I'm working on a takedown bowie.
I've been trying to drill a straight hole in a couple different pieces of material.
I'm using a 8 inch long 1/8" diameter bit with a tabletop drill press and a I'm using a drill vise.
I seem to have hole wander no matter what I do. Wrecked some figured osage already, and some wicked stabilized blocks as well. It goes in straight, but sometimes comes out over 1/4" from center.
I've thought about bumping up in bit diameter. Maybe the bit is too thin?

Another solution-Bigger wood block and build around the hole?
Thanks
Wissler

I would simplify the way I look at it. This is just a suggestion. You know exactly where you want the hole to start and you know exactly where you want the hole to exit. Try drilling both direction and meeting in the middle. That way you cut the drifting down by 50%. If you use a shorter bit, it wont wander as much. Start with as small a bit as possible and enlarge as you need it and where you need it.

What he said.

What Lin said plus, lower your feed rate = not so much downward pressure, let the drill bit cut it's way. On wood and most softer substrates you want high speed rotation and low feed rate.

And clean the bit out several times as you go.  I would also check bit sharpness since those woods can dull a bit rather quickly.

What Lin said and I would use a bradpoint bit, it will have less wondering.
Jack

All of the above plus use the shortest bit that will do the job. An 8" long 1/8" bit just wants to bend.
Dave.

If drilling end-grain, a jig will help hold it steady while using a drill press. It needs both horizontal as well as vertical support. Jon