Forstner bit set advice

[Steve Hall]

I need to drill a 1-1/4" hole for some dowel to make a vertical lumber rack and was going down the block to HD to pick up this "High Carbon" set:

Porter-Cable, 16pc. ($45 + tax)

've compared them with these:

Rocker, 16pc. ($60 + free shipping)

Woodcraft, 16pc. ($40 + tax) (Lee Valley doesn't sell a set with the 1-1/4")

Anyone here have experience with the P-C? I'd like to do better than a cheap HF set, but would rather not spend $22 on a single high end bit either.

[Gerald Ross]

All other things being equal I would opt for some with hexagonal shafts, especially for larger bits. They can be sharpened, so unless you use them a lot type of steel doesn't seem to matter a lot.

[Leuf]

If it's just for a lumber rack why do you need a forstner? A spade bit will do it, or a hole saw.

-Leuf

[CW]

Type of steel does matter. Carbon steel will lose its temper if overheated. Only way to fix it is to anneal, then reharden and temper. HSS doesn't have that problem.

[Steve Hall]

Good point. Truth is, I'm getting ready to start several projects that will require Forstners, this project just gives me the excuse to get them now.

[Allen Roy]

Have a look at this

a bad deal but if you aren't going to use them much then it is pricey.

> I've compared them with these:

[Mike in Arkansas]

[John]

>I've compared them with these:

[Steve Hall]

$60 including shipping for 32 forstner bits is a fantastic deal if they are any good, thanks for the pointer.

[mapdude]

I bought a set on eBay several years ago. They have been all I could want. I thnk I paid $15 plus about $10 shipping.

Here is an example:

Hall wrote:

[Andy Dingley]

Then buy a 1 1/2" drill. If you're actually planning to use it, then get one that works.

These sets are of laughably bad quality. You _might_ get one to work if you spend some time with a diamond hone first. Otherwise many of them are good as firelighters, but not as drills. "High carbon steel" as a selling point ?!

[Edwin Pawlowski]

Yes, but the sets come in a nice case. The one I bought was usable, but I've replaced the commonly used sizes with quality bits. The less used sizes do work for one or two holes and are there when the situation arises. And I have a nice little wood box to keep them in.

[DZIN]

I have the PC set you mention, however my price was 39.00 at Amazon.com. My work is mostly in oak and I've seen no difference in the cut quality of the larger bits in the 2 years (and 100s of holes) that I've been using them. Gene

[Lew Hodgett]

Steve Hall wrote: > I need to drill a 1-1/4" hole for some dowel to make a vertical lumber > rack and was going down the block to HD to pick up this "High Carbon" > set:

Forget the garbage forstner bit sets.

Think Hole Saw.

Lew