Need Good Forsner Bit Set

[Derek Arita]

I've got a big set of Forsner bits that really don't cut very well and every time I use them I think, I should get a set that cuts better. Any affordable suggestions? Also, how about some suggestions for a good counter sink bit? Thanks for the help.

[andrew whicker]

I have been buying Freud as needed size wise. They are pretty decent. I also bought a Ryobi set at HD because I chewed a Freud up on an embedded nail (yay) and needed something in a hurry. The Ryobi's sucked.

[Lisa Starr]

My small set is from Lee Valley and they cut well.

[Patrick Varley]

Second on the Freud, specifically I've been getting the Precision Shear. You can get the starter set for ~$75. I've also bought some Roman Carbide in less-commomly used (metric) sizes, and I've liked them. Can't speak to the durability though.

For countersinks I think the Amana sets with the depth stop are great (though not necessarily cheap).

https://www.amanatool.com/products/boring-drilling-bits/countersink-bits/countersink-sets.html

[Michael Burnside]

I've got a cheap Irwin set for general use and for anything critical, I use FAMAG Forstner bits. They are insanely good, but also not cheap.

https://kjpselecthardwoods.com/products/famag-bormax20forstnerbitsets?variant=39370225123397

These are my favorite countersink bits

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00PV9AV6S/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1

[derek labian]

I have 4 sets of Forstner bits, and the Fisch are by far the best I've used. They cut hard maple like butter. I purchased after seeing and meeting the Fisch guys at a show. I'm sure the Freud are fine but I haven't used them. The quality of the bit really makes a huge difference. I have 4 sets because I stepped up in quality with each set, if I were the OP, I'd skip the interim step, get a high quality set, and be done.

https://www.highlandwoodworking.com/fisch-wave-cutter-forstner-bits-set-of-16.aspx

[glenn bradley]

Don't know who makes them but I have run Lee Valley's HSS Forstners for years with good results.

494675

[Patty Hann]

Fisch Wavecutter (16 piece Imperial + additional sizes in 16ths), plus a handful of metric
Freud (imperial about a half dozen)
Colt, a dozen or so both imperial and metric (bought pretty cheaply on closeout)
The all cut cleanly in hardwoods that I typically use (maple, cherry, walnut, oak)

Edit: Bought one Irwin/Marples (1/2") it wobbled..shaft wasn't straight but it cut OK.
Still, no I-M for me after that because of the wobble.

[Jim Reffner]

Fisch Wavecutter and Lee Valley HSS. Buy as needed instead of a set.

[Rob Luter]

About 15 years ago I bought a Freud 7-Piece Precision Shear Serrated Edge set from a Rockler affiliate. They came in a nice little wooden box. I've supplemented it will other sizes purchased individually. They get used a fair but and are still razor sharp.

[Mike Henderson]

FAMAG makes the best Forstner bits in my experience. I have a set of Freud and when one gets dull, instead of sharpening it, I purchase a FAMAG. They are expensive so getting a whole set would be expensive.

You'll probably find that you use certain sizes more than others so you can buy FAMAG for just those bits.

Mike

[In addition to the Freud set, I have a set of very large Forstners (cheap, made in China), a set of 1/16" in between sizes, and a set of Metric Forstners.]

[Ted Calver]

FAMAG Bormax have out performed every other brand I've tried. As Mike said they are expensive, but worth it.

[Tom M King]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AMiCviHg9qQ&t=718s

[John Pendery]

I have had very good results with Wood Owl drill bits. Good forstner bits, and their ultra smooth auger bits are they best I have used in timber framing applications.

[Derek Arita]

I see that Amazon has the best price for a 16-bit set, however it's in metric. Does Amazon have an Imperial set?

[Jamie Buxton]

Learn how to sharpen your Forstner bits. They're just steel, like turning chisels. They get dull, like turning chisels. They need sharpening.

[Randall J Cox]

+1 or 2 for Fisch, made in Austria. Also use their square mortising bits, not cheap but really cut and hold an edge. They make high quality stuff. Randy

[Mike Henderson]

Infinity Tools has FAMAG sets, but some are out of stock. See here (https://www.infinitytools.com/famag-forstner-bit-sets).

Mike

[Taylor Tools has a 7 piece set at a decent price. (https://taytools.com/products/copy-of-famag-bormax-forstner-bits-imperial-sizes-5-16-to-2-1-8-individual-bits?variant=40080678060119&currency=USD&utm_medium=product_sync&utm_source=google&utm_content=sag_organic&utm_campaign=sag_organic)]

[Patty Hann]

Famag here (https://kjpselecthardwoods.com/products/famag-bormax20forstnerbitsets?variant=39370225254469) ...Metric, Imperial, separate (single) purchase or in different size sets

I did not know about Famag at the time I bought my first set of Forstner bits (the Fisch 16 bit set).
If I had I probably would have sprung for the Famags instead.

