[rookiewoodworker]

I will be making a bookcase and drilling a lot of holes for adjustable shelves. Should I drill these before or after finishing it? I am painting this.

 

[cabinetman]

I will be making a bookcase and drilling a lot of holes for adjustable shelves. Should I drill these before or after finishing it? I am painting this.

If you lay them out properly, it would be easier before. Are you using pegboard as a template?

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[rookiewoodworker]

I have a jig from Rockler. My question is more about trying to not get paint in the holes if drilled before. or if i drill after i paint the paint seems to tear a Little so the holes dont look as clean.

 

[cabinetman]

I have a jig from Rockler. My question is more about trying to not get paint in the holes if drilled before. or if i drill after i paint the paint seems to tear a Little so the holes dont look as clean.

What paint are you using and how are you applying it?

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[rookiewoodworker]

Behr water based and I will spray it.

 

[cabinetman]

Behr water based and I will spray it.

I use brad point bits for drilling holes. If you drill before, and don't load up the paint, the holes should remain relatively clean. If you drill after, and the paint is cured. a good brad point bit should give a very clean hole.

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[WarnerConstInc.]

after works better for me

 

[Fred Hargis]

After the painting is done would be easiest. But like cabinetman suggested, a brad point bit is going to cut a much cleaner hole.

 

[Steve Neul]

I like drilling the holes first before the cabinet is assemblied so you can lay the sides flat on your bench. Also even with a brad point bit there is a certain amount of splintering around the holes so I like to sand the wood after drilling the holes.