is to receive dowel holes. The dowel jig is then aligned parallel to the workbench and drill bits will be aligned perpendicular to workpiece faces.
The object of the Multiguide, Triguide, Uniguide, new canting base, and new dowel jig inventions disclosed in this CIP application is to improve upon the convenience, stability, and safety provided by the inventions disclosed in the parent application. These improvements come about largely by reversing the positions of pins and matching recesses among the new drill guides and attachments. Though seemingly a trivial change, it leads to great improvements in convenience, stability, and safety when the new drill guides are used in conjunction with the new canting base and dowel jig attachments. In particular, the new canting base can be securely attached to the drill guides and sliding block adapters are not needed with the new dowel jig. The new dowel jig does not have integral clamps but does have a flange on its rear face that facilitates alignment of the dowel jig with workpieces.
Many existing depth-stop tools can limit hole depth but cannot align drilling tools perpendicular to working surfaces or at various prescribed angles relative to working surfaces. Some tools align bits perpendicular to working surfaces but cannot limit hole depth unless used in combination with other tools. Many existing depth-stop tools rotate when they contact working surfaces, which mars the working surfaces. Most depth-stop tools do not reduce wood tear out. Most depth-stop tools only support the use of drilling tools that have bits and shanks of the same diameter. One drilling tool maintains drilling tools perpendicular to flat working surfaces and limits hole depth, but only supports tools that have bits larger in diameter than their shanks (one shank size). Additionally, it is necessary to remove the drilling tool from the depth-stop and alignment tool to change bits. This device also requires long drilling tools.
It is therefore an object of the present invention to allow users to drill holes to prescribed depths that are aligned normal to work surfaces without marring and with reduced wood tear out using drilling tools having bits that are the same size or larger than their shanks.
Some depth-stop tools can be used to drill through the center of small cylindrical objects placed in them but cannot be used on large diameter pipes or on installed pipes having no free ends. It is an object of this invention to allow users to drill holes to prescribed depths through the center of large and small cylindrical objects in both shops and fields, and at variable inclinations, even if the cylindrical objects have no free ends. A further object of these inventions is to provide a tool assembly that can be controlled with just one hand.
No existing depth-stop tools that attach to twist bits can be used with drilling tools having bits larger in diameter than their shanks. Many existing depth-stop tools are formed as a collar that is secured to bits using a set screw that can be easily lost and which requires a tool for operation. Set screws must bear on the lands of bits to work properly and to avoid damaging drill tools. Another kind of collar fits several sizes of bits, but has an appreciable length reducing the maximum depth of drilling for a given bit length and increasing the required length of drilling tools. Other depth-stop tools are disposable, lack precision, or deform during use changing depth control.
It is an object of this invention to allow users to align drilled holes perpendicular to work surfaces and to control the depth of drilling when using drilling tools having bits that are larger than their shanks and to eliminate the need for supplemental tools and fasteners.
Self-centering dowel jigs cannot be used to drill dowel holes in the faces of flat workpieces. In addition, self-centering is not desired when workpieces have only one finished or veneered face, or when drilling dowel holes for miter joints. It is therefore an object of this invention to permit users to drill evenly spaced-apart holes to specific depths into edges of workpieces that are located at constant distances from workpiece edges.
It is a further object of this invention to allow users to drill evenly spaced-apart dowel holes in the faces of workpieces.
It is an object of this invention to allow users to drill dowel holes for multiple bit diameters and variable spacings including standard spacings.
It is an object of this invention to allow the creation of both blind and through miter joints.
It is an object of this invention to allow users to secure Multiguide, Triguide, or Uniguide to the canting base attachment so that they become a unit that users can control with one hand while operating a drill with their other hand.
It is a further object of this invention to eliminate the need for users to swap out pin adapters for blank adapters while drilling dowel holes.
It is a further object of this invention to provide a dowel jig brace that allows users to more conveniently and safely clamp the dowel jig to narrow workpieces.
It is a further object of this invention to provide a means of aligning dowel jigs with workpieces so that drill bits will be aligned perpendicular to workpiece faces.
Cheese Embodiments of the present invention are described in detail below with reference to the attached drawing figures, wherein:
Multiple alignment grooves provide stability, proper alignment of top and bottom plates is maintained by making one alignment groove wider or narrower than all others.
