Clever tricks with forstner bits

[@StumpyNubs]

These tips and tricks will help you bet more from your forstner bits. ▼EXPAND THIS SECTION FOR MORE RESOURCES RELATED TO THIS VIDEO▼ *Tools used in this video:* Fisch Forstner Bits: amzn.to/2tvzbJg *More links to check out:* -More videos on our website: stumpynubs.com/ -Subscribe to our e-Magazine: stumpynubs.com/browse-and-subscribe/ -Check out our project plans: stumpynubs.com/product-category/plans/ -Instagram: instagram.com/stumpynubs/ ★THIS VIDEO WAS MADE POSSIBLE BY★ Fisch Forstner Bits: amzn.to/2tvzbJg Fisch Drill Bits: amzn.to/2BHJLl4 *Please help support us by using the link above for a quick look around!* (If you use one of these affiliate links, we may receive a small commission) ★SOME OF MY FAVORITE CHEAP TOOLS★ -123 Blocks: lddy.no/vpij -Mechanical Pencils: amzn.to/2PA7bwK -Lumber pencil: amzn.to/2QtwZjv -Pocket Measuring Tape: amzn.to/2kNTlI9 -Irwin Drill Bit Gauge: amzn.to/2AwTkQg -Nut/Bolt/Screw Gauge: amzn.to/2CuvxSK -Self-Centering Punch: amzn.to/2QvbcrC -Self-Centering Bits: amzn.to/2xs71UW -Angle Cube: lddy.no/10nam -Steel Ruler: lddy.no/10mv7 -Utility knife: amzn.to/3nfhIiv -Center-Finding Ruler: lddy.no/10nak -Bit & Blade Cleaner: amzn.to/2TfvEOI -Digital depth gauge: amzn.to/3mwRf2x -Wood Glue: amzn.to/3mqek6M -Spade Bits: amzn.to/3j8XPtD ★SOME OF MY FAVORITE HAND TOOLS★ -Digital Caliper: amzn.to/384H1Or -Marking Gauge: lddy.no/10muz -Marking knife: lddy.no/10mv0 -Narex Chisels: lddy.no/sqm3 -Stanley Sweetheart Chisels: amzn.to/3y5HDOc -Mini Pull Saw: amzn.to/2UEHBz6 -Gent Saw: lddy.no/ss2x -Coping saw: amzn.to/2W7ZiUS -Shinwa Rulers: lddy.no/zl13 ★SOME OF MY FAVORITE POWER TOOLS★ -Miter Saw: amzn.to/3gqIlQ8 -Jointer: amzn.to/3yc3gfZ -Planer: amzn.to/3mn6BGF -Router: amzn.to/3grD22S -Sander: amzn.to/3DdvD0Y -Cordless drill: amzn.to/3D9ZiIm -Brad nailer: amzn.to/3gsRkjH -Mini Compressor: amzn.to/3mvrmQr -Bladerunner: amzn.to/2Wl0TtJ -Jig Saw: amzn.to/3zetTBY -Scroll Saw: amzn.to/3gq9qDc -Multi-Tool: amzn.to/3muZuMi ★SOME OF MY FAVORITE OTHER TOOLS★ -Drill Bits: amzn.to/3B8Ckzh -Forstner Bits: amzn.to/3kk3wEI -Shop Vacuum: amzn.to/2Wkqnbl -Machine Setup Blocks: amzn.to/3gq7kDh -Counter-Sink Bit: amzn.to/37ZukUo -Featherboard: amzn.to/3DeqHsq -ISOtunes Hearing Protection (Save $10): bit.ly/3BHYdH7 (If you use one of the affiliate links above, we may receive a small commission)

[@pacificcoastpiper3949]

Thanks for the great video stumpy

[@uuid.uuid4]

^ typo alert - “get” more

[@rolfs2165]

In case nobody has said it yet: yes please, do make a video on the different uses of hole saws, spade, and forstner bits.

