What you need to know about forstner bits

[@optimistichorizon]

I learn so much by watching your videos. Most videos I watch on KZbin I am dumber at the conclusion, BUT NOT YOURS! Thank you.

[@danielwoodbeck779]

I am new to wood working and thanks to Stumpy Nubs I am even MORE interested. I have learned so much from these videos. The more I learn the more I want to learn! Great job keep it up. I like your teaching techniques! I know I don't know much and it's nice you don't point out how stupid I am by talking down the viewer! Now I too am looking into Fisch bits!

[@michaelogden5958]

I've been turning peppermills on and off for several years, using a $50-60 set of clunker sawtooth Forstners. The peppermill pattern I use requires bits from 7/8" to 1 3/4" bits. Even though I'm not hard on ol' Benjamin Forstner's bits, these clunkers repeatedly dulled quickly. Ain't nobody likes burning wood in a wood shop. So I followed Mr. Hamilton's suggestions and began replacing my clunkers with Fisch®and Freud®Forstners. MUCH better so far. Pretty much like the difference between riding on a riding lawn mower and riding in any decent car. Thanks, Stumpy Nubs!

[@mistrcrvr]

I’ve been using Bosch continuous rim bits for 20+ years but you’ve done a good job convincing me about the (Fisch) wave bits…sponsors or not! :)

[@SmooshedEm]

Thank you for making videos with clear, specific information. I rarely leave your videos questioning whether or not I got the information I was searching for.

[@elvibailey6577]

I am a welder/fabricator,now I'm officially one of your online students in wood work. Great info and tips

[@Kelvinkid100]

I am also a certified welder of 19yrs and I have been looking into bringing up my woodworking skills up to my metal knowledge.

[@blackmagic998]

I took up welding 18yrs ago because a miscut or mistake was easier to repair 😅 You cant weld everything around the house so new skills are needed

[@ThirdCoastCraftsman]

Awesome info that was all new to me. I am with you, buy once cry once. Buy the high quality item and you often get what you pay for. It hurts the pocket up front, but it will last MUCH longer, and not only that, it's more enjoyable to use.

[@robbynenriquez]

Buy well and you only cry once! Love Grandma!

[@garybarchas4984]

Thanks! 40+yrs in the trades and I just learned something new. Thanks again!

[@Polkster13]

I just bought a set of 16 Fisch Wave Cutter Forstner bits after doing a great deal of research. They were on sale at Highland Woodworking and they should be here in a couple of days. Then I saw your video on Forstner bits which confirmed to me that I had bought the best set for the money. I picked up my set for $249.99 (regular price is $359.99) and S&H was an additional $13.99. I thought this was a great deal on some very high quality bits that should last me for many years to come. Thanks for the great video and for the confirmation that I have purchased a great set of drill bits.

[@sunburntsatan6475]

Been super frustrated using spade bits, might end up getting a forstner instead. Using wine corks as dowels to join a desk together, definitely a non-conventional use but a very fun introductory project for me! Thanks for the great info, I've seen drill bits crap out after much less use than that so surprising it was able to consistently chew through that maple glacier.

[@michaelogden5958]

"Corks! Never enough corks! Let's procure some more! Red? White? Rosé?" 😉

[@Cecil_X]

I finally bought a set of Fisch forstner bits! They have been on my wish list since this video in 2017. They are Sweet :-) Perfectly clean edges! I grabbed a cheap piece of plywood, from a shipping container I salvaged. The veneer on this stuff is crap. However, the Fisch, wavy edge bit cut perfectly clean rims. Much better than the saw tooth bits I have. After only four test cuts I can already tell I am going to love these! There will be less cursing in the shop now!

[@patrikhafstrom8954]

After first bying cheap forstnerbits I thougt theywere nothing to have but after seeing this video I bought more expensive Makita bits but they were also worthless so I went back to the store with them and orderd new ones from amazon. This time Fisch bits and got them today. I’m so hapy with them. What a difference. Best advice is to buy real stuff direct but as you said you don’t need to buy all at once but don’t throw away money on scrap so you can’t afford real tools when you need them.