A center alignment pin 21 is located at the center of the top surface of the canting base block along with three alignment pins 22 that are offset from the centering pin by the Alignment Radius. A canting shaft 24 slides up and down within a canting shaft hole 23 in the canting base attachment.
If the canting shaft is moved downward so that the canting shaft edge is lower than the canting base, then the canting base will be rotated about the pivot edge 20 when placed on a flat working surface. Drill bit alignment will then be canted relative to flat or cylindrical work surfaces.
Angle graduations 25 can be formed on one or more surfaces of the canting shaft allowing users to set the proper canting angle without measuring when working with flat working surfaces.
Standard dowel jig spacing is produced when adapter center notches 47 and outboard sliding blocks 57 align with jig spacing index notches 35 formed in the rear wall of the dowel jig body.
In this preferred embodiment, the drill guide is comprised of a bottom plate, top plate, and double nut as shown in
As shown in
The top plate slides freely along the shaft when not engaged by the double nut. Users measure the length of bit extending beyond the jaws of the drill chuck, then subtract the desired hole depth to obtain what is termed the separation distance, delta. Users then position the top plate on the shaft so that the distance between the top of the top plate and the bottom of the bottom plate is equal to delta. Depth graduations are marked on the shaft, so it is not necessary to physically measure the distance between plate surfaces. Users simply position the top plate on the shaft so that the top of the collar is aligned with the proper depth graduation. Users fully thread the double nut onto the threaded collar fixing the top plate in the position for drilling to a particular depth. Partial engagement between threads in the double nut and threads on the collar fix the top plate in position. Fully advancing a double nut until its base strikes the top plate stabilizes the top plate on the shaft.
Users can visually mark planned hole locations on work surfaces using, for example, a pencil or punch. They may also drill into the working surface at the marked location just sufficiently to physically mark the location. If drilling depth is large, a great length of bit will extend below the bottom plate when the bit is fully inserted into the proper holes in the top and bottom plates. Users can simply insert the bit into the marked location while holding the drill guide above the working surface so that they can observe that the bit is properly located. After the bit has been properly seated into the marked location, users can lower the drill guide to the working surface and drill the hole.
When drilling very shallow holes, it may be necessary to view marked hole locations through the holes in the top and bottom plates with no bit being placed within the drill guide. This technique is most useful when drilling large diameter holes. Alternatively, users can insert a rod of the same diameter as the bit held within the chuck jaws into the selected holes in the drill guide, place the point of the rod on the marked hole location, then lower the drill guide down to the working surface. Users then withdraw the rod, insert the drill bit into the drill guide, and operate the drill with one hand while holding the drill guide with their other hand until the jaws meet the top plate. Holes aligned perpendicular to working surfaces are thus drilled to proper depths.
There is no marring of working surfaces because rotating jaws of drill chucks do not contact working surfaces. Splintering of wood is reduced because bottom plates bear down on working surfaces while holes are being drilled.
Depth adjustments can be made without fully disassembling the drill guide and without using tools, so there is little risk that drill guide components or tools will get lost. Many depth stop tools involve sleeves or similar devices that cover great lengths of drilling tools and increase the length of drilling tool required to reach great depths of drilling. This invention does not employ sleeves or collars that attach to drilling tools. The entire length of bit exposed beyond the drill chuck, except for the combined thickness of the top and bottom plates of the drill guide, can be used in drilling holes. The top and bottom plates of the drill guide can be thin; thus, this invention allows users to drill holes to the nearly the full length of their drilling tools. This invention reduces the need for users to purchase long drilling tools.
Drill Guide with Canting Base Attachment
The shanks of drilling tools having bits that are larger than their shanks can be placed against corresponding notches in the two plates of the drill guide. However, the drill guide must be raised above the working surface to provide the space necessary for the bit. This can be done by placing a simple wood block near the planned hole location, then placing the drill guide on the wood block. However, this provides less versatility and stability compared to that provided by the canting base attachment because the canting base has a drill bit recess in its front end and a grooved base that allows for drilling holes through cylinders.
Users first place the drill bit point on the working surface at the proper location. The canting base assembly (drill guide and canting base attachment) is then moved into position so that the proper semi-circular notches engage the shank. Holes can be drilled to prescribed depths that are aligned perpendicular to the working surface using the canting base assembly.
