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Thread: Countersink bits with depth stops

  1. #1
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    Jan 2008
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    Countersink bits with depth stops

    Looking for a great set of countersinks for hardwoods with non-marring adjustable depth stops. I primarily will use them for installing drawer fronts, handles, cabinets, and general flush screwing with normal screws, like from McFeely's. I'd like to cut clean, round, countersink holes, with a replaceable bit, rock solid depth stop, and will get a set for each size screw.

    My basic set of Snappy's cut terribly:
    https://www.amazon.com/Snappy-Quick-...97&sr=8-7&th=1

    Here's the drills I am aware of:

    Amana, carbide, ball bearing stop, tapered bit
    https://www.routerbitworld.com/Amana...mana-55150.htm

    Amana, carbide, AlTin coated, ball bearing stop, straight bit
    https://www.routerbitworld.com/Amana...na-55206xl.htm

    Amana, carbide, ball bearing stop, slow spiral bit
    https://www.routerbitworld.com/Amana...mana-55272.htm

    Amana, carbide, low-friction stop, straight bit
    https://www.routerbitworld.com/Amana...mana-55294.htm

    Lee Valley, look like Amana?
    https://www.leevalley.com/en-us/shop...ion-depth-stop

    Festool (expensive, worth it?)
    https://www.festoolproducts.com/fest...fb1afe8bd126c3

    Fisch, I like their forstner bits, so why not?
    https://www.woodcraft.com/products/f...d-x-1-3-8-oal#

    Whiteside, would need additional depth stop
    https://www.whitesiderouterbits.com/...l-countersinks

    Fuller, HSS, tapered, only 2 depth stops - I'd like one for each cutter, and I don't need plug cutters
    https://www.amazon.com/Fuller-Tapere...361251&sr=8-11

    Snappy, low friction non marring ball bearing stop, straight bit
    https://www.amazon.com/Adjustable-Fr...602397&sr=8-10

    What else am I'm missing? Which would you recommend? I shouldn't need tapered, right?
    JonathanJungDesign.com

  2. #2
    Join Date
    Sep 2016
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    Modesto, CA, USA
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    Why not a countersink cage with a piloted carbide tipped countersink? Adjustable by 1/1,00" . Just make sure to get the correct angle.
    Bill D.
    magnavon is a well known brand. 1/4 -28 is the standard size. I know 3/8 is also common. Short 1/4 aircraft drills will run in them as well. Also rivet shavers.
    http://www.magnavon.com/catalog/microstops/
    Last edited by Bill Dufour; 08-22-2021 at 1:34 AM.

  3. #3
    Join Date
    Apr 2017
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    Tucson, Arizona
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    I have the Lee Valley, but without the depth stops. Kind of a pain to use. I will look forward to hearing some feedback on the non-marring adjustable depth stop bits you have catalogued.
    David

  4. #4
    Join Date
    Dec 2007
    Location
    Minot, ND
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    559
    I picked up a couple sizes, Amana part numbers 55336 & 55338, of the following from Tools Today,, https://www.toolstoday.com/global/v-14476-55338.html. (Am currently visiting in Canada, hence the Canadian prices.). If you are currently invested in the Festool Centrotec system, these bits can be used by both Centrotec devices as well as the more common 1/4” hex shank tools. I haven’t used them extensively yet as they were a recent purchase, but expect that Amana quality, coupled with carbide tipped countersinks, should will provide a long lasting quality tool.

    Clint

  5. #5
    Join Date
    Apr 2010
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    NH seacoast
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    323
    Thanks for this discussion. Currently building an outdoor shower. Its all lovely cedar except for the Ipe decking. Siding the walls now. Decking is complete. Will use better countersinks next time around.
    Holy crap Ipe is tough stuff.

  6. #6
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    I have a set of Rockler badged Snappy's that I have used for over 15 years. Like any bit they require sharpening to keep performing well. I also have the Amana 55294 and have used it for over a decade with good success. The plastic stop does not leave any mark.
    "A hen is only an egg's way of making another egg".


    – Samuel Butler

  7. #7
    Join Date
    Jun 2015
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    Northern California
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    I have the Fuller set you linked for close to 20 years and use it a lot. I think I paid about $70 at that time. I like it because the bits are tapered and each has its own countersink. They’ve cut beautifully through hard and soft woods without ever being sharpened. Highly recommended.

  8. #8
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    Jul 2016
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    Lebanon, TN
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    I have the Amana with the 1/8" pilot bit. Love it.

  9. #9
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    Quote Originally Posted by ChrisA Edwards View Post
    I have the Amana with the 1/8" pilot bit. Love it.
    What does your Amana look like, or do you have the part # off it?
    JonathanJungDesign.com

  10. #10
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    Feb 2009
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    San Diego, CA
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    My vote is for the Lee Valley item.
    Epilog Mini 24-45W, Corel Draw X6, Photoshop CS5, Multi Cam CNC

  11. #11
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    Tampa Bay, FL
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    Lee Valley set has worked well for me.
    - After I ask a stranger if I can pet their dog and they say yes, I like to respond, "I'll keep that in mind" and walk off
    - It's above my pay grade. Mongo only pawn in game of life.

  12. #12
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    Jul 2016
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    Quote Originally Posted by Jonathan Jung View Post
    What does your Amana look like, or do you have the part # off it?
    https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...?ie=UTF8&psc=1

    Amana Tool - (55227)


  13. #13
    Join Date
    Apr 2017
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    Tucson, Arizona
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    I took a look at the Amana on Amazon - there were actually many complaints about the poor quality of the actual bit and the metal collar marking the work surface. I have always been happy with the Lee Valley tools, and I already have a set of their drill bits with countersinks and adjustable stops, but I like this one with what looks to be a nylon no-mar face. So I went ahead and ordered the #8 and #10 along with a few of their replacement bits.
    David

    Lee Valley drill bits with no mar stops.jpg

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