Quote Originally Posted by SRNewb View Post
This was not as successful as the surgeon supposed it would be, so a 1/4" bit was used to drill through the center of the knot, and through a thick cardboard base that formed the floor of the cavity. After which, the Forstner was again employed.


Next time, I'll just use the 1/4" bit and the spade bits in succession.
I have never removed a knot but wonder why drilling the 1/4" hole and then using the spade bit would work better. I have found that using a spade bit to drill into an existing hole wobbles a lot and is dang near if not impossible to get a round hole. Also if the original had a cardboard filler/stop in it why did they do it and why not copy them? How is the balance of the final product after the surgery compared to the original? Where they trying to save material and glue or is there a reason?

I like the looks of your surgery and in the end that is what counts.