Inclined holes can be drilled into flat working surfaces using the canting base assembly and appropriate drilling tools. Users lower the canting shaft below the bottom surface of the canting base attachment so that the canting base is properly inclined when placed on the working surface, then secure the canting shaft by turning the knob at the rear of the canting base closing the gap and fixing the shaft in place. The angle graduation on the canting shaft aligned with the top of the canting base attachment indicates the actual angle of inclination.
Users mark the planned hole location on the working surface, then strike a line that is aligned with the plane passing through the drill bit when properly inclined and oriented. Users place the canting base assembly on the working surface with the bit point at the planned hole location and center alignment notch in the canting shaft edge positioned on the line. Users then operate the drill creating a hole of the correct depth, inclination, and alignment.
Holes can be drilled through the center of large and small cylinders using the canting base assembly in fields and shops. Cylinders do not need to have free ends that allow users to insert them into existing devices. Holes can be aligned perpendicular to, or inclined from, the cylinder's axis. The canting base automatically aligns itself with the longitudinal axis of cylinders when placed upon them because the canting base has a grooved bottom surface that runs from front to rear. No tools are required for this operation.
In most cases, users can verify that the canting base assembly is at the proper point on the cylinder by visually observing that the drill bit point is at the marked hole location. Angles of inclination must be measured, not read from the angle graduations, when drilling into cylinders. If field conditions do not permit direct viewing of the marked point and drill bit point while drilling the hole, users can position the canting base assembly on the cylinder so that a rod inserted through the selected holes in the drill guide strikes the marked hole location, then mark a new target point on the cylinder beneath the center alignment notch in the canting shaft edge. Users then hold the drill in one hand and the canting base assembly in the other hand while holding the center notch over the target point.
Drill Guide with Dowel Jig Attachment
This invention comprising a drill guide with dowel jig attachment allows users to drill multiple equally spaced-apart and accurately aligned dowel holes to precise depths into the edges and faces of planar work pieces. Dowel holes will be automatically aligned at some constant distance from an edge, evenly spaced apart by gauged distances, and aligned perpendicular to work surfaces.
In this preferred embodiment, the dowel jig and alignment system combine to allow users to drill up to five evenly spaced and properly aligned dowel holes at one jig setup location in the edges or faces of planar work pieces. The jig's center and outboard blocks move in unison along parallel grooved tracks. Outboard sliding blocks can be shifted left and right relative to the center sliding block providing numerous gauged spacing distances between dowel holes. This invention supports the use of standard dowel spacing intervals by providing jig spacing index notches on the back wall of the dowel jig body, center notches on the adapters, and compatible groove widths in the surfaces of the dowel jig body. For example, there is a European standard spacing of 32 mm, and a US standard spacing of 1¼ inches. This invention can support either of these standard spacings, but not simultaneously. This invention can support numerous non-standard spacings.
The front faces of the sliding blocks are in the same plane as the drill bit and allow users to accurately position dowel holes at marked locations. This invention provides infinite control over position relative to the thickness of an edge, and numerous gauged spacing distances.
The dowel jig attachment has one pin adapter and multiple blank adapters that can be easily attached to and separated from sliding blocks. An adapter flange slot formed in the bottom surface of each adapter engages the adapter fixture projecting from the top surface of each sliding block. Users attach adapters to sliding blocks by sliding them on and off. The adapters are held firmly in place in five of six possible directional movements (up, down, left, right, and rearward) when attached. Users can freely slide the adapters forward to disengage them from the sliding blocks.
Pin adapters have a center index pin and two alignment pins that project upward from their top surfaces whereas blank adapters have no projecting alignment pins. Alignment recesses in the bottom surface of the bottom plate of the drill guide engage the projecting pins on the pin adapter effectively attaching the drill guide to the dowel jig. Pin adapters and blank adapters can be attached to any of the sliding blocks.
Users mark a first dowel hole point on and edge of a work piece, then mark orthogonal lines through the point aligned parallel to (horizontal line) and perpendicular to (vertical line) the edge forming a large plus sign. The dowel jig attachment with its brace but with no adapters is attached to the work piece with the center line groove in the selected sliding block lined up with the vertical line of the plus sign. The clamp rod is then rotated until the jig is firmly secured to the work piece. The dowel jig is then correctly positioned relative to the vertical line. The control rod is then rotated until the front face of the sliding block lines up with the horizontal line of the plus sign. The dowel jig is then properly positioned to drill dowel holes.
