Replies

1. 
   Bioman | Apr 14, 2005 02:17pm | #1

   I have not, but the tools I see are of very high quality.

2. 
   douglas2cats | Apr 14, 2005 02:26pm | #2

   Haven't ordered from them but I bookmarked the link - Thanks.

   I was almost positive that LV had your bits though so I double checked. Looks like all the bits above 1" are sawtooth type listed on a separate page from the Forstners. Does that make a difference for what you're using them on? I've found them to be pretty much interchangable.

   http://www.leevalley.com/wood/page.aspx?c=2&p=42245&cat=1,180,42240

   Waddaya mean it wont fit through the door?

1. 
   dirtstirrer | Apr 14, 2005 03:54pm | #3

   I'm trying to fix a goofup on my end vise install.  I needed 1 5/8", not the 1 1/2" I drilled for.  Now I need a bit that will enlarge the hole without needing a centering point.  Will a saw tooth do that? 

    Steve

1. 
   SlimShaving | Apr 14, 2005 04:10pm | #4

   Cut a 1-1/2 plug and center it on your 1-5/8 bit. Or cut an 1-5/8 hole in a peice of 1/2 ply and center it on the hole. Go around the hole with a pattern bit in a router and finish with a 1-5/8 bit if you can't reach all the wayLose a woodworker,Lose a bookThere are four boxes to be used in defence of liberty: soap, ballot, jury and ammo. Please use in that order - Ed Howdershelt

2. 
   douglas2cats | Apr 14, 2005 04:13pm | #5

   I don't think there's any difference between the two types as far as the spur tip goes. I'm not sure if I've even seen true forstners once they get into larger diameters. I think even when you get complete forstner sets, they switch over to sawtooths beyond a certain point. I think it will do what you need, but whether sawtooth or forstner, how are you going to locate the bit to center it? If this is a part you can put on a drill press, it's a piece of cake. Lower the 1-1/2 bit into the hole then clamp the piece down and switch to the 1-5/8. If you're doing this on an assembled bench with a hand drill, using the 1-1/2 to locate would still work, but I think you're going to need some type of jig you can clamp in place to control the location.Waddaya mean it wont fit through the door?

1. 
   dirtstirrer | Apr 14, 2005 05:09pm | #6

   It's of course on an assembled bench, can't make it easy can I?  I'm building a twin screw vise on the end of my big ole bench.  I was thinking of a jig to center the boring operation, but I just had an idea that might make this all moot.

   The top of my bench is 2x6 pine laminated so I get a bench 4'x7', 5 1/2" thick.  My problem seems to be that the spade bit I used initially dug a curved hole, 14" deep into the end of the bench.  I should have taken a break and thought it out better before I bored the holes, but....  Now I need a bigger or straighter hole for the 1 1/4" screws to sink into.  I'm thinking about sharpening up the end of a pipe and using it to "broach" the hole straight.   That would cost me nothing and probably work. 

   I am still thinking of ordering from Traditional Woodworker, but a lock mortise chisel instead of a big drill bit.  Of course if the pipe idea dosen't work, I'm back to spending $30 to fix my goof.

    

   Steve

   Edited 4/14/2005 10:17 am ET by Dirt Stirrer

1. 
   tailsorpins | Apr 15, 2005 12:25am | #7

   As successor to the company begun by Benjamin Forstner, and who continue to manufacture "true" forstner bits, guided only by the rim, visit this website.  The multispur bits passed off as Forstners, are far, far from the real thing.  If you watch Ebay, you can occasionally pick up early forstners with bit-brace tangs .... a true joy to use.  Most of these sold new today, are machine bits, intended primarily for drill press operation ... or otherwise carefully guided (jig) use.

   http://www.convalco.com

   But they're not inexpensive, and they might offer a discount if you phone them.

   Good luck

   John in Texas

2. 
   dirtstirrer | Apr 15, 2005 04:07am | #8

   Thanks for the link John.  Nice looking bits!  I'll put a set of those on the wish list for sure.  I was wondering about the saw tooth vs. forstner and that sight was helpful.

    Steve

3. 
   BG | Apr 15, 2005 03:52pm | #9

   Dirt,
   Sometimes when you find yourself in a hole...it's best to stop digging. Why not stick a plug in the hole and start over...
   This advice comes from a guy who just got a new can of wood filler from Woodcraft..sigh !