I've got a beautiful piece of walnut on the lathe, trying to do a hollow form about 14" deep and about the same major diameter. Drilling to start hollowing this morning and when I backed out to clear chips this is what I saw.

 

 

No drill bit, this is a bad thing. At this point I'm over 10" deep with this bit. Fortunately I was drilling in steps and had made a good portion of the hole larger already.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

What now? Couldn't reach it with anything and there are chips packed tight around it. My first thought was, no way to save this.  Still, I started picking at the shavings and blowing them out until they were pretty well clear, that took about an hour.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

After several failed attempts with rare earth magnets, screw drivers, etc. etc. I got the idea to make a loop in a piece of tie wire and slip it over the shaft. Held the wire with a pair of vice grips and ran the lathe slow. With a little help, the wire wound tight enough I could wiggle the drill bit a little using the wire and a screw driver.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

After about two hours I was able to get a purchase on the bit with a pair of deep reach needle nose and worked it the rest of way out. Next time, I'll be sure to clear chips more often and make doubly sure the set screws in my extension are tight. I think it will be faster that way.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Steve

OOOPSS! Pretty clever extraction idea on your part though. Is it possible to "machine" a small flat on the bit shank without ruining it to better engage the set screws and possibly preventing the bit from slipping out? Just a dumb thought on my part. 

BTW, can't wait to see this vase when finished...that grain is going to be spectacular.

Nice Save, Steve!

 

I found that if I install the extensions with the set screws up, they don't work loose as fast. Not sure why

Where there is a will there is a way.  My first thought was the deep reach needle nose.  Another one of those, everyone should own one tools, in my opinion.  I liked the wire trick.  Kudos for the ingenuity and the save.

Congratulations on your patience!  Well done...

Pre-drill a hole in the shank before the next one so you have an easier place to run the wire...or break off the shank; just sayin'.

 

Nice save and nice looking piece of wood. 

Great save. Might want to try Colt Maxi cut. The shaft is elliptical and when placed in the extension (also elliptical) it will not release with out opposing wrenchs to break the hold.

I could have taken a chunk of 1/2" water pipe and made a core 

drill. Then drill right over your stuck bit. I once welded a 1' drill bit

in a chunk of steel with friction welding. That one was in there

to stay.