Forstner Bits

[Ditty]

Hello to you all, I am very interested to hear what anyone else has to say on the use of Forstner bits either tungsten or sawtooth. What speeds do you find the most effective etc etc. Would be very appreciative of any replies on this matter. Thanks guys.:confused:

[macca2]

After burning a perfectly good 1 1/2" forstener bit making pepper mill I sort advice from those who know.

The answer I got was slow. <500rpm.

Seems to work.

Macca

[stephenmeddings]

You may like to download the following speed chart I use from Wood Magazine:
http://www.woodmagazine.com/compstor/charts1.html

[Ditty]

Thanks guys for your replies. I downloaded the site recommended but need to ask a further question. The forstner bits we use are up to 4" and am now wondering if the drill press we have is powerful enough. It is a 3/4hp and were assured it was powerful enough for what we wanted. The forstner bits are used for making the holes to insert weather instruments in wood etc etc.:confused:

[Ditty]

Forgot to add this bit. Unless we use a faster speed the belt seems to slip on the drill press. Does this make it easier or add to the confusion?????

[gatiep]

Has adjusting the belt to the proper tension crossed your mind?

Cya

Joe

Have fun ....................................keep turnin

[AlexS]

Try putting a bit of candle wax on the bit. It still cuts fine but doesn't get so hot.

[soundman]

You will probably find that most non carbide forstener & saw tooth bits will need sharpening before use, and regularly there after. particularly the carbon steel types.

no drama get youself a small mill file for the larger sizes & a small triangiular file for the smaller sizes.


I prefer saw tooth bits they seem to cut better for my purposes.

Id go carbide for any serious use or if cutting hardwoods.

I agree speed is important. remember they are not far evolved from hand driven bits.

they should cut cleanly & freely. If any half decent drill press is having a problem, have a close look at what you are doing.

small bits less than 25mm may have cloging problems, clear chips regularly.
cheers.

[Robert WA]

Ditty.
The slipping belt problem, at low speed, may be fixed by putting some brake fluid on the belt. Don't ask me how, or why, it works but it does.

[gatiep]

Robert

Must be brake fluid to brake the belt on the pulley.........................hydraulic clutch fluid doesn't work........lmao


Heve fun.................keep turnin

[IanA]

Brake fluid?
Clutch fluid?

Nah!!

What you need is automatic transmission fluid. Put it on the pulley and dispense with the belt altogether.

We'll call it "etherial induction".

[gatiep]

Ian



Then u need a clock marked in eternal time to time the hole drilling process



Have fun.................keep turnin

[Ditty]

Thanks Robert, we will try the brake fluid - I guess dont need to know how it works as long as it does. You learn something new every day. Bye Ditty