The left-most or right-most sliding outboard block will typically be selected as the starting point. Thus, the pin adapter will typically be first attached to one of those outboard sliding blocks. Blank adapters will be attached to the other sliding blocks. The pin adapter, adjacent blank adapters, and side walls of the dowel jig support the drill guide vertically and horizontally during drilling operations. However, users must apply a small rearward force on the drill guide while drilling to maintain proper engagement between the pin adapter and the selected sliding block. Users position the drill guide on the pin adapter with the appropriately sized hole centered over the planned dowel hole location, then drill the hole. Users swap the pin adapter and the adjacent bank adapter in position, then drill the next dowel hole. If more than five dowel holes are to be drilled, users can drill five holes at a first position, then move the attachment to a new position that aligns the first new dowel hole with the last hole drilled. The dowel jig attachment can then be reattached to the work piece allowing more holes to be drilled at the same spacing.
When drilling holes in the faces of work pieces, a straight edge tool (standard) is fastened to the face of the work piece with its long axis aligned parallel to, but offset from, the planned line of dowel holes. The dowel jig attachment is then clamped to the standard in the proper position. The control rod is then rotated until the center groove in the selected sliding block and front face of the sliding block are properly aligned with the plus sign over the marked dowel hole location.
Clamping of a dowel jig attachment to a work piece or the standard allows users to more accurately locate and drill holes to prescribed depths and orientations, and to do that work safely as both hands can be used to hold and stabilize the drill and drill guide. This invention allows the drilling of equally spaced dowel holes of multiple sizes to prescribed depths that are perpendicular to work pieces.
Other embodiments can be produced that may prove to be beneficial in terms of production cost, durability, and/or functionality. For example, the threaded shaft on the drill guide can be replaced by a smooth cylindrical shaft if a sufficiently strong clamping device is used to secure the top plate to the shaft. This approach would perhaps be better if the two plates were composed of metal rather than plastic. Such an embodiment would provide infinite control of depth whereas the preferred embodiment allows users to position the top plate with an accuracy about equal to the pitch of the threads on the shaft. The preferred embodiment rigidly holds the top plate in position on the shaft with no risk of slippage.
The top and bottom plates of the drill guide shown in the preferred embodiment can be composed of thermal set plastics and can function as bushings. The top and bottom plates can be configured to act as metal bushing carriers in another embodiment. In this embodiment, the top and bottom plate will support thin metal bushings of variable sizes. In yet another embodiment, the entire drill guide can be composed of metal.
In yet another embodiment, top and bottom circular plates in the preferred embodiment can be replaced by triangular plates that serve as bushing carriers. A large hole can be formed near each of its three apexes that holds a metal bushing. A V-shaped notch at each apex can replace the semi-circular notches in the preferred embodiment. The number of alignment recesses would be reduced to just three. Three different bushing sizes can be available for use at any point in time. Such an embodiment would have the same functionality as the preferred embodiment, would have a much longer service life, but would be more costly to produce.
Thin metal sheets having punched holes can be placed on the top or bottom surfaces of the top and bottom plates to serve as bushings. These will extend the service life of drill guides at a relatively low cost.
The sliding blocks and adapters of the preferred embodiment can be incorporated into one, fully rectangular body having a hole near its outer end that supports replaceable metal bushings of various internal diameters. There is no need for a pin adapter with this alternative embodiment. However, a conventional collar-type depth stop must be attached to the bits if drilling depth is to be controlled. Dowel holes can be drilled without using the drill guide with this embodiment. This embodiment becomes an independent invention not linked to the drill guide.
This invention, save metal rods, inserts, nuts, and other small components, can be composed of thermal set plastics produced using injection molding techniques. Some limited post-injection processing may be required for the attachments. For example, it might be desirable to install hollow, cylindrical metal inserts having external and internal threads in holes formed in plastic components that will engage threaded metal rods.
Alignment grooves in the shaft of the drill guide in the preferred embodiment are formed using straight lines. Alignment grooves can have other shapes, including semi-circular, to enable more efficient or practical fabrication.