[@kevincranford148]

I just discovered you and your channel. You are excellent and very precise on your descriptions. Love what you do. Do you have a video in sharpening any of your metal tools? Thank you sir for your time.

[@StumpyNubs]

@@kevincranford148 If you go to my main channel page and scroll down, you will find a playlist full of sharpening videos. kzbin.info/door/stwpLSByklww1YojZN-KiQ

[@CrookedSkew]

No woodwork channel I've seen to date can compress as much practical value into ~5 minutes with such articulate commentary yet still be so enjoyable to watch. Please keep this format!

[@jamespyacek2691]

You put it well. Following this guy.

[@bluewren65]

Agreed. The skill and experience in both woodworking and video making to achieve this is astounding.

[@Simon_Jakle__almost_real_name]

I wish to every interested versatile craftman to receive at least partly the amount of cool/cewl tools tightly described in a hard to deny manner by stumpy nubs, if not in life, maybe in heaven. Which craftman doesn't dream of having a hall or hangar assorted (to be asserted?) with everything wanted to realize an own minded concept, instead of having to use tool sets hardly gotten spared as if the craftman is supposed to chant with remnants. Not really wanting to mention all the tool and similar stuff not or hardly available anymore (if the devils cave shall remain unscathed). So where would we get the money from not being able to be devotive "tool monks" as beings with two legs with a still pumping heart?

[@drreason2927]

Always very good information. But an additional reason I love this channel is that you don't waste my time with a stupid themed lead-in, and your calm and peaceful narration is just icing on the fantastic cake! Keep doing what you do!

[@RondeLeeuw]

That's exactly what I like about him! You don't have to put on a long, sensational show to be sensational -- on the contrary.

[@deadle_]

This channel is fast becoming my absolute favourite little corner of the internet. More great tips!

[@harrypowers9412]

I agree !

[@scottmatthews30]

I'm a little embarrassed at how much this gentleman has taught me after 15 years of carpentry. Granted, I spent 11 of them as a military reservist. This guy is a go to for a lot. Keep it goin Stump

[@Butterball3588]

Never too old to learn new things!

[@robertschulke1596]

You can pre-drill a pilot hole with a 1/16” or 1/8” twist bit, then run the Forstner bit in halfway from each side. No tear-out. Perfect matches every time.

[@takeniteasyfriend]

Nice idea. I see the small 1/8 bit makes a hole perfect for the point on the Forster to line up 👍👌🏻

[@max-zv7sf]

I arrived at the same principle when i had to use hole saws for material too thick for the capacity of the hole saw. It really works well!

[@shedmanx3640]

I have been using this method for years. Never fails me.

[@vjurco]

Good idea, I will probably add that with handhold drilling it is quite important to pre-drill the hole perfectly right-angle - or the top and bottom main holes will not match.

[@benwhite3227]

Good tip.

[@stoptfg295]

You're like the woodworking equivalent to Technology Connections and I love it. Both of you are clearly passionate, relaxed, and just seem happy to be sharing what you love. Even your backgrounds remind me of each other.

[@kiri101]

I also watch both, good stuff

[@rjtumble]

Awesome tips, I hadn't thought of using tape like that and I really liked the last one re: stepping the bit size up from the other side of the board, thanks!

[@Night56Owl]

Would this not risk blowout on the backside on the second pass?

[@veikkoimmonen7300]

@@Night56Owl Was just thinking about that, and have a solution in mind: 1. Start the original hole with the larger bit, go just ~1 mm deep or so. 2. Switch to the smaller bit and go almost through, just the tip. 3. Use the larger bit to finish the hole from the opposite direction - this hole will then meet the starter hole from step 1. You need to be careful in step 2, though. If the center thingies of the bits are not equal size, auto-centering the smaller bit may not be as accurate as you'd think.

[@fins9584]

@@veikkoimmonen7300 Another way to do it would be to use the smaller bit until the tip protrudes, then cover the entry hole with tape. Drill through from the other side until the tip pokes a hole in the tape. Finish from the tape side.

