Hi,
Are Forstner bits better at cutting straighter edges than a countersinking bit? I realize that Countersinking bits drill and countersink all in one easy step. But is there an advantage to using the Forstner bits over a countersinking bit. The man I was talking to at Home Hardware said they do a better job. They cut a more even hole. so wooden plugs fit much better.
Wanda
Replies
The Forstner will cut a cleaner hole--assuming you use a drill press or some other means to obtain a true perpendicular. But think about the plugs, too. You can get plug cutters that will make plugs that are slightly tapered, so if your hole is a bit too small or large, you can still get a good fit.
Forstner bits do leave the cleanest hole but the main reason I use them is for a flat bottom hole for a rescessed bolt and washer, not for wood screws. A good and sharp brad point bit leaves a pretty clean hole too. I have a set of Fuller tapered bits with that counter bore and counter sink for wood screws in one shot. They work real well too.John O'Connell - JKO Handcrafted Woodworking
Life is tough. It's tougher if you're stupid - John Wayne
Wanda,
I agree with John, you need different types of bits for different jobs. A forstner bit is for counterbores not countersinking. And all the other fancy things they can do. John mentioned the Fuller CS/CB set, I have the Makita set, gotta love those speciality sets that are not really that expensive.
I just bought my first set of forstner bits a few weeks ago. I only had the one required for the euro hinge before now. They are great bits, only used them once so far for a short rework/modification on an old project. But I did have to play with them alot :o)
Enjoy, Roy
When I want a virtually invisible plug in hardwood I use the Veritas tapered plug cutters I bought a few years ago, and a plunge router. If a router and suitable size cutter is not available then the Forstner will usually give the cleanest edges
John
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