Thin metal discs having the same fully circular holes and semi-circular notches as those produced in plastic top and bottom plates, but slightly undersized, can be incorporated into the production of parts produced using injection molding. These metal plates would likely be placed into the injection mold before injection takes place. Alignment recesses can be punched or drilled into the bottom plate. Alternatively, metal plates might be affixed to the top and bottom plates after injection using a thermal process. Metal bushings can be incorporated into the top and bottom plates to extend the life of the drill guide. This invention can also be produced using mostly metal components. The shaft might be formed on lathe or NRC machine In this way, a more durable tool can perhaps be produced.
Plastics used in injection molding processes should have high strength, hardness, and a high melting temperature. Thermal set plastics do not change shape when heated to moderate temperatures that might be produced by hot bits. The drill guide can be formed using ceramic materials for little cost that have high durability and are non-conductive.
Disclosed below are drilling assist systems including three new drill guide and depth-stop tools named Multiguide 11A, Triguide 37A, and Uniguide 47A (hereinafter drill guides) stemming from the original drill guide invention described above. These new drill guides, without attachments, allow users to drill holes to precise depths perpendicular to flat working surfaces and alleviate certain deficiencies of the original drill guide invention that became evident to the inventor after filing of the parent application.
A collar 30A integrally formed with the top plate has external threads 32A that engage the double nut 34A shown above the shaft. The double nut has an upper set of internal threads that engage the shaft threads 14A and a lower set of internal threads that engage the collar connecting threads 32A.
A centering pin 24A shown directly below the center of the bottom plate can be installed in a threaded hole in the bottom surface of the bottom plate. A pair of alignment pins 26A are shown spaced apart from the center pin by a constant radial distance and spaced apart from each other by an angular distance. Threaded ends of alignment pins can be installed in threaded alignment pin holes 20A in bottom plates that surround the shaft 12A.
Two alignment pins are configured to be removably secured in Multiguide if it is used with an attachment. A centering pin 24A is installed in a threaded hole in the center of the bottom face of the Multiguide if it is to be used with the dowel jig. The centering pin is replaced with a connecting bolt (not shown in this view) if Multiguide is attached to a canting base.
The upper portion of a double nut 34A has internal threads 33A that engage shaft threads, and the lower portion has larger internal threads 35A that engage collar threads. The double nut secures the top plate 46A to the shaft 12A when the double nut is threaded onto the collar of the top plate (not visible in this view).
Three clockwise (CW) threaded lower bushing insert holes 38A are formed in the bottom surface of the bottom plate. Each such threaded hole receives a threaded lower bushing insert 40A. Likewise, three CW threaded upper bushing insert holes 42A are formed in the top surface of the top plate 46A that receive a threaded upper bushing insert 44A. Triguide utilizes CW threads because it has rims to prevent bushing rotation and because it is more convenient to have CW threads on Triguide bushing inserts (versus CCW threads). Triangular edge notches 45A are formed at each apex of both the top and bottom Triguide plates that serve as partial bushings for drilling tools having bits that are larger than their shanks.
A threaded centering pin hole 19A is formed at the center of the bottom surface of the bottom plate. Three pairs of threaded alignment pin holes 20A are formed in the bottom surface of Triguide's bottom plate at a constant radial distance from the shaft. Each pair of alignment pin holes in this embodiment is paired with the threaded lower bushing insert hole 38A located on the opposite side of the shaft. Each bushing insert (40A and 44A) has a bushing 39A and a size label 66A. Two alignment pins 26A and a center pin 24A can be seen in alignment with corresponding holes.
Each segment 50A has a threaded upper bushing insert hole 42A, an edge notch 54A, a stop block 56A, and a stop block projection 58A.
A threaded upper bushing insert 44A can be installed in either the top-most segment or, if no segments are installed, the Uniguide body. A threaded lower bushing insert 40A is installed in the threaded hole in the bottom of the Uniguide body when drilling tools have bits and shanks of the same diameter. Two bushing rotation tool holes 43A are formed in each bushing insert, and a bushing size label 66A is formed on one face of each bushing insert.
A stop block 56A and stop block projection 58A force proper alignment of edge notches 54A. Two threaded alignment pin holes 20A are visible in the Uniguide body. A cuttings port 141A is formed in one side of the Uniguide body just above the top of the bottom bushing insert.
