I need to drill a hole in a piece of wood 30" long. How can I do this?

I can't see any reason why anyone would "need" this, but better to have two 3/4 pieces, route out a channel in each and glue them on top of one another.

Your never going to get it straight. If you can get it in a milling machine or lathe you need to bore it. Boring will go straight and not wander which is what a drill will do. If you can drill from each side that is better. Even boring part of the way will get the hole started straight and guide your drill.

Also it would be important to properly prepare the drill. I'm assuming you make an extension drill. I have made many and we used aircraft tubing and turned down the shaft of the bit to just under the bore of the tubing. Then silver soldered the bit.

Use two peaces of 3/4" x 1 1/2" x 30" long wood.

Cut a 3/8 wide by 3/16" deep channel in both peaces of wood in the middle.

Then glue them together.

Any drill bit 30" long will always travel you wont be able to do it. The grain in the wood will redirect the bit every time.

I'm a builder 30 years.

If you are using a spade bit, I don't know if you will ever get it through by hand. You might be able to get it though with a smaller pilot drill bit, then work your way up in drill sizes. You could also try drilling in from each end so that you really only have to go straight for 15".You might take it to a local machinist and have him chuck it up in a lathe for you.

Mark

A long drill bit will be 18 inches long, you drill in from one end to the center, and then finish drilling from the other end,,,Sears and several others sell a fixture to use with your portable drill to drill straight holes in odd place "Sears Craftsman drill guide " about 30.00

I doubt you can find a 30" drill bit, or a 15" for that matter. A drill press and clamp would seem to be in order here.

Set the wood level. Then get a drill with a level built on it. Hopefully it wont hit any knots and you'll have better luck.

No problem. Simply get the proper drill bit and hold the wood steady.

cut the wood in 1/2 so u have 2 15" pieces,drill the holes and glue them bk together matching the grain

get drill bits, weld them together...... and drill a hole!!!!!