31 Piece Forstner Bit Set 'On The Cheap'

mickyd · Post by **mickyd** » Tue Sep 14, 2010 2:41 am

Amazon is offering a 31 pc. 1/4" thru 2-1/8" 16th inch incremented forstner bit set for $40 plus shipping. Sold by Grizzly.

I got my set in today.
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[ATTACH]10375[/ATTACH]
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I'm looking at this purchase as a good starter set. I'll keep my expectation low. First project will be tearing into some maple.

easterngray · Post by **easterngray** » Tue Sep 14, 2010 7:53 pm

I bought a smaller forstner bit set from Grizzly and have been very happy with it. Good quality and sharp!

8iowa · Post by **8iowa** » Tue Sep 14, 2010 8:05 pm

Conversely, I purchased a seven bit forstner set from Woodcraft - really poor quality.

shipwright · Post by **shipwright** » Tue Sep 14, 2010 8:16 pm

The great thing about a set like this is that you use some sizes very infrequently but it's nice to have them that one time when you do need them. Those ones will last a long time, even if they're cheap. The ones you use frequently may turn out OK too but if they don't it's not the end of the world to replace just those few with better quality. ....and you get the cool wooden box.

Paul M

JPG · Post by **JPG** » Tue Sep 14, 2010 9:52 pm

Is the round portion of the shafts ground true? I assume that is where size/speed info is. i.e. can they be accurately chucked up on the round portion of the shaft?(assuming the hex portion is NOT interfering)

mickyd · Post by **mickyd** » Tue Sep 14, 2010 10:39 pm

JPG40504 wrote:Is the round portion of the shafts ground true? I assume that is where size/speed info is. i.e. can they be accurately chucked up on the round portion of the shaft?(assuming the hex portion is NOT interfering)

Round portion of shaft and OD of cutter is ground on centers. Should be true. Don't see why you couldn't chuck on round portion if your chucking method was deep enough. Hex is 1" long.

I was surprised by the max speeds indicated on the bits.

1/4 thru 7/16 - 700 rpm
3/8 thru 15/16 - 500 rpm
1 thru 2-1/8 - 450 rpm

That's not good considering I don't have a speed reducer!!! What to do???

rkh2 · Post by **rkh2** » Tue Sep 14, 2010 11:14 pm

From my knowledge about forstner bits, it can quickly ruin them if you run at a higher rpm than recommended. It will heat up the bits to the point of removing the bluing and ruin them. First time I used a forstner bit was on a pepper mill I turned and we adjusted the speed of the lathe slow enough to not damage the bit and even at a slow speed, the bit still got hot. I bought a speed reducer at one of the TA's I attended because of that reason for needed slower speeds. Looks like the new power pro would also give you the slower rpms needed, but that is also an expensive fix. I can't think of any other solutions.

SDSSmith · Post by **SDSSmith** » Wed Sep 15, 2010 12:26 am

mickyd wrote:Round portion of shaft and OD of cutter is ground on centers. Should be true. Don't see why you couldn't chuck on round portion if your chucking method was deep enough. Hex is 1" long.

I was surprised by the max speeds indicated on the bits.

1/4 thru 7/16 - 700 rpm
3/8 thru 15/16 - 500 rpm
1 thru 2-1/8 - 450 rpm

That's not good considering I don't have a speed reducer!!! What to do???

Seems a shame to ruin some good bits. What to do, hmmmm:rolleyes: I have it....you should take the 3/8" thru 2-1/8" to your good buddy, SDSSmith, since you know he has a speed reducer.

You could keep the box for the 1/4" thru 7/16" bits.]

shipwright · Post by **shipwright** » Wed Sep 15, 2010 12:29 am

mickyd wrote:Round portion of shaft and OD of cutter is ground on centers. Should be true. Don't see why you couldn't chuck on round portion if your chucking method was deep enough. Hex is 1" long.

I was surprised by the max speeds indicated on the bits.

1/4 thru 7/16 - 700 rpm
3/8 thru 15/16 - 500 rpm
1 thru 2-1/8 - 450 rpm

That's not good considering I don't have a speed reducer!!! What to do???

Cut a little, back off. Cut a little, back off. Run as slow as you can and remember heat is produced by friction x time.

Paul M

a1gutterman · Post by **a1gutterman** » Wed Sep 15, 2010 12:31 am

mickyd wrote:Round portion of shaft and OD of cutter is ground on centers. Should be true. Don't see why you couldn't chuck on round portion if your chucking method was deep enough. Hex is 1" long.

I was surprised by the max speeds indicated on the bits.

1/4 thru 7/16 - 700 rpm
3/8 thru 15/16 - 500 rpm
1 thru 2-1/8 - 450 rpm

That's not good considering I don't have a speed reducer!!! What to do???

Well, you could buy a speed reducer!:p Or...what was the lowest RPM you can "dial" the Power Pro down to?