A beveled face 60A allows the Uniguide body and canting base attachment to rotate without undue restriction. The centering pin 24A and two alignment pins 26A are installed in the corresponding threaded holes in the bottom face of the Uniguide body. When properly assembled, notches 54A in the Uniguide body and segments align. Multiple segments can be added via the external connector threads 52A. The top bushing insert threaded hole is visible through the cuttings port 141A.
A canting base shaft center point 78A formed in the bottom end of the canting shaft can be used when drilling into flat surfaces to aid in aligning the canting base. The canting shaft will be installed in the canting base slot with angle graduations facing to the left or right rather than the rear when drilling into cylinders. The canting base cylinder shaft notch 79A aids in aligning the canting base on cylinders.
A canting base bolt hole 88A fully penetrates the canting base attachment at its center. A canting base bolt 89A is shown directly below the bolt hole. Two alignment pin recesses 27A are formed in the top surface of the canting base. A drill bit recess 86A is formed in the front face of the canting base attachment.
All sliding blocks are held in fore-and-aft position by a threaded position rod 100A and a sliding block locking rod 98A that passes laterally through each sliding block.
The threaded position rod 100A is operated by turning a sliding block position control knob 104A acting against the back wall of the dowel jig body and a locking collar with set screw 102A. A pair of threaded dowel jig clamp rods, dowel jig clamps, and dowel jig clamp knobs, or other clamping devices may be used to secure the dowel jig body to workpieces.
A centering pin recess 17A and two alignment pin recesses 27A are formed in the top surface of each sliding block. A sliding block center mark 128A is formed in the center of the back edge of each outboard sliding block. Standard spacing alignment notches 116A are formed in the back wall of the dowel jig body that align with the sliding block center marks when using standard spacings.
Dowel jig engagement fittings 123A on the top surface of the dowel jig brace 120A slide into dowel jig brace engagement slots 122A formed in the bottom of the dowel jig body. A center sliding block flange groove 130A is formed on both sides of the dowel jig center groove 96A. Center sliding block flanges 132A formed on the long bottom edges of the center sliding block engage the sliding block flange grooves and prevent upward and downward movement of center sliding blocks.
In the stickup method, users install the bit in the drill chuck, fully insert the bit into the appropriate drill bit bushing, then position the drill guide assembly (drill guide only or drill guide and attachment) on the working surface with the drill bit point resting on that surface. Users measure the stickup length, the length of bit exposed between the top bushing and the drill chuck. Users adjust the position of the top bushing until the stickup length is equal to the hole depth. The stickup method is best employed with Multiguide and Triguide and when using an attachment.
In the stickout method, users fully insert the drill bit into the selected bushing and measure the length of bit sticking out the bottom of the drill guide. Users adjust the position of the top bushing until the stickout length is equal to the desired hole depth.
The Multiguide invention disclosed in this additional embodiment is operated in exactly in the same way as the drill guide disclosed in the previous embodiments when no pins are installed in the bottom face of the bottom plate. When drilling non-inclined holes into flat workpieces using drilling tools having shanks and bits of the same diameter (twist bits), no pins are installed in the base. Users install the top plate at some convenient location on the shaft and secure it in place with the double nut. Users install a drill bit of the proper size in a drill chuck, select the bushing of the proper size, then adjust the position of the top bushing using either the stickup or stickout methods of depth adjustment until the stickout length is equal to the planned hole depth. Once Multiguide is set up, users fully insert the drill bit into the selected bushing pair, rest the bit point on the working surface at a marked location, lower Multiguide to the surface, then operate the drill until the drill chuck meets the top plate while holding Multiguide firmly.
Multiguide can be set up for just one proper hole depth at a time. However, shallower pilot holes can be drilled using a second drill and a smaller and shorter bit.
Alignment pins must be installed in the base when using an attachment. A connecting bolt must be installed when using the canting base attachment. A centering pin must be installed when using the dowel jig attachment.
When using drilling tools having bits that are larger than their shanks, Multiguide must be placed on a block or the canting base attachment to provide space for the bit. Additionally, users must hold shanks against a pair of edge notches to force proper alignment. Users operate the drill until the drill chuck meets the top plate.
Matching bushing inserts of the right size must be installed in the appropriate threaded holes in Triguide's plate before use. Once these inserts are installed, Triguide is operated exactly like the Multiguide.