[@mikehenthorn1778]

Great video sir. I was just checking my bits and found most of the cheap bits to have birs and Nick's that I wouldn't be happy with on a knife or other blade. As these are blades it looks like I need to replace my bits.

[@Mark-te1tp]

Just want to say thanks, this was a very helpful video for me. I've been using a hole saw bit and using a chisel to get out the remaining wood, but now I will for sure be using these forstner bits!

[@GumdropHandgun]

Thank you, Sir for explaining this in the detail you did. I was about to order a set of medium quality sawtooth bits for a meticulously detailed project I was going to start and decided to cancel that order and buy a much higher quality set of wave cutter bits instead (especially since I've waited ages to get this timber delivered in lockdown and the last thing I want is shredding the wood during cuts, although they won't be as deep as the ones you put into that maple). Thank you for your time! :-)

[@green_building]

Eventhough Stumpy Nubs got sponsored he still hard to debate Because he is very strong in observation and always testing the tools in real application 👍

[@vincegarcia8143]

late to the woodworking scene but your videos are bringing me up to speed. thank you 👍

[@davidjanuszewski5020]

Good presentation... What I have found to be a game-changer is that when purchasing a Forstner-bit, buy the larger sizes with the Hex-shaft, the larger sizes will slip in the chuck if they are round-shank. It takes a lot of horsepower to bore large holes and the Hex-shank is less stress on the chuck tightening and loosening.

[@mistrcrvr]

Great advice

[@bigviper64]

NICE! This is the way a video should be made. Clean, Clear and to the point.

[@kennethlyneham138]

Very informative video on Forstner bits, especially the wavy rim bit which I didn't know about. What I DO know about the Forstner bits is, the word should be capitalised because they are named after and by Benjamin Forstner, a gunsmith born in Pennsylvania USA. Forstner bits were originally designed to be used in a brace.

[@boosterseat9967]

Was gifted a set of Irwin Forstner bits by and old wood shop teacher, a great upgrade from a spade bits and hole saws.

[@StudioRM388]

You are so helpful, I didn't know squat about forstner bits until watching this vid. Thanks for the Fisch link too!

[@royohren5939]

great advice thank you. I was worried my bit was getting warm and now I know why. It may also be poor quality or blunt, possibly both and it is struggling to drill Oak.

[@trevornelmes9331]

Thank you for this video. I am in the UK, and Amazon UK looked like the best place to buy the Fisch bits, but no. I found them cheaper on the Amazon Germany site (a lot cheaper) and managed to get a set of 5 (15-35mm) for about £75 delivered in to the UK, and that includes tax and delivery of around £30!! Subscribed.

[@billybike57]

I watched your Forstner bit video and could see that I was only wasting time and money on cheap bit. I took the dive and purchased the Fisch wave bits. I used them today. Great advise, I love using them. Thanks for this video and your advice!

[@harrywoodman2988]

From a good Serbian friend that made his own lathe for glass blowing, "I'm too poor to be cheap". Buy quality even if it costs more, you'll save in the long run!

[@Hey_MikeZeroEcho22P]

I followed your narration of getting a wavy-rim bit (won't mention brand), but must admit that this type of bit cut just great for the first time using such a bit AND at an angle [45], shavings came off easily, very clean cut, and fits my drill press.....I think I'm going to Subscribe!! Thanks for the differences!

[@damschu23]

Wow...as an Austrian, I didn‘t know Fisch drills were known outside of Europe. Haven‘t seen them used or recommended on any English/American woodworking channel. Glad you like the quality.

