Forstner bits

Post by **ultimatehandyman** » Thu Dec 04, 2008 9:48 pm

I once tried a set of Forstner bits and they were absolutely useless.

Has anyone else used them?

I also have some hinge cutting bits, which are much better then forstners, athough they look similar.

EJJ150847 · Post by **EJJ150847** » Thu Dec 04, 2008 9:52 pm

I've had the same hinge cutting bit for nearly 30 years

Time to buy new next time I need to use it.

John

fin · Post by **fin** » Thu Dec 04, 2008 9:53 pm

i bought a random set the other week. cost me £7 all in a wood box and stuff. havent used em yet but the lad i work with has used one of them. probably not much cop and wont ever be used again.

the hinge cutter you posted. would that be used with a router or a drill? just looking at the shank on it iss making me wonder

Hitch · Post by **Hitch** » Thu Dec 04, 2008 10:03 pm

I have a couple of sets for various sizes.
Not so much a general use drill bit, but if you want an acuratly sized hole, or a flat bottom with only a minimal centre mark.
Handy for cutting a hole over the edge of another hole aswell.
Not brilliant for deep holes though.

Id be lost without mine.

peter c · Post by **peter c** » Fri Dec 05, 2008 9:46 am

I have got a similar hinge cutter from SFX. The shank was 3/8th so had to get an adaptor to 1/2inch (from Axminster) to use in my router. However even at the slowest speed the router was slightly fast when cutting oak doors.

Peter C

PS agree those forstner bits are pants!

Post by **ultimatehandyman** » Fri Dec 05, 2008 10:04 am

I'm sure that the forstner bits were advertised as " Drill large holes rapidly" and so I bought a set, I was drilling some joists with them and they were useless.

It's not often that I actually bin tools, but these were so bad that they went in the bin

dewaltdisney · Post by **dewaltdisney** » Fri Dec 05, 2008 10:38 am

Chez

Forstner bits are mainly used to cut holes in veneered surfaces to prevent a ragged edge. The outside cutting edge cuts through evenly despite the grain direction. They do not cut quickly through and you need a fair bit of pressure. I use mine in my drill press if the position on the work allows.

The hinge mortice cutter is the same as a Forstner, but they are hardened to cut through melamine and chip board repetitively. I use a hand drill for the hinge mortice, or drill press, as using them in a router is too fast for my liking and more prone to errors.

Not drill bits you will use lots but worth having.

DWD

Hoovie · Post by **Hoovie** » Fri Dec 05, 2008 10:51 am

I bought a set of 3 "magic drill bits" from QVC about 10 years ago and they look exactly that hinge bit you posted and are actually really good!

about the only thing I have bought from QVC as well

Rich-Ando · Post by **Rich-Ando** » Fri Dec 05, 2008 10:41 pm

i actually thought they were meant for plunge routers, that's what i use mine for and i have no complaints about them. been fantastic for cutting hinges. i wouldn't like to use them in any free hand drill though and i would never have tried to use them for cutting through joists

you can't beat orgar bits for drilling joists.

carhartt kid · Post by **carhartt kid** » Sat Dec 06, 2008 4:47 pm

Hi Fellas,

I use em for loads of jobs. Cutting the round end on a mortice lock body plate makes it nice and snug. I then trim out the square corners for the faceplate. Countersinking the bolts used on D-Handles. Cutting the hole through doors for lock cylinders. Euro and Oval mainly. Cutting holes in plastic, PVC and Perspex. Boring clean holes for racking poles...surfboard racks mainly! I'm noticing that most of this is ironmongery!!! I certainly wouldn't use em for boring deep holes! Augers for that! I have noticed though, the cheaper the Forstner, the slower and blunter it is. I just bought a Trend one and its really coping well with the hammering I give my kit!