The Forstner drill bit is a popular bit used by woodworkers when making furniture, creating inlays in veneer, and whenever an edge hole, overlapping holes, cross-grain hole, or boring at an angle (called a pocket hole) is required. These bits are also useful for quickly removing large amounts of material, referred to as "hogging."
The Forstner drill bit was invented by Benjamin Forstner (1834-1897.) He was a gunsmith and was frustrated by the use of available drill bits when a smooth-sided hole with a flat bottom was required. His original design involved a round cylindrical cutting edge without any gaps. It was patented on September 24, 1874. Modern Forstner bits have split ring cutting edges in order to improve the removal of material during the drilling process. Typically, when using these bits, they need to be removed from the hole from time to time in order to remove the cut material from the hole.
Cordless 18V Drill
The key to understanding the usefulness and benefits of the Forstner drill bit lies in its shape. The bit consists of a center point, which centers the hole and guides the bit through the hole. The cylindrical cutters around the perimeter shear the wood fibers at the edge of the bore and help guide the bit into the material more precisely. The radial cut off edges on the bit plane of the material at the bottom of the hole. The results are a flat bottom hole precisely cut through the wood to the proper depth. The bit is not affected by the grain of the wood or by imperfections in the stock. Sawtooth Forstner bits are available. They cut faster but produce a more ragged hole. Since Forstner bits require greater force than other types of drill bits to move through the material being bored, they are typically used in drill presses.
An example of the value of using a Forstner bit comes when there is a need to join several lengths of wood in order to create a cabinet door. One method is to use dowels set into the edges of the planks. The Forstner bit is the bit of choice because it easily moves through the edge of the boards and leaves a flat-bottomed hole for the dowel to sit in.
Another example of the usefulness of Forstner bits is the installation of barrel hinges in cabinet doors. These hinges are installed in the edges of the door and cabinet frame and are completely invisible when the door is closed. Once again, the Forstner bit can best produce the precision hole necessary to complete this process successfully as its direction is not affected by the end grain of the wood.
Forstner bits are usually more expensive than other types of drill bits and can be found in most hardware stores, large home improvement stores, and online. Their usefulness in a variety of applications makes their higher cost acceptable. They come in a variety of sizes ranging from 1/4" to 4". They are usually found in sets and can be found with carbide tips. Carbide tipped drill bits are preferred as they keep their sharpness longer, cut into material more easily and generate less heat when in use.
Stereo System Speakers Panasonic Wireless Surround Sound System Nutrition Powder