The Perfect Fit: Vicmarc Woodworm Screw Drill Size Matters

The Vicmarc Woodworm Screw is a tapered screw that can be mounted into a 3/8 diameter pilot hole. The precision screw bites into the wood for superior holding power. The drill bit size for the Vicmarc screw is 3/8, while the Oneway Woodworm Screw also uses a 3/8 drill bit size. However, some woodturners recommend using a 5/16 drill bit for the Vicmarc screw, especially when working with softer woods. It is important to note that the drill bit size may vary depending on the type of wood being used and personal preferences.

Vicmarc woodworm screw dimensions

The Vicmarc Woodworm Screw is designed to be easily mounted into a 3/8" diameter pilot hole, with its tapered shape and precision screw that bites into the wood for a secure hold. It is compatible with Vicmarc VM100, VM120, and VM150 Chucks and can be directly mounted into the chuck. The overall length of the Vicmarc Woodworm Screw is 2-1/4", with a thread length of 1-3/8".

The Vicmarc Woodworm Screw is an essential tool for woodworkers and craftsmen, providing a safe and reliable way to hold wood on the chuck during turning operations. Its unique thread type, introduced by Vicmarc, offers exceptional strength and stability, making it ideal for holding wood securely during the woodworking process.

In addition to its functional advantages, the Vicmarc Woodworm Screw also contributes to the overall efficiency of the woodworking process. With its superior holding power, it ensures that the wood remains firmly in place, minimising the risk of slipping or shifting during turning. This not only enhances the accuracy of the craft but also contributes to a safer working environment by reducing the chances of accidental injuries caused by unstable workpieces.

The screw's compatibility with Vicmarc chucks, specifically the VM100, VM120, and VM150 models, further underscores its versatility and ease of use. By fitting seamlessly into these popular chucks, the Vicmarc Woodworm Screw becomes a valuable addition to any woodworker's toolkit, enabling them to work with confidence and precision.

Overall, the Vicmarc Woodworm Screw, with its specific dimensions and functional design, is a testament to Vicmarc's reputation for quality and dependability in the world of woodworking and craft supplies. Its availability at a competitive price point further makes it an attractive choice for both professional and amateur woodworkers alike.

Drill bit size for Vicmarc woodworm screw

The Vicmarc Woodworm Screw is designed to fit into a 3/8" diameter pilot hole. This screw is compatible with the Vicmarc VM100, VM120, and VM150 Chucks. The overall length of the Vicmarc Woodworm Screw is 2-1/4", with a thread length of 1-3/8".

When selecting a drill bit, it is important to consider the type of wood being used. For softer woods, it is generally recommended to use a smaller drill bit size than the screw diameter. This ensures a tight fit and helps to prevent the wood from stripping. For harder woods, some turners recommend using a drill bit size that matches the shaft of the screw, allowing the threads to bite into the wood.

Some turners prefer to measure the shaft of the screw and select a drill bit that matches this size, especially for harder woods. Others suggest eyeballing the drill bit against the screw and choosing one that is slightly smaller than the threads. It is always better to start with a smaller drill bit and enlarge the hole if necessary, as removing too much wood can weaken the joint.

When turning larger blanks, it is important to consider the weight and inertia of the wood. Some turners recommend using a tailstock for support, especially when working with heavier blanks. Additionally, slowing down the variable speed before hitting the stop button can help prevent unscrewing.

Vicmarc woodworm screw vs Oneway woodworm screw

The Vicmarc Woodworm Screw and the Oneway Woodworm Screw are both tapered to mount into a 3/8" diameter pilot hole, with precision screws that bite into the wood for superior holding power. The Vicmarc screw fits the Vicmarc VM100, VM120, and VM150 Chucks, while the Oneway screw is designed for Oneway Chucks and features a front slot and four grooves to lock the jaws firmly into place and prevent spinning.

The Vicmarc Woodworm Screw has an overall length of 2-1/4" and a thread length of 1-3/8". It is available for a price of $19.95. On the other hand, the Oneway Woodworm Screw is made from high tensile steel and is suitable for all types of screw chucking operations. Oneway offers both left-hand and right-hand screws in 1-1/2" and 2" lengths. The price of the Oneway Woodworm Screw is $30.95.

In terms of user experiences, there have been reports of issues with the Nova woodworm screw, with some turners preferring the Vicmarc screw for its longer length and better holding power. However, it is recommended to drill a smaller hole than the standard 3/8" for the Nova screw, as this can help improve its holding capacity. Some turners have also suggested using a 5/16" or 8mm drill bit for the Nova screw, depending on the hardness of the wood.

Overall, both the Vicmarc and Oneway Woodworm Screws offer superior holding power for woodturning projects. The choice between the two may depend on the specific chuck being used, as well as personal preferences for screw length and brand loyalty. It is always important to follow the manufacturer's instructions and take appropriate safety precautions when working with woodturning tools.

Vicmarc woodworm screw not holding

If your Vicmarc woodworm screw is not holding, there are several potential reasons and solutions. Firstly, check that you are using the correct drill size. The recommended drill size for the Vicmarc woodworm screw is 3/8". However, some users have reported that they have had better results with a smaller drill bit, such as 5/16" or 8mm, especially if the wood is soft or wet. It's important to match the drill size to the shaft of the screw, rather than the threads, to ensure a secure hold.

Another potential issue could be the type of wood you are using. Soft or punky woods may not hold the screw as well, and it is important to tighten the blank fully against the chuck to ensure a secure hold. Using tailstock support can also help stabilize the workpiece. Additionally, ensuring your gouges are sharp can reduce the cutting effort and minimize catches, which can also affect the holding power of the screw.

If the woodworm screw is still not holding, you may need to adjust the length of the screw. Some users have reported that the Vicmarc screw is longer than other brands, which can improve its holding power. If your screw is too short, you may need to use a spacer to extend its length.

Finally, if none of the above solutions work, you may need to try a different type of screw or chuck. Some users have reported better results with other brands, such as Oneway or Nova, which have different thread designs that may work better with your specific application.

Remember to always follow the safety instructions and guidelines provided by the manufacturer when using any power tools or equipment.

Vicmarc woodworm screw alternatives

The Vicmarc Woodworm Screw is a tool used in woodturning to securely hold wood while it is being turned. While the Vicmarc Woodworm Screw is a popular choice for woodturners, there are several alternatives available in the market.

One alternative is the Oneway Woodworm Screw, which is designed for use with Oneway Chucks. It features a front slot and four grooves that allow the jaws to lock it firmly in place, preventing spinning. The Oneway Woodworm Screw is tapered to fit into a 3/8" diameter pilot hole, similar to the Vicmarc screw. It also offers superior holding power, ensuring that your workpiece remains securely in place during turning.

Another alternative is to use a faceplate instead of a woodworm screw. Faceplates provide a flat surface to mount your workpiece and are commonly used when the woodworm screw is unavailable or not preferred.

Additionally, some woodturners have suggested using a drilled recess with a large Forstner bit instead of a woodworm screw. This method creates a secure hold without the need for a dove tail, making it a simple and efficient alternative.

Finally, for smaller projects or when working with softer woods, you may consider using a traditional screw, such as a wood screw or a machine screw, in conjunction with a pilot hole. This method may require additional support or clamping to ensure the workpiece remains secure during turning.

While the Vicmarc Woodworm Screw is a popular choice, these alternatives offer varying levels of convenience, security, and versatility for woodturners, depending on their specific needs and projects.

Frequently asked questions