Countersink bits

[Charles Wilson]

I have seen the ones that Norm uses and they look pretty sharp. I bought some DeWalt ones and did not like them.

Anyone know of a good set of countersink bits?

Thanks,
Chuck

[Dan Forman]

Most people seem to like the Jack Rabbit bits, I think that's the one that Norm uses. Our own Jim Becker has a review on his web site. I have the "Snappy" brad point bits from McFeely's, and I can't say I'm too happy with them, not very clean countersinks.

[glenn bradley]

I believe it was Tod Evans who steered me onto this style. The ones I was shown were actually designed for the airplane industry but these share the basic design and work beautifully in everything from ply to white oak:

http://www.leevalley.com/hardware/page.aspx?c=2&p=32308&cat=3,41306,41328

I never use single, multi or flat counter sinks anymore, they're just too rough.

[Jason Tuinstra]

I just bought the Jack Rabbit and like it a lot. The counter sink can clog pretty easy when used with the depth stop. Perhaps it's just my technique or lack thereof. Regardless, it's a quality addition to the shop and works a lot better than my bent De Walt - it never worked very well after the fall :p

[Nancy Laird]

We have a set of Snappys that fit into a Snappy quick-change drill chuck. They make a nice smooth cut and they don't clog. Available at www.woodworker.com (http://www.woodworker.com) - 5 pc. set for $30.99 and the quick chuck is $11.59. They work very well in everything from ply to MDF to oak, maple, and cherry.

Nancy

[Dan Forman]

I believe it was Tod Evans who steered me onto this style. The ones I was shown were actually designed for the airplane industry but these share the basic design and work beautifully in everything from ply to white oak:

http://www.leevalley.com/hardware/page.aspx?c=2&p=32308&cat=3,41306,41328

I never use single, multi or flat counter sinks anymore, they're just too rough.

I've been using those too, very clean and they they don't pack up unless you go deep, in which case they are still very easy to clear out. Not as convenient as the combination bits though.

Dan

[Alan Turner]

This is my favorite for general work.
http://www.leevalley.com/hardware/page.aspx?c=2&p=41012&cat=3,41306,41328&ap=1
For those times when I must do a lot, I go with one that has a guide pin in it, which provides for very good centering. They are available from industiral supply houses like McMaster and MCS. They are esp. handy when working with aluminum.