[@mtadams2009]

Thanks for the video. I checked my set I have which I paid about 20.00 dollars for a few year ago and the only one had the wavy bit, it was the one inch one. I am only a home hobbyist so I don't see the nicer bits you showed happening for me. They cost more than six times as much. Again thanks as I never knew any of this information, now I do. Thanks

[@jwar2163]

Thank you for the review. I will have to agree the wave cutter is the better choice. I am in the process of replacing some of my very old tools and was looking for the wave cutter and glad I took the time to watch this video. My memory is not as good as it used to be and when I first purchase my old bits was 25 years ago and never wrote down the model and where I purchased them and having moved from state to state with the military I lost track so thank you for the refresher.

[@platypusfrenzy]

Thanks, you convinced me to order some Fisch bits. As a Swede, I trust a man who appreciates the quality of Sjöbergs and Tormek's products :) You need to get an EU sponsor too though - no slam on Affinity here, they seem great, but for those of us in Europe it's cheaper and faster to order from inside the EU and not have to worry about customs and duties.

[@StumpyNubs]

Affinity is the US distributer, but I work with the companies in Sweden (and Austria in the case or Fisch) as well. You may buy them from any source and still be supporting me because their success is my success :)

[@oakenarm]

Jim, thanks for taking the time to put out this vid. I didn't know there ARE different types of bits.

[@jorgepallares7149]

Is there any other brands you can recommend that might be less then the (Fisch)

[@therealsparkman]

Now I know why I can't find any vintage woodworking tools? You have 'em all! Great video. I knew that there were different types available, but didn't know how they compared to each other. Thanks for sharing. Cheers!

[@deronde74]

Stumbled across this while looking for better forstner bits than I was using ($30 set of 10...). Swallowed twice when ordering a single $30 2" one by Fisch, but 16 very clean holes in solid oak later, and I'm a believer...

[@wayneo7220]

I've drilled tens of thousands of holes in HDPE plastic of all sizes up to 4" for my business and yes, I've found Fisch to be the best fostner bit too. They are available in 1/16" increments, but they were not available in the US for a few years and I really missed them. I've used many brands and would put Freud in second place, but they are only available in 1/8" increments. The biggest of my bits are high speed steel which is important to keep an edge on them and are worth the money, at least for the amount of use I give them.

[@hunorkovacs5950]

Have you used Famag bits?

[@wayneo7220]

@@hunorkovacs5950 Yes. Famag is OK, average. Porter Cable were the worst. Terrible cutting edge, but they have a hex shank which is nice. Each bit size and brand seem to have their own personality. I don't have much experience with Irwin (Lowes), just one bit I had to buy when I couldn't get the size in Freud. It didn't cut well and didn't use it for years, but used it later and it cut nicely which was weird. To be fair, my opinion only pertains to drilling HDPE plastic too.

[@AJ_Lucas]

Valuable info as always. Needed a 20mm forsener bit, checked your review first, bought one on Axminster Tools in the UK for £19. Thanks.

[@MrMichaelcurran]

I just bought three cheap smooth bits but yes continued use will dull these bits and I knew it when I bought them locally. Your tips and tricks not show me the error of my ways. Thanks

[@frankdumas7634]

I watched this presentation a few years ago. I bought the bits you recommended. Thanks for the recommendation. The bits still work fine.

[@PSCThrillSeeker]

James great information and explanation on forstner bits. I have always used the continuous forstner bits, but now I'm gonna start replacing them as they go!

[@alansimpson596]

A few month's ago I bought five Festool forstner bits. They were pricey but they sure as hell can do the job.

[@seedubyu]

Great video, very informative and even before the end I decided that "wavy rim" is what I am going to go in for and wow, what a great finish to the video where you repeatedly bored into that lump of Maple. Excellent viewing.

[@0thers1d3]

I cannot believe that video clip at the end!!!! That is INSANE!!! Jesus... you sold me...

[@davidcagnolatti9319]

Grizzly sells a set of Forstner bits with carbide cutting tips. I’ve had them over 15 years, drilled thousands of holes, and they’re still sharp.

[@azycray4801]

One tip to help when drilling at an angle is pre drill the center hole with a 1/4" bit then take out the self feed tip in the forstner and replace with a long enough 1/4" bit to hold the forstner in position until the entire outer rim is in the wood. then you can change it back to the self feed tip.

