Fostner Bits - Woodworking Talk

mi77915 · 10-05-2009, 01:04 PM

I am looking for an inexpensive set of fostner bits. At this point, I only need a Ø2 1/8" bit. I do not do plan a lot of work with these bits, but for occasional use only. I came across these and would like your opinion on them:http://cgi.ebay.com/16-pc-Forstner-B...d=p3286.c0.m14

Any comments or suggestions?

Thank you,

Tom

rrbrown · 10-05-2009, 01:24 PM

They look like the standard china made set which I bought at Harbor Freight for 22.00 (on sale) because I needed one for occasional use. After drilling over a hundred holes with same bit in both maple and oak the bit seems to be staying sharp. All the bits seem straight and balanced. I'm pleased with the set I bought but have no idea what a good set is like. I hope this helps.

sweensdv · 10-05-2009, 01:43 PM

I agree that they look very similar to the HF set. My first set of forstner bits was a smaller 7 piece set that I got at HF. The bits worked surprisingly well and stayed sharp for quite a while. For moderate to light use that set you looked at will serve you well. If you don't have a Harbor Freight store close by then that $29 price isn't a bad price for delivery to your door.

mi77915 · 10-06-2009, 06:55 AM

Thanks for your comments! I'll give them a try, can't go wrong for the price.

Tom

**Daren** · 10-06-2009, 02:24 PM

Did you buy them ? I too have a set (or 2) of those I bought back when I was running a plumbing shop, purchased on sale from HF. The low price attracted me since I was doing remodels too and figured I would trash some hitting nails in studs/sill plates/floors running new water lines...still have them 10 years later. They do get dull, but are not HSS so they can easily be sharpened (with a bit a patience) with a triangle shaped saw file like this.

I think I sat down and sharpened my whole set not long ago in an hour...good as new. I have seen other single forstner bits sell for what that whole set sells for. So like you said it's kinda hard to go wrong at that price.

mi77915 · 10-06-2009, 03:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Daren

Did you buy them ?.........

I just ordered them this morning!!!

Tom

mi77915 · 10-09-2009, 06:19 AM

Well, I received my order. I guess you can't expect too much for 16 bits for $30.00!!!! When I opened the package, the bottom fell off the wooden box!!! That was the first sign of the "quality" of the purchase. Out of the 16 bits, three of them where never sharpened, they where still in the "as cast" condition!!!! The ones that where sharpened, only had an edge that was approx. 1/16" wide. I have not tried to drill a hole with any of them yet. I have other forstner bits (craftsman) that are good quality bits to compare them to. Like I mentioned earlier, what should I expect for $30??!!

Tom

**Daren** · 10-09-2009, 09:33 AM

That stinks

Refund ?

cabinetman · 10-09-2009, 10:08 AM

I'm a flea market and garage sale junkie. A lot of those boxed kits look similar. I bought a set like this one for $20. Looks a bit like the HF set (except for the tips).

For occasional use the inexpensive set should serve you well, especially if you can dress them up yourself. Even carbide tipped tooling can be dressed with a diamond hone.

mi77915 · 10-09-2009, 10:20 AM

I'm going to give them a try this weekend. I'm hoping that they will to the job, as I only need them for an occasional hole in a few of my projects. The one that I need for my current project, is the Ø2 1/8", this one looks like it will work OK.

I'll try to sharpen them as I need them, again, for occasional use, they just might be good enough. I can't see spending $100+ for a set that I may only use a few times.

Tom

cabinetman · 10-09-2009, 10:55 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mi77915

I'm going to give them a try this weekend. I'm hoping that they will to the job, as I only need them for an occasional hole in a few of my projects. The one that I need for my current project, is the Ø2 1/8", this one looks like it will work OK.

I'll try to sharpen them as I need them, again, for occasional use, they just might be good enough. I can't see spending $100+ for a set that I may only use a few times.

Tom

I have a few suggestions for you. If the instructions have a recommended speed, adjust your drill press accordingly. Use a slow feed rate and allow the clearing of debris by backing the bit out while running. It would help to use a scrap piece of wood under the subject piece so when the bit cuts through the tear out (if any) will be minimal.

drcollins804 · 10-09-2009, 11:42 AM

I have bought a couple of cheap sets one small sizes and another of standard up to about 2 1/2. They work well in soft woods but I have a couple of bits that I bought from klockit for my clock inserts that put the cheap ones to shame. I just purchase the high end bits when I have a need for drilling numerous holes in harder woods. Most of my clocks to date have been in ash and the cheap bits will usually do 4-5 holes before needing sharpening. The high end bits last alot longer before starting to heat up.
David

iamwelty2 · 11-14-2009, 05:20 AM

my HF bits have worked great for many years... I'd return them... HF has been very good about taking back the "crap" for me...