How do I drill a long and wide hole in wood?

[dan_s_johnson]

I need to bore a 2.5" hole through nearly 12" deep of wood. Anyone have any tricks as to how do accomplish this. Normal hole saws aren't deep enough. It would take forever to continually retract the unit and chip out the wood. Spade bits don't get that big at least that I've seen. I have a 1/2" drill but don't mind buying some beastly thing since I have a few of these holes to make. I really need some advice as to what kind of bits there are out there for this type of thing. Thanks!

[alchymist]

Auger bit, (sometimes called shipbuilders bit), or expansion bit with extension.

Drill Bits

The strongest reason for the people to retain the right to bear arms is, as a last resort, to protect themselves against tyranny in government. Founding father Thomas Jefferson

[Ford_Six]

Forstner bit with an extension is my first thought- Hope you have a decent drill to power it though. I wouldn't use much less than a Milwaukee Hole Hawg or equivalent Milwaukee 1/2 Inch Hole-Hawg Drill

[dan_s_johnson]

Do you happen to have a link to any of those at a 2.5" size or know who makes/sells them? Biggest I could find was a 2" auger bit on amazon.

[Ford_Six]

Check the link I posted-

[ArdWrknTrk]

Should be able to get a sturdy "self-feed" bit and extension at any decent plumbing supply.

Greenlee Products - Greenlee A Textron Company

Milwaukee Self-Feed Drill Bits at Tools Plus

DeWalt Self Feed Bits

Seems like 2 9/16" is the size. I don't find 2 1/2" right away, but good luck.

On edit: I'm at my plumbers house and he explains that 2 9/16 is the size hole you need to fit common 2" (internal) pipe.

[dan_s_johnson]

Looks like self feed bits are the ticket. Combined with a milwaukee hole hawg and I am set. Thanks guys!