[@richardclowes6123]

Now that was really informative. . . . never knew they existed. Totally agree with your scenario . . . buy a few regular ones and then others if your going to use them regularly. . . . if your not then use your existing ones. Will be going out and buying 3 wavy toothed ones. Cheers.

[@pauldixon6654]

Hi Stumpy. Many thanks for sharing your vast talents. Please could i ask a Q. when i use a forsner bit i get a collection of wood that sticks to the inside of the bit is it the speed or because its dirty as i do try to keep clean so when i start to use it its not long before i have to stop to unblock the bit. Thank you.

[@Yawles]

I very much appreciate your high quality education you provide us all - my old late father once advised a much younger and poorer me to buy a budget set of drill bits (re also forstner bits). Then, when you find a bit failing, buy the high quality bit to replace it. You will have the full set of lesser used bits for the random yse, and highlighted your set with quality in the size used the most. Would you agree?

[@StumpyNubs]

With drill bits, yes. That makes sense. But cheap forstner bits are just junk. And most people don't need all the sizes anyway. I suggest buying three of four common sizes, then adding to the set as needed.

[@sheltonsmith9270]

Enjoyed meeting you at the AAW show in Raleigh. Getting set up to try my diamond credit card sharpener on my forstner and router bits. And no snide comment today. Have a cold beverage

[@richragan4810]

Thank you for the Forstner bit advice. Just ordered a "Wavy" edge Feud 5/8 Forstner and if it performs like you suggest, and I have no doubt your advice a good, I will order en entire set. I just get too much burning when using in hard wood. I will also try to slow down the drill speed.

[@richragan4810]

One thing I forgot to mention is the set I will order will be the Fisch set from the link on your site.

[@davidquirk8097]

Thank you for the highly educational video. I now feel confident to go and buy some decent Forstner bits to replace the big box store ones I already have. These have been a disappointment to use and I now know why.

[@jerrybobteasdale]

Good one. I have so few Forstners that I've been ignorant of the differences mentioned.

[@mikecoughlin3222]

I have a bucket full of old forstner bits various sizes. When I have to drill a hole I pull all the ones of the same size out and see which one STARTS cutting. most are so dull they just scrape and burn. Thanks for the info.

[@tylerkrug7719]

I believe you when you say that fish it's are the ones to get, I've noticed on your channel you like to use quality things, but don't just throw stacks of cash at things, thinking just because it's expensive it must be good. Lol. That's what I live about your videos, you have the knowledge to back up your claims. 👍

[@carasmussen27]

I had no idea there were three different types. Glad I watched this. Thank you

[@JimsonMakes]

I totally agree with you, the Fisch Wave bits are the best I have used so far. Cheers, Jim

[@michaelpoyntz774]

I really enjoyed this video and it helped me decide to use the Fisch bit. I am drilling a 1/4" depth hole to fit a 1" diameter ladder rung. Should I use a same size bit (1") or go to 1 1/8th bit?

[@bigredracingdog466]

I would use the 1" bit. If the rung doesn't quite fit, wrap some sandpaper lightly around the end and twist it back and forth until it fits snugly.

[@BearsAtticWoodshop]

Love your tutorials. Thank you for sharing so much great information with the woodworking community.

[@Thom4123]

Awesome information I didn't even know there are this many types. I have to say your test I said well are there any question. Going this route as I start to replace my worn bits. Thank you for all the information.

[@AndreaArzensek]

Oh yes! Happy boring. I have purchased the brad point drill bits from Fisch and they out performed any bits I used so far. There were some drill bits I had from some Mexican company that I sadly sold and there were very close to Fisch quality, and yes - they were not cheap either. Maybe few bucks less than Fisch. In the drill bit market you usually get what you pay for. Cheers!

[@TingTingalingy]

I've come to learn that not all drill bits are created equally. I will keep Fisch in mind for future purchases.

[@Nodrog2502]

A very useful video which helped me choose the best bit for my purpose. Thanks.

