Shopsmith Forums

Any recommendations on large diameter forstners?

I've got a pportr cable set that goes up to two inches.. But need some larger than that. And I'm not that impressed with the PC set

I must have that same PC set as you. :P

Assuming you don't want to spend a great deal of money I would look at Steelex. I have added some larger sizes as needed for my set and been getting them as needed rather then a set as they get rather costly even for these. So far they are holding up well.

Ed

Roman Carbide DC1885 - 4" Carbide Forstner Bit is avaialble at Grizzly normally about $80 on sale for $66.95 They have a variety of sizes smaller.

Everett

Thanks guys i will have to take a look at the steelex and roman carbide. I don't want to spend a fortune, but then I don't want to waste money on bad tools either.
I'm using these bits to bore out travel mugs that I'm making.
I'm already into the mugs for 15-20 bucks a piece, so I'm not going to quibble over the cost of a cutter and end up wrecking my project! I'll post photos when i'm done. I'm making these out of some very handsome walnut.

I think the porter cable set would be greatly improved if they had hex shanks

richardrouse wrote:I think the porter cable set would be greatly improved if they had hex shanks

I agree with the hex shanks. If I get one this large, I will cut off the 3/8 hex shank and have a buddy mill the larger shank down to a hex shank for me.

I think that having the bit almost flush with the chuck would add stability as the chuck and quill could easily follow the bit down the hole and would extend more stability and reduce the effects of any run out that might be present in the quill assembly.

There may be some out there already that are configured with a short ½ inch hex shank.

Everett

Has anyone tried the milwaukee switchblade style? Those look kind of interesting.

I have wondered about those as well.

Everett

For some reason I don't picture those milwaukee bits being for drill press operations, I think it is the feed screw.........

I don't think they make the fisch wave bits in larger styles but I have one and I really like how it cuts. I'd love to replace all of my bits with these but well then there is the cost.

Ed

I have to wonder why hex shanks are 'desirable'. Yes they do help with inadequate chucking, but I try to not use any of those. Proper tightening of the chuck(iterative hole to hole tightening) is essential with round shanks though.