[Quickstep]

I've been making pepper mills and I've noticed that drilling end grain in exotic woods dulls hss Forstner bits quickly. I'm considering getting some high quality bits in just the sizes I use to drill the pepper mills. Should I consider carbide Forstners?

 

[Alan Sweet]

Well you could. But, first

you might try drilling out at a smaller size then move up to the Forster Bit.



.

 

[Dave Paine]

I drill smaller size first, then larger size to get to the desired final hole diameter.

I would try two or three steps to get to the final size.

I have a carbide Forstner bit for my wood vases, but I have not tried using this alone. I use normal Forstner bits of smaller sizes before I finish the hole with my carbide bit.

 

[Quickstep]

I generally drill the through hole (1-1/16" or 1-1/2") first, then drill the ends.

 

[Syd Sellers]

I've been making pepper mills and I've noticed that drilling end grain in exotic woods dulls hss Forstner bits quickly. I'm considering getting some high quality bits in just the sizes I use to drill the pepper mills. Should I consider carbide Forstners?

Howdy, just courious, what woods are you drilling? I must be getting close to 50 sets of Salt & Pepper grinders, yes I have had to re sharpen my drills, but never have gotten close to resorting to carbid. I do only domestic, that's why I ask what type of woods????

 

[Quickstep]

I've done cocobolo, blood wood, yellowheart, red heart and Gonzalo Alves. As I advance the bit, you can hear and feel how hard it is drilling into the end grain.

 

[Tambotie]

You may try googling cylindrical boring bits with tungsten inserts, also try tungsten flat bottom drill bits. If no luck find nearest supplier of CNC tooling. There is a large selection of these type bits out there from 16mm to 90mm hope this helps

 

[Bob Willing]

If you are following Mikes Directions remember keep the rpms slow 400 max, take your time and remove the chips often. I vacuum the chips constantly. Most of my mills are made with hard maple

I have tried carbide bits in oak (not end grain)and the do not give a good finish. I tried two different manufactures, (Freud and Grizzly)and they have a tendency to tear the fibers in the hole. I drill a lot of 2" holes in 3/4" oak and the HSS Freud give the cleanest hole.

For S & P mills I use the Colt bits system, but they are expensive and they will over heat if you do not follow Mikes Hawkins directions.