New Forstner Bits

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mewell

mewell

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I just purchased a carbide tipped forstner bit set from MLCS that features spiral flutes that go up a couple of inches from the cutter head. Since LOML has started trying her hand at salt and pepper shakers we found that the old style bits were a PITA as far a chip extraction when you're down 4" in a hunk of wood! Can't report on these yet since the return spring on the drill press broke and the part isn't here yet :( :(

We paid $58.45 since I signed up for the newsletter and got 10% off.

Here's a pict of the bits:

forst7spir.jpg
 
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Looking very forward to the results of these bits. I got a cheap-a** set off of ebay once and they are crap. I think balsa wood will dull them...... That's what I get for goin' the cheap route [xx(]
 
I'm eager to hear your report. Normally, Forstner bits are not very successful with end grain boring, especially in hard-hardwoods. I use a 3/4" brad point on my duck calls. That design Forstner might just be the answer to a lot of drilling/boring issues. And the price is affordable.
 
Just thinking "outloud" - in lieu of something like these, could you use a large diameter bit (e.g., 3/4") and drill a pilot hole, then go back and re-drill with the desired Fostner bit? This way you get the shaving extraction from both ends, and you're not cutting away as much wood.
 
Originally posted by JimGo
<br />Just thinking "outloud" - in lieu of something like these, could you use a large diameter bit (e.g., 3/4") and drill a pilot hole, then go back and re-drill with the desired Fostner bit? This way you get the shaving extraction from both ends, and you're not cutting away as much wood.
Click to expand...

That could lead to innacurracy. The Forstners have a pilot that one puts on the center of the desired hole. Cut that away and you don't have a target. Even when used in a drill press with a vice, changing bits could throw you off center. Personally, I believe in trying to use tools the way they were designed to be used.
 
Just an update on these bits:

They work great! Our little Craftsman 12" 1/2 horse bench-top drill press rattles a little with a 8" extension and a 1" bit, but the bits cut well even in oak end grain. The center spur is adjustable in length so LOML is drilling an initial 1 3/8" hole about 3/8" to 1/2" deep as a recess for bung plugs with the spur set to about 1/8" in length ahead of the cutters and follows it up with the 1" with the spur set to about a 32nd of an inch and goes down about 3 1/2". She's still perfecting the design but the initial steps work well and these bits are great for such deep holes.

Mark
 
I need to look into the 1 1/8" size, can you buy just the one size? I go through a lot of that size fortsner bits making kaleidoscopes. I have sharpened them by hand but they just don't last long in end grain, especially when going 8-10" deep. Lately I have been drilling a lot of green wood for blanks and even soft green wood seems worse than dry wood, so this may be a good idea!
 
I called the company first day Mark posted about these because I was interested in only one or two sizes. I was told _no_ they are sold only in sets. If anyone is told differently, then please get a serial number or something to identify them with and pass it on.



Originally posted by woodwish
<br />I need to look into the 1 1/8" size, can you buy just the one size? I go through a lot of that size fortsner bits making kaleidoscopes. I have sharpened them by hand but they just don't last long in end grain, especially when going 8-10" deep. Lately I have been drilling a lot of green wood for blanks and even soft green wood seems worse than dry wood, so this may be a good idea!
Click to expand...
 
I found the same thing that John did... Although they DO list forstner bits on the web and in the catalog, they are "normal" bits... How about checking with that company in Florida that was mentioned in this conversation about drill bits. Perhaps THEY could suggest a suitable bit?
 
Has anyone tried these yet? They look interesting.

Irwin Speedbor MAX Spade Bits. Comes in sets or individual sizes of 1/2, 5/6. 3/4, 7/8, 1 and 1 1/4.

Lows has a 3 piece set for $12.95.

2007517142942_3041004_sm.jpg
 
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