Forstner Bits - How to Choose?

[moparfreak]

As an avid woodworker, I consider forstner bits to be an essential tool to have for drilling clean / precise holes in wood. That being said, I've had a cheap-o set from Menards for many years (Tool Shop brand) that has done the job, but the cut is what I would characterize as "OK", they sometimes burn, not always the cleanest entry, etc.

For awhile now, I've been looking at different brands in stores and catalogs in search of a new set made of higher quality bits / design for my hobby to serve for years to come. However, there are so may different brands and sets to choose from, and everyone has their spin on features that make theirs better. A decent index of these bits from a reputable source will likely cost anywhere from $75 on the low end to well over $300.

Does anyone have experience with sets that gave high quality results, but maybe weren't the most expensive high end of the market? Obviously we are always looking for value.

Some that I've been considering are the Milwaukee brand forstners seen at HD, the Rocker version which is on sale now (http://www.rockler.com/22-piece-forstner-bit-set, or even Lee Valley's set (http://www.leevalley.com/us/wood/page.aspx?c=&p=63566&cat=1,180,42240) which can get crazy expensive...

Any advice is much appreciated....

 

[TLCObsession]

I like the Freud set:

This is a big set that goes up to 2 1/8":

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0000225ZN/?tag=atomicindus08-20

The smaller sets are not nearly as much - it just depends what your applications are.

 

[beamrider]

I just use a junker Porter Cable set from Lowes, but I sharpen then frequently, also. Works great, and no tearout when I use a backer board.

 

[cashishift]

Rockler is about to have their set on sale IIRC:

http://toolguyd.com/rockler-forstner-drill-bit-set-deal-102015/

 

[bczygan]

Read the Lee Valley description to see why you want them.

I picked up a used set, barely used for $40.

The saw-tooth cuts so very nicely.

Good tools help good work.

Bill

 

[moparfreak]

The Lee Valley bits look amazing, but a whole set costing $400 (1/4' thru 3"), yikes. Not sure how big the set you got is, but if you got it for $40, that is a crazy steal!

 

[djjsr]

I got the 22 pc set from Rockler several years ago but I think it was only around $120 at that time or maybe it was on sale. Nice set for the money.

 

[skruft]

I have various types of all sizes and have been generally satisfied with almost all, including Chinese bits and ones I have found on sale at tool shows. I am a hobbyist so they are not used that often, and I try not to misuse them. I would not pay hundreds of dollars for a small set, as I think the others make perfect holes too.

 

[bczygan]

The Lee Valley bits look amazing, but a whole set costing $400 (1/4' thru 3"), yikes. Not sure how big the set you got is, but if you got it for $40, that is a crazy steal!

The set of 16 and the set of 7.

Was a good deal.

Bill

 

[iScream]

I've got a set of Freud I built up a couple at a time and like them a lot. Haven't used other brands so I can't really say how they compare.

 

[tarbellb]

I can only comment on cheap sets, one from Rockler and one from a cheap Chinese mfg.

They seem identical. I beat my bits up a lot, as I dont do just clean wood working, but a mix of stuff. Basically mistreated them. This also yields which ones lasted longer.

For my money I would either buy a low tier nice looking Chinese set and plan to replace or sharpen.
OR
These from Cripe look really nice and the price is right (made in Austria!)
http://www.cripedistributing.com/ve...ce-forstner-bit-set-austria-1-4-to-2-1-8.html

Good luck.

 

[rharman]

They can be sharpened, you know.

That reminds me.... I need to sharpen mine.

 

[Wamsutta]

Any advice is much appreciated....

W.L. Fuller Inc.

 

[Ainsley]

I have the lee valley set up to 1" and it is very nice! I also have a few specific sizes I've needed. They make some very clean holes.
I've also eyed the CMT bits for a cost effective solution, I have a few of their router bits and they are quite nice.

 

[Gizmosity]

I've been happy with the quality of the Freud forstner bits for a while now, both the HSS and the carbide.

 

[rharman]

I've been happy with the quality of the Freud forstner bits for a while now, both the HSS and the carbide.

Can't go wrong with Freud products. Pricey, but fantastic quality.

 

[moparfreak]

I was going to hold out for some Freuds, but have also been eyeing the Rockler 16 pc set. At over $100 I didn't want to spend, but it just went on sale for $70 and has fantastic reviews. This will be much better for the smaller bore sizes than the Menards "Tool Shop" brand **** I have now. Then I figure can start piecing in higher quality versions of other sizes to supplement as the projects come up:

http://www.rockler.com/16-pc-forstner-bit-set

 

[royesses]

I just use a junker Porter Cable set from Lowes, but I sharpen then frequently, also. Works great, and no tearout when I use a backer board.

Same here. I was amazed that the Porter-Cable set worked so well.

 

[GirchyGirchy]

While I haven't used mine yet...they look fantastic. Sold as Vermont American but labelled as a Bosch set, probably the same as the FB1600 which goes for around $225. Made in Austria...Freud maybe?

http://www.cripedistributing.com/ve...ce-forstner-bit-set-austria-1-4-to-2-1-8.html

 

[knobby]

Happy freud owner here but my set is from the early 90's so i cant comment on the current build quality.