Bit for Boring 3/4" Holes

[cpw]

What is your prefered method of boring 3/4" holes? Spade Bit, Auger, Hole Saw?

So far, I've been using a spade bit and that works reasonably well. Has anyone tried the Greenlee self-feeding spade bits? If they work like the Greenlee 54" bit and really do screw themselves through the wood that seems like it would make boring joists easier.

I tried a hole saw, because they are a bit shorter than the spade bits I have, so can fit in tighter spots, but didn't think that it worked very well for me (no chip ejection, and I ended up getting the teeth gummed a bit). Any advice on technique, or should I just choose a different tool.

[DUNBAR]

Auger bit if it's sharp, razor sharp and no nails.

[plumberscrack]

spade bit if less than 5 holes any more than that i'll go auger

hole saw on 1-1/4 and larger

[Frankiarmz]

spade bit if less than 5 holes any more than that i'll go auger

hole saw on 1-1/4 and larger

Good advice and it would also depend on the thickness of the wood. I can drill through 16 inches of solid wood using a 1/2 inch impact gun and a good auger bit. Drilling joists, I'd use a spade bit and a low speed high torque drill such as the holehaug. Until you've used a impact gun with a good self feed auger bit you don't know what you are missing.

[garager]

I voted Auger bit, because it is the most used bit for me. As they said before, wood size and even type of wood, could have me using different types.

[BadgerDave]

All of them have their time and place. For me, it really would come down to the situation more than anything else.

[cpw]

All of them have their time and place. For me, it really would come down to the situation more than anything else.
When would you choose each? The consensus seems to be so far that hole saw is better for bigger holes and that a sharp auger is better than a spade. When does a spade bit come out on top (aside from price that is)?

[westcoastplumber]

Auger for most. I use milwakee, never tried greenlee, I suspect greenlee may be better then milwakee?

nails are a real killer though, nails tear up my self feeders I think worse then they do the augers;) either way you look at it, hitting a nail sucks and can be painfull:D

[Woussko]

In very tight spots, I use a 3/8" little right angle drill and a short spade type bit. They fit where other's just won't go.

You can buy short spade bits. Here is some info on them.
http://www.irwin.com/irwin/consumer/jhtml/detail.jhtml?prodId=IrwinProd100184

What I like to drive them (up to about 7/8" size) with. (see picture) Do use the side handle or you can bust your hands up fast.

This is for soft woods for the most part and in tight places.

[LONGHAIR]

Don't forget about "Forstner" bits...but like the others have said, it depends upon what you are driiling into and how pretty you need it to look after.