Uniguide can service only one bushing size at a time. One or more segments can be added to the Uniguide body if the planned hole depth cannot be accommodated using just the Uniguide body. Users install a bottom bushing insert in the bottom of the Uniguide body. When properly installed, the bottom surface of the bottom bushing insert will be flush with the bottom surface of the Uniguide body, and the size label will be visible. Users can rotate bushing inserts using the bushing rotation tool holes using, for example, a needle-nose pliers.
Users install a top bushing insert in the top of the Uniguide body or, if one or more segments is attached to the body, the top-most segment. Users can adjust hole depth using the stickup or stickout method as they choose. After Uniguide is set for the proper depth, the locking ring is installed in the top of Uniguide and rotated until it bears on the top bushing insert fixing the bushing insert in place. CCW threads are used throughout Uniguide so that friction between bits and bushing inserts will tend to rotate inserts into contact with the bottom rim or the locking ring.
Users must adjust the height of the notch to set proper hole depth. When using drilling tools having bits that are larger than their shanks, users must first replace bushing inserts with the jack that can raise the top of edge notch to the proper level for depth control. Users hold shanks against the edge notch to force alignment.
Alignment pins and either a centering pin or connecting bolt must be installed in the Uniguide base when using it with an attachment. A connecting bolt is used to connect Uniguide to the canting base attachment, and a centering pin is used to align Uniguide with sliding blocks on the dowel jig attachment.
Two alignment pins must be installed in the bottom surface of Multiguide, Triguide, and Uniguide when using them with the new canting base attachment. In the case of Multiguide and Triguide, an alignment pin must be installed in each of two threaded alignment pin holes on the opposite side of the centering pin hole from the selected bushing. The Uniguide has only two threaded alignment pin holes that can receive alignment pins, so users simply install an alignment pin in each threaded alignment pin hole. Each drill guide is placed on the canting base attachment so that both alignment pins protruding from its base fall within matching recesses in the top surface of the new canting base. Users then connect the canting base to the drill guide using a bolt that passes upward through the canting base into the threaded hole in the base of each drill guide. The assembled drill guide and canting base attachment form a unit that users can hold and guide with just one hand. Additionally, the selected bushing pair will automatically align with the new canting base.
Users can remove the canting shaft from the canting base assembly when drilling non-inclined holes into flat working surfaces. Bushings are used to align drilling tools having bits and shanks of the same diameter.
Edge notches are used to align drilling tools, such as Forstner bits, having bits that are larger than their shanks. The drill bit recess in the front face of the canting base provides space for large diameter bits. When using such tools, users hold the shank against the selected notch and lower the bit to the working surface.
The Uniguide body and segments, by themselves, cannot be adjusted to provide infinite control of depth when using the edge notch. However, infinite depth control can be provided by replacing the two bushing inserts with a threaded shaft that acts as a screw jack. Users can raise Uniguide until the proper depth is reached. Uniguide can thus be used to drill holes to precise depths that are aligned perpendicular to flat working surfaces using, for example, Forstner bits.
When drilling inclined holes into flat working surfaces, users install the canting shaft in the canting base shaft slot with canting angle graduations facing rearward. Canting angles can be set by positioning the shaft so that the selected angle graduation aligns with the top surface of the canting base. Once properly positioned, the canting shaft can be secured using the integral clamp. Users can adjust the canting angle more precisely using, for example, a bevel square. This is especially useful when the selected angle does not coincide with an angle graduation line.
Proper bit alignment for canted holes can be set by striking a line on the working surface that (1) is perpendicular to the plane through which the hole should pass and (2) passes through the marked hole location. Users place the canting base assembly on the working surface so that the drill bit point falls on the marked hole location and the pivot edge of the canting base aligns with the struck line.
When drilling non-inclined holes in cylinders, users can remove canting shafts from the canting base. Users place the canting base assembly (canting base and drill guide) on cylinders so that the groove in its base conforms to the cylinder, then adjust the drill guide for hole depth using the stickup method. Users place the assembly on the cylinder so that the drill bit point meets the marked hole location and advance the drill bit until the drill chuck meets the top bushing.
When drilling inclined holes in cylinders, angle graduations on the canting shaft cannot be used. The canting shaft must be installed in the canting base attachment with the angle graduations facing left or right rather than rearward. The canting base assembly (canting base and drill guide) should be placed on the cylinder so that the deep groove in the canting base conforms to the cylinder. Users must adjust the canting shaft until the top surface of the canting base is canted at the proper angle as measured externally. For example, a user can set a bevel square to the proper angle, then adjust the position of the canting shaft until the top surface of the canting base meets the blade of the bevel square when the bevel square is held against both the cylinder and canting base.
