Thread: Which countersinks for wood?

Have #1 & 2 in various sizes - 2 works better in wood than 1 as 1 can "chatter" in some woods and leave an uneven surface, not really a problem as the screw tends to cover it. I prefer #2 for wood but also use #1 but #1 I tend to use for aluminium etc.

I have a couple of #3 which I have purchased as as set, only problem I have found is that at times the drill is too long for what I wanted.

Have never seen # 4 & 5.

Hope it helps,
Bob

Dear Scribbly,

I've got something similar to No.5, but it's only the CarbaTec "cheapy" set, and "tear-out" seems to be a bit of a problem across the grain. This is probably because the cutting geometry of that sort of setup (and No.3 for that matter) is a little more "bluff" than the No.2 sort - which looks like it's face cuts in a slightly more "helical" style (you'd know what I mean if you saw it from end-on...), and by all accounts gives a better result as a, ...umm... result...

Obviously, Nos.3, 4, and 5 will all give you a Pilot-Hole as well - without a Bit-change or a second Drill - but the good thing about the No.5 type is that with it's "collar"-type setup (including the Countersink - not just the Depth-Stop), the depth of the Pilot-Hole becomes adjustable. If I was going to get another set, though, I'd get the $179 "Fuller" set from CarbaTec (photo below), but "tear-out" could still be a problem with them. I think they're also available singly, so maybe you could try one in your favourite size if you were interested, and then keep it as a spare if it works well and you end up buying the whole set...

Best Wishes,
Batpig.

Attachment 118065

Tom

I have a few sizes in #2 from Lee Valley. These are the only ones I will use. And I also prefer to use them in either a brace or a eggbeater drill. These provide greater control. I keep a couple set up and ready to go. They cut very fast.

Regards from Perth

Derek

I've One similar to thefirst one for $o yeras. It's a pita and I keep meaning to throw it out but, because I'm an anal retentive bower bird it just doesn't happen.

Thanks everyone for the replies and the comments.
Like others I have found that the countersink that I have had and used - much like pic 1 from my first post _ is prone to wander, leaving an off centre countersink depression.
I think I will try some like pic 2 from my first post, but on doing some more searching I have found them in a couple of varieties. In particular the angle of the cone shaped hole varies. There is a 90 degree set and an 82 degree set. Without walking down to the shed and trying to measure the conical angle of my screw heads, does anyone know which is the most common for screws?
Kind regards
SG

The first pic here shows a 90 degree set and the second an 82 degree set.
I have just realised that the second pic here can also be used for countersunk vertical holes as well........hmmm this is getting complicated.

AFAIK 82 degree set for counter sunk screws.

The insty bit CS here....

Special tools

have proven to be great over the 20 years I have used them. They also do a quick change chuck which is handy. These bits work at any angle which is a plus.

But if you want a bit that