Finishing up a 1300 sq ft deck build with PH decking and IPE posts and top rails. Went through a half dozen drill bits on the PH, so I'm now nervous on drilling my IPE posts for cable railing. I have a couple of choices. I can go with a through cable system which runs the 1/8 SS cable through the post so I have to drill a straight 3/16 to 1/4 hole through 3.5" (4x4 post). Or I can go with a surface mount system that uses #10 2.5" stainless screws. The through hole looks better IMO, but I'm having nightmares snapping off bits and screws in the IPE posts either way I go. Drill press isn't an option as the posts are mounted and lagged already to the deck. Needed to do this as matching up with pre-drilled aluminum intermediate support posts, so couldn't risk drilling all the holes in the IPE posts wrong.
I did buy one of those portable presses that converts a hand drill into a press, specifically made to clamp on posts, so hopefully that would help with the straightness.
Anyway, my question revolves around the risk, and any specific recommendations on drill bits. I've read contradictory blogs on using standard HSS bits vs Carbide tipped. What will give me the best probability of NOT snapping off bits inside the IPE? Brad point vs tapered vs ?
Also, I'll have ALOT of Purple Heart pieces left over 1" x 6" (3/4 x 5.5) from a foot to 3 feet long, and a few IPE 4"x4" (3.5) from a foot to 3 feet. Would these be of use to woodworkers?
I did buy one of those portable presses that converts a hand drill into a press, specifically made to clamp on posts, so hopefully that would help with the straightness.
Anyway, my question revolves around the risk, and any specific recommendations on drill bits. I've read contradictory blogs on using standard HSS bits vs Carbide tipped. What will give me the best probability of NOT snapping off bits inside the IPE? Brad point vs tapered vs ?
Also, I'll have ALOT of Purple Heart pieces left over 1" x 6" (3/4 x 5.5) from a foot to 3 feet long, and a few IPE 4"x4" (3.5) from a foot to 3 feet. Would these be of use to woodworkers?