Users can drill multiple equally spaced-apart and accurately aligned dowel holes to precise depths into the edges and faces of planar workpieces using a new drill guide and new dowel jig attachment disclosed in this CIP application. Dowel holes will be aligned at constant distances from edges, evenly spaced apart by gauged distances, aligned perpendicular to work surfaces, and extended to precise depths.
In these additional embodiments, the dowel jig and alignment system combine to allow users to drill up to five evenly spaced and properly aligned dowel holes at one jig setup location in edges or faces of planar work surfaces. The jig's center and outboard sliding blocks move in unison. The center block slides within a wide, flat-bottomed central groove in the dowel jig. Central sliding block flange grooves are formed in the dowel jig at the bottom of the center sliding block groove. Flanges on the center sliding block engage these flange grooves and prevent vertical movement. Vertical movement of all outboard sliding blocks is also prevented because the locking rod passes through all sliding blocks including the center sliding block.
Outboard sliding blocks have grooved bottom surfaces and slide on grooved top surfaces of dowel jig bodies. Outboard sliding blocks can be shifted left or right incrementally relative to center sliding blocks providing numerous gauged spacing distances between dowel holes. This new dowel jig invention supports standard dowel spacing intervals. It has spacing alignment notches on the back wall of the dowel jig body, center notches on the outboard sliding blocks, and compatible groove widths in the top surfaces of the dowel jig body. For example, one European standard spacing is 32 mm, and one Imperial standard spacing is 1¼ inch. This new dowel jig invention can support either of these standard spacings, but not simultaneously, and numerous non-standard spacings.
Front faces of center and outboard sliding blocks are in the same plane as the drill bit and allow users to accurately position dowel holes at marked locations. This invention provides infinite control over position relative to the thickness of an edge, and numerous gauged lateral spacing distances.
Users drilling dowel holes into an edge of a workpiece can complete these steps:
The procedure listed above will have many variations and additional steps in practice but demonstrates one feasible and practical procedure for drilling dowel holes in an edge of a workpiece.
This new dowel jig has no need of sliding adapters; thus, users do not need to maintain a rearward acting force on Multiguide, Triguide, or Uniguide while drilling dowel holes. This change reduces the risk that a dowel hole will be drilled in the wrong location and increases safety since the system is more stable. Additionally, the new dowel jig is thinner and has a lower parts count compared to the original dowel jig. Thus, the new dowel jig represents a betterment over the original dowel jig disclosed in the previous embodiments.
Multiguide can be composed of hardened steel that can form effective drill bit bushings. Triguide and Uniguide can be composed of metal but will probably be composed largely of plastic. Hard steel bushings can be carried in plastic inserts, or the entire insert can be composed of steel. Threaded rods and nuts will be composed of steel. Other miscellaneous parts will be composed of plastic and produced using injection molding techniques. Some limited post-injection processing may be required for attachments. Both attachments can employ cylindrical metal inserts having external and internal threads that engage threaded metal rods. These inserts are installed in threaded holes in attachments. Both the canting base and dowel jig attachments can be produced using injection molding techniques.
It is possible to eliminate one alignment pin from the new embodiments. In that case, the single alignment pin would be placed in alignment with the corresponding bushing. Two alignment pins were used in the drill guide disclosed in the previous embodiments to reduce Multiguide plate diameter. Additionally, if a user loses one alignment pin, the second alignment pin will suffice. If only one alignment pin hole is provided, and the user loses the single alignment pin, then the tools cannot be aligned with attachments. Thus, providing two alignment pins provides some redundancy.
This application is a continuation-in-part (CIP), and claims priority benefit of all common subject matter, of U.S. Nonprovisional patent application Ser. No. 16/778,616 filed on 31 Jan. 2020. Application Ser. No. 16/778,616 claims priority benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62/814,170 filed 5 Mar. 2019. Application Ser. No. 16/778,616 and Application Ser. No. 62/814,170 are incorporated by reference herein in their entireties.
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 62814170 | Mar 2019 | US |
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Parent | 16778616 | Jan 2020 | US |
| Child | 17856218 | US |