[@denbarris783]

Thank you for your videos, You can really tell that your put a lot of effort into your program and you have excellent content information. Really well done.

[@leocrossfield]

Superb as always - love your presentations and application of what comes across as common sense - but only once you know. Thank you.

[@vicariouswitness]

I'm not Bored of your videos """ thxs so much for sharing , you just helped me increase my game, thanxs again!

[@093685rg1]

Keep sharing your knowledge. I learn a lot from your videos. I want to upgrade my forstner bits. I am a hobbiest and work with all sorts of wood. I decided to buy the Frisch wavy rim bits but then learned of Frisch Black Shark forstner bits. I did some internet surfing and got the impression that the Black Shark bits have a wavy profile but are a little better for hardwoods. I need to replace my old saw toothed bits. Given that I'm a general "sawdust maker", would the Black Shark be "overkill" or really not suited for general use?

[@andrewrodriguez8492]

What would y'all recommend for rough plumbing? I like forstner bits but there's always a hidden nail somewhere and once my forstner bit hits one, it's done. Sure I can sharpen it but I don't have time to be sharpening my bits every 2 minutes. I only want a 1.5 inch forstner bit as I use hole saws for bigger pipes.

[@bigredracingdog466]

Spade bits.

[@claybear000]

Thank you for the educational information regarding forstner bits. You offer a wealth of information.

[@ensoniq2k]

I also got Fisch bits, they are expensive but have never let me down. Unlike the cheap ones that were dull right from the start

[@davidsherlock5748]

Super instructive video. Well presented and easy to follow. Thank you so much.

[@markhedquist9597]

Fisch makes some excellent bits, for sure. A family owned business as well, I believe.

[@wilbur63wb]

I am NOT a woodworker but would love to start learning. I really appreciate your videos and find them very informative. Thanks for that! Sorry in advance for the (probably) stupid question but, are forstener bits only for woodwork in a drill press? Could they be used in a cordless drill? Again, sorry...

[@StumpyNubs]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/pKCTqoyLZ7GgmLs

[@wilbur63wb]

@@StumpyNubs Awesome! Thank you

[@broshadow]

Thank you man. Great information, answered my question thoroughly. Appreciate your videos very much. 5 stars! 👍

[@nate-408]

A test like that is most definitely scientific! Great info as always thanks!

[@ProspectorBill]

Great article James. Unless you have an inexpensive table top drill press, you can invest 1/2 or 1/3 in the Fisch bits. $339 for a full set is beyond reasonable.

[@TheNarrowBoatToTheDeepNorth]

Brilliant video, thanks for posting it. We have a wee question. We need to make a pocket hole to fit a 38mm recessed brass ring pull handle in maple wood. Should we use a 38mm or 40mm forstner bit? Thank you.

[@carolmcdonald3605]

Thanks for the tip. I have a set, haven't used them yet. Like you suggested, going to buy some choice sizes.

[@rapaent]

Thanks for the great video! I want to drill some 1/4" holes for tie down tracking on my enclosed trailer vinyl over wood walls. Regular drill bits cause the paper thin white vinyl to separate from the wood and twist. In return, it causes a wrinkle in the vinyl at times as much as an inch or two. Any idea of what type of drill bit can be used for creating a clean hole without grabbing/separating the vinyl over wood? I would appreciate any advice. Thanks again.

[@daanvangeijlswijk7787]

Interesting! Thanks! I just bought my first forstner bit of 50 mm. In need to drill a hole, about 350mm through a tree. To then put in a steel 50 mm pin. I will need to extend the bit. Is that ok for a forstner bit?

[@kevinbowker2385]

I didn't realize that I needed to know that much about forstner bits! Thank you for the education!

[@blackadder1966]

Thanks. I have been thinking of getting some forstner bits and didn't know there were different types.

[@dougblazer1376]

I never knew there were different types of foreigner bits. Thanks for the video. I have set of saw tooth bits and just thought they were all the same.