[@mikeroberson1461]

I recently had a project that required seventeen 2" holes drilled in 3/4 plywood. After blowing out the first few holes, I did the following: Drilled a small pilot hole, 2" forstner just over halfway through, Flip the work over and drill a 3/4" hole from the center on the backside, Use a flush cut router bit from the backside. This kept my bit and drills cooler as rotating between tools gave them time. The backsides never blew out, and I had nice clean holes on both sides.

[@LegionaireSiggi]

I greatly appreciate that you always seem to make a video just before I start a new project that answers the problems I run into.

[@68HC060]

Fisch forstner bits are excellent. Right after I first saw a video about them on this channel, I purchased one to try them out. It's been years now, and there's never been any tear-out at all with the wave-cutters I bought. Thanks again James for the recommendation - and I definitely agree, everyone should try Fisch. And like James, I still use spade bits, but only for drilling in used wood (that may contain nails or when I drill holes through the ceiling). Note: They have different types of forstner bits; apart from the cutter type, they have different shank and tip types as well.

[@blacknorce]

Your the one who sold me on Fisch bits. I waited for a sale and bought a whole set. They are the best bits I have ever used. If anyone is on the fence, just get them and make smooth holes already.

[@BillPleasanton]

James, another AWESOME video! Thanks! A tip I learned about Forstner bits that you didn't mention is starting the hole with the Forstner bit in REVERSE. If you start in reverse you don't get the tearout that the sawtooth Forstner bits can create. Start it in reverse, cut through those initial fibers, then drop it into forward mode and finish the hole. Saves having to use a scrap piece... Your content is awesome and appreciated, another happy subscriber!

[@wtmayhew]

Thanks for the tips. Now I’ll be using my Forstner bits more intelligently. I appreciate the succinct style of presentation without distracting background music.

[@paulroussell]

I watch EVERY one of your videos! Always learning something new. Your delivery style is excellent.

[@colinbateman8233]

I find your cometary informative as a finishing carpenter with forty plus years of experience I appreciate your clear consistency of explaining many different applications having trained a number of apprentices I find it good to use your videos as reference

[@ahsujmw]

Every video you make I learn something new and find out I’ve been doing something properly.

[@tomtimmons2228]

I learn something new every time I watch your tutorials. Thanks again and again.

[@edhalson3154]

Legend! James, yet again I come away with at least 3 new tricks or tips from your channel. I watch for notifications eagerly every day waiting for your next posting! I cannot thank you enough for these - they are changing my skills and ability dramatically. I especially love Cool Tools and these tips/tutorials. Brilliant work! Thank you!

[@1a1u0g9t4s2u]

Did not know there was this much to learn and know about forester bits. Thanks for sharing.

[@glencrandall7051]

I love the tips on re-boring with larger bits. Thank you for sharing. Have a great day and stay safe.

[@alvaroschudeck957]

Another tip: Drill with a small bit (2 mm), and then can drill with the foster bit on each side, so you dont have to use the foster bit to the bottom until it appears to the other side (that us dificult to do, normally oneself pass all the wood to the other side), but with the small hole, you can easily stop drilling one half and flip it and drill from the other face of the piece of wood.

[@jamespyacek2691]

Or us the 2mm bit to punch through after you've drilled part way with the FORSTNER bit. You have the indent right there in the center of the whole. Good video! My first one. Pure information. No muss no fuss.

[@dandavis8697]

_

[@bri3268]

I do very little wood work. In fact I only do DIY fixes for things around the house, and only when necessary. Regardless of that, I have subscribed to your channel. A recent video I watched 'BANNED: Woodworking's most dangerous tool?' hooked me. Wow. Who knew about quandrants? Not me. I wish I knew this when I was repairing a post to my front porch. I now know how to use the tool in a much safer fashion. Sorry to see you suffered an injury. Your accident has gone a long way to showing me to be careful when using this tool. Anyway, watching it, this one and others, I am in awe of the simplicity of what you suggest and how informative your videos are, thus making it time well spent. I somehow know in future I'll need to fix something, and I also know one of your videos will come to mind, making the job that much easier to do. So, I am thanking you in advance. Keep the videos coming.