[Patty Hann]

Learn how to sharpen your Forstner bits. They're just steel, like turning chisels. They get dull, like turning chisels. They need sharpening.
Is there a youtube video (or similar) that shows how to do this (meaning, the way you do it?)
I've seen watched/read probably a dozen " instructions" on how to do it...use a dremel, do it by hand, do this, do that, use this, use that. I don't gain much knowledge, but I do get confused.
Any help/advice would be appreciated.

[tom lucas]

I have a large set from Grizzly. Definitely not the best, but cut good when new and have been easy to re-sharpen. I find them good enough, leaving clean hole edges, walls, and bottoms. It they start to clog, it's time to re-sharpen. I'm sure the Fisch and Famag's are super nice. They'd better be for the cost. But I have other quality tools on my want-list where I'd rather put my money before Forstners.

I also have a set of Roman carbide for between 16ths sizes. They cut quickly and don't clogged badly. However, they do not leave a smooth vertical wall. I wouldn't use them if the walls were visible in the end product. But the rough surface probably gives better glue holding power. They also look like the cutters could break off pretty easy. OK for the rare occasion when I need an odd 16th inch size.

Maybe if I ever get to where I have purchased all the high end tools I want, I'll spring for a some Fisch.

[Mark Gibney]

Tom do you mean a set of carbide-tooth hole saws like this?
494729
My metalworker buddy bought this set and it looks interesting for some situations. Obviously it won't leave a flat bottom. I just drilled a lot of 1" holes and turns out the Forstner bit is 0.008 under an inch, which created a problem. It struck me I could come back and clean up the walls with these carbide bits, pilot bit removed.

[mike stenson]

Learn how to sharpen your Forstner bits. They're just steel, like turning chisels. They get dull, like turning chisels. They need sharpening.

It's pretty much the same as sharping auger bits. Easy. I just use a diamond file instead of a metal one. Using something like a Dremel? Man, that'd just be a fast way for me to mess a bit up.

[Michael Drew]

I bought the Freud 16 piece set about a year ago. Sure wish I would have got it MANY years ago. These bits cut a perfect hole. I bought mine on Amazon. I just put them in my 'shopping list', and waited for them to go on sale. I think I paid just shy of 200 for the set. So if you are not in a hurry, I suggest you do the same. https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0002TUFYK/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1

[Peter Schussheim]

Fisch Wavecutter (https://www.acmetools.com/7-pc-wood-box-imperial-forstner-bit-set-fsa-197058/9002696197058.html?srsltid=Ad5pg_HVeXjaRiV4MuDYUwA WZb4gwHo3b7Zi1helXer6N72aaY7CFXlIjeU)

[Tom M King]

In a discussion on a Timber Framing forum, it was correctly pointed out that some of these bits called Forstner bits are really multi-spur bits. Not that it matters past the name since they cut the same type of holes.

[Rich Engelhardt]

Tamar - from 3X3 Custom on Youtube has mentioned a few times how much she likes the single flute counter sink from Viking Norseman - https://taytools.com/products/viking-drill-single-flute-pilotless-chatterproof-deburring-countersink-tool?afmc=et&utm_campaign=et&utm_source=leaddyno&utm_medium=affiliate

I tend to take her word for things. She's a pretty straight shooter.

[Mike Henderson]

Tamar - from 3X3 Custom on Youtube has mentioned a few times how much she likes the single flute counter sink from Viking Norseman - https://taytools.com/products/viking-drill-single-flute-pilotless-chatterproof-deburring-countersink-tool?afmc=et&utm_campaign=et&utm_source=leaddyno&utm_medium=affiliate

I tend to take her word for things. She's a pretty straight shooter.

I've looked at those single flute countersinks but always wondered if they would work well in a hand held drill (whether they would do a symmetrical countersink handheld). Anyone have any experience?

I'm sure they would work well in a drill press.

Mike

[roger wiegand]

Can someone recommend a Youtube demo that clearly shows correct sharpening technique? I've tried using a diamond paddle on what look to be the obvious surfaces but it has not improved my cheap drill's performance.

I have a set of Colt drills that I use with my lathe because of the clever skinny extensions and have been acquiring Famag drills as needed, none of them seem to want sharpening yet.

[Derek Meyer]

I bought a set of Fisch Wavecutter bits. The 16 piece set is currently 40% off at Amazon.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B008KIUFGS?ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_product_details&th=1

[Bill Dufour]

Pretty high torque So I would get hex shank bits. Not 1/4" hex but bigger so they doi not get chewed up by the chuck.
Bill D

[Derek Arita]

Well, if anyone has a full set they'd like to sell, I'd like to know about it. Thanks for all the info.