[@samyworkshop255]

Your videos are awesome! Very informative! Who knew there were different types of forstner bits?

[@ronswanson3656]

Great video Stumpy. Really appreciate the content you produce.

[@Omarateastwind]

Great info I didn't know....bought a set of 7 for $95...not bad at all for quality bits!

[@kellyfairchild7383]

✨Great video. I have a question. I see you are using a drill press. Can you use these with a hand held drill? Thanks 😊

[@StumpyNubs]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/pKCTqoyLZ7GgmLs

[@denbarris783]

I cant understand why you dont have 5 million subscribers.

[@LarryDickman1]

Because we don't teach our children in schools. I took wood shop and metal shop all thru high school. Plus kids would rather be on line

[@atomicskillet]

I realize this is a woodworking channel, however, could I use a forstner bit for acrylic/plexiglass also?

[@StumpyNubs]

Absolutely. But, as with any cutter (saw, drill bit, etc.) you have to run it very slowly to avoid melting the acrylic. And DEFINATELY clamp the workpiece down. Forstner bits may catch on hard materials and you don't want your hand to be injured if it spins the workpiece out of your grasp.

[@atomicskillet]

@@StumpyNubs Thank you!

[@bwcarlin]

I purchased a Fisch 1.5" Forstner to bore 24 holes into 3/4" hard maple edge grain. The drill speed chart recommends 250rpm, but my inexpensive drill press only goes down to 760rpm. I presume that feeding slowly would be adequate, especially since I am using wavy Forstner bits. Please reply with any advice. Thanks.

[@johnbarry7867]

Hello James and all, I am trying t figure out what is a good drill press to get. I'm a beginner wood worker, so I'd describe my use and occasional to moderate. Thanks for any ideas, tips, etc.

[@maniyan_wanagi]

Shoot....... those Fisch bits are downright reasonable priced! Been looking for a better replacement for my old Craftsman set, and this'll be it! Thanks!

[@robedwards6926]

Hi, I need to cut small holes in my kitchen cabinets to run some wires. The angle is weird and I have to hold the drill sideways. I was going to use a spade bit but concerned of the hole not going through straight. Was considering a hole saw also. What would you recommend for this?

[@donaldnemcovsky4137]

Thanks for this have been strugling with this and looking for a solution. The info here made my decision-making process alot more simple

[@Sebastopolmark]

VERY WELL DONE Mr Nubbs. GREAT content and these videos are, IMHO filled with facts. Thanks again for the videos.

[@bigredc72]

Love watching your videos. Would it be possible in a future episode for you talk about how you store the tools behind you and what you have?

[@lipestyle813]

Great video. I'm curious, does using a drill press alleviate any of the chatter or rough edges when using a saw toothed bit?

[@StumpyNubs]

I always get better results with a drill press, no matter what style of bit I use.

[@sagogago]

thanks for the video, How about the final surface finish of the cut? I am looking for a true flat finish surface (except the guide hole in the center of course) is there a true flush forstner bit, or should i always expect a deeper cut on the guide rim area ? i want to cut 3 mm deep on a 4 mm plexiglass. Many thanks

[@johnslaughter5475]

Pricey? Yep, sure is. But, while you'd end up paying more in the long run, the individual bits are definitely affordable. Getting them from the Big A with the 2 day shipping means not even waiting too long. We might even be in same day delivery zone next year, 2020.

[@jimrodriguez8047]

Very interesting and useful information! Thank you!

[@Postmann88]

Thanks for the tip! This looks like exactly what I need. Do they make these bits for hand held drills, or are they just for drill presses?

[@StumpyNubs]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/pKCTqoyLZ7GgmLs

[@traceymorris511]

Thanks for the info! Is there one that can cut through wood and resin? Would really appreciate your answer as I'm in the middle of a project.

[@StumpyNubs]

Assuming it's a epoxy resin, I don't see why you would need a special bit for it.

[@64maxpower]

You are right. I did learn things I didn't know about forstner bits-thanks