[@rainertrier4987]

Condensed and valuable information with perfect illustrating pictures and calm voice in modest narration - thank you so much!

[@5055hunter]

The tape trick to bore a larger hole is outstanding! I've struggled with this in the past and almost always messed it up, requiring a redo of the entire part. Thanks!!!

[@nadenitza]

That overlap guide tip for the hand drill will surely save a lot of souls, including mine. Thanks for the simple yet brilliant solution!

[@mk1st]

Excellent! I bought a set without knowing about the different types, glad I happened upon one with waves.

[@Smurphenstein]

You have in my mind the best KZbin woodworking channel. Such good info.

[@darkpassenger65]

I use forstner bits a lot, and I never knew this. This is why I subscribed.

[@nafnaf0]

Using the scrap piece as a guide is brilliant. I will defiantly use that

[@robw95]

Great video. Your material is always presented so logically and clearly.

[@carasmussen27]

Thank you! I just bought a set of forsners bits and cannot wait to try them out.

[@BenNawrath]

Great tips! Love the blue tape ideas. Another thing I’ll add, for a piece you can’t easily flip (like making dog holes in a work bench), start the hole with the large/final size bit, just go down an 8th or 1/4. Then hog your way thru with a smaller one you can even use a spade bit or auger, then follow up with the forstner to finish the hole. Your initial hole will act as a guide to locate it.

[@j10001]

Brilliant!

[@gary1anderson]

I appreciate the sharing of your knowledge and experience along with the physics of getting things done. This provides me with a logical way to remember the tips and tricks you share so I can get it right all the time.

[@utrinqueparatus4617]

Refreshingly well-prepared, clear, concise and free of the use-twenty-words-where-two-will-do, machine-gun delivery of too many 'experts'.

[@HMABH]

i was supposed to drill holes on my new amateur's made workbench for bench dogs .. but then i got lazy and openend youtube and this came into my recommendations and now i drilled holes .. thanks for the boost ...

[@highdownmartin]

Great tip about using a spare hole as a jig to get the oversize started. Top man

[@nigeld8694]

This video is super useful, especially the tips in the last half covering how to enlarge holes and also the tips about using them in a hand drill. Thanks so much!

[@88azturbo]

The most clever tips are usually the most simple. Thanks!

[@mewzishun]

Terrific tips. I particularly like the one using tape to position a larger bit over a smaller hole.

[@terlik3537]

I am not a carpenter or some thing... I never use any tools that you use, other than drilling one or more hole in a year but I just enjoy the way you explain, and present things :-)

[@bryancaviness8788]

I always come to this channel for the LD on things. Reliable source.

[@mathewkinetix9180]

I mostly just make boxes and drill holes in them (I make custom arcade controllers from wood, mostly for personal use) and I love all the tips I've learned from not just this video, but your channel as a whole. I really love your videos!

[@spuds6423]

Just got a set for my birthday. Thanks for the tips, James!!!!👍👍👍👍👍

[@xbronn]

thanks! re-boring was a pain for me, live and learn

[@machinistbytrade]

Forstner bits also work great for coring cabbages when making sour heads or sauerkraut!

[@michaelwarren2391]

But I can't figure how to hold the head of cabage steady under the drill press. 😁😁

[@TheLarryBrown]

Remind me never to eat at your house. . Sauerkraut a-la motor oil.

[@laff000]

I have a set of old Forester bits that I use for carving jack o lanterns.

[@raydriver7300]

Thank you James, sound advice as always and it was a revelation when I bought a set of Fisch bits. So much better than my DIY set 🌞

[@Shikagsu]

Thank you for including the chart! Will definitely make use of that.

[@boromaushelms281]

...as Austrian I have easy access to Fisch drilling stuff and I can recommend the bits as well. Great video and tips as usual, thank you James!

[@markduggan3451]

Your tips are never dull.

[@joshuamacdonald4913]

I literally needed to hear this yesterday. I forgot I had a few forstner bits in the shop and had a job where I could use them

[@richragan4810]

James you're amazing with all I continue to learn from you. Thank you!

[@benmoore8147]

Great video. Your forstner bit sharpening video a while back was great too! Brought my old hand-me-down bits back to life

[@yawningowl1579]

Beyond this clip’s excellent informative content, it should serve as an model as to what a well thought out, high quality clip - from concept to realisation - looks like!

[@cpamfly6858]

This is full of great information. Thank you.

[@profcah]

Great tips! The tips for drilling larger holes, especially the tape trick, were genius!

[@andrewbrown8148]

Wow, that tape trick for over-boring or even counterboring a hole at the drill press is genius~! Wish I'd know about this one (or figured it out myself) years ago~! Thanks for sharing this one, Stumpy~!!

[@takeniteasyfriend]

The point-through-the-blue-tape method on the drill press will work magic! No more lost material!!! 👍🎯

[@mikecurtin9831]

Many useful tips, explained clearly and concisely, although sometimes quietly. Thanks much, James.

[@larrybud]

Love this channel. Here's one which I did while using a forstner recently: Cutting 5/8 through ply and the layers of each ply (cheap HD crap) kept getting stuck in the bit. Raising the bit and the ply still wouldn't come clean. Rather than stopping the press, cleaning it out, and restarting, I just raised the bit, and blew it out with compressed air while it was running. It was powerful enough to eliminate it, plus it cleaned the rest of the workpiece so I could finish the hole.

[@kerrygibbs8198]

I really enjoy these short videos! I always learn from them. Professional information that helps us !!

[@ericrose3877]

Great guidelines, Stumpy, now I have a better idea of what sizes, brands, and practices to focus on for my assessment of what to get next and how to use. Thank you.

[@Mark_Wood]

Those tape tips are solid gold!

[@peterfenwick2540]

Agree with everything you said James. I do a lot of drilling with Forstners and I like the toothed one as I can easily sharpen it.

[@thomaslamora1679]

great tips - especially the boring a larger hole over an existing.

[@kingdwan6486]

Excellent video on forstner bits. Thank you.

[@bearthompson6506]

Perfect timing! I’ve been working on a project that needs several large-ish holes and having some troubles hand drilling with my Forstners (don’t have a drill press). This gives me a couple ideas to try (including possibly ordering a wavy bit). As always, thanks for the tips!

[@actionjksn]

I have an excellent forstner bit tip that may help. I needed to fill some screw holes in some wood with oak dowels so that I could re drill them and get the screws to bite. I took a half inch forstner bit and tried drilling a piece of wood and putting a half inch dowel in it and it was very loose. The next size smaller forstner was way too small. I put a cheap forstner bit into my drill press and took a large metal file and held it against the side of the bit and used it like a lathe and took the bit down about a 1/16. It may seem like it would no longer be able to cut but the forstner bit has enough of a cutting surface on the face of it and it still worked well enough and still made clean holes. I had to cut 99 holes with that bit and it worked perfectly fine. It obviously did not drill as well as it did before I took a file to it but it was totally usable. I put wood glue on the dowels and hammered them in and they were nice and snug. Be careful not to take too much off so stop and test it in a piece of scrap wood with a piece of the dowel that you're going to use. Just don't use a forstner bit like the ones he is advertising here. Just get a cheap forstner bit from the Home Depot. They probably make a special bit for drilling holes to fit dowels perfectly but I did not have that. This method work perfectly and only cost about $7. You should probably mark the bit that you do this to so that you know that it's not a standard size bit.

[@suzannecrawford7015]

Love the info and love the format. Keep it coming!!!!

[@lincolndickerson1293]

Great explanation, tips, and tricks. I real connect with you style of presentation.

[@RondeLeeuw]

Another great video! When I use forstner bits, torque vs heat is a recurring issue for me, so thanks to your advice I'm now also a fan of the WAVY forstner bits. 😍

[@scottmeter5393]

Thanks, some welcome advise for Forstner bits.

[@craigmouldey2339]

I liked your tip of boring the larger, desired hole in a scrap of wood and using it as a guide to rebore the other piece of wood.

[@brucelytle1144]

Gotta say, the tape bit is good! I used to do electrical work, from basic construction to finish work on mega (40-60 million type of!) yachts. I thought I had seen it all (not really!)! This was good! Reminded me of ole tricks, and taught me new ones!

[@tompatrick9070]

Hadn’t seen this one even though I subscribe. You always provide at least a tip or two I haven’t heard before. Thanks!

[@arth.4196]

Stumpy not to speak wimpy. But I have learned so much. I have bought a lot of Branded tools you have shown. Thanks 👍

[@gsmith8234]

Good show. I discovered that one can purchase carbide forster bits which transformed my experience

[@tomt9543]

I love all the different ways commenters have come up with to spell “Forstner”! Ha! Good video !

[@tonyparker4211]

Only yesterday l was researching how to drill a blind hole in a guitar project I’m currently working on. Just thought of this whilst watching your video and not sure if this is an old trick. If a hand drill is all you have and need to make blind hole to a specific depth, make a through hole in a scrap piece of wood then score two small lines on the inside of the scrap guide piece. The first line is the top of your bit when it touches the work piece and the second line to the depth required. The distance between the scored lines is your depth. Secure the scrap piece over where the blind hole is to be and carefully drill down, frequently checking if you can see the second line. To make it easier to see the scored line, colour it with a fine tipped Sharpie. The scoring will prevent the line from being rubbed off as you drill down. I haven’t tried this method yet but it should work.

[@BradsWorkbench]

I bought the small set of fisch fostner bits and my god are they amazing! Worth buying especially for the most commonly used sizes

[@davebenson1504]

Thank you... great tips for an absolute beginner...

[@troykruse5161]

Another awesome tip from the Master Thanks 👍🏻

[@johncarter9067]

I love your informative videos I use everything I've learnt in last few years of watching your videos keep them coming

[@ikust007]

Thank you very much. Many things I didn’t know! Love it.

[@Chris.Davies]

Very timely, Mr. The Nubs! I just inherited a box of forstner bits. Thank you, kindly.

[@petersampson4635]

Looks like I'll have to go "Fisching". 👍 Thanks Stumpy.

[@mikegrier2829]

More great info and some great “tips and tricks” for usage.

[@robertrussell2595]

Very, very good enunciation and expression in voice. I understood clearly what was said. Clean and informative. Please remove ring for safety when using moving machinery or tools.

[@Dirk3672_StupidYT]

Excellent tips. Well done and thank you!

[@asoggyburger479]

I always learn something when I watch your videos!

[@62Cristoforo]

This kind of useful advice reminds me of advice from old timer carpenters, the ones who could rip an 8’ sheet straight as an arrow with just a hand saw. Useful and practical, well thought out.

[@robmcdiarmid285]

I just burnt out my cordless drill and nearly twisted my wrist trying bore an overlapping 2-1/4" hole with a sawtooth forstner bit. So many tips from this video I could have used haha

[@ukcarver]

That video was very good and although I’ve used these drill bits for many years I found some really great ideas.

[@acommenter5184]

Nice video filled with practical tips - thanks!

[@MCsCreations]

Thanks a lot for all the tips, James! 😃 Stay safe there with your family! 🖖😊

[@bradfry5403]

Some very handy tips many thanks for sharing.

[@johnmaher9462]

I am not a pro but to me I would keep my fingers away from that drill bit. You give great safety tips all the time.

[@henryblack3974]

I agree fingers only an inch away, try that with a 3” bit and small piece of ply. Ply spins fingers get grabbed by bit, messy. Holdown clamp on drill press as you would use for drilling sheet metal.

[@billybike57]

Always solid information from your channel, thanks!

[@vanwin5415]

Excellent young man, very knowledgeable.

[@arielerlanger]

tape trick is outstanding, that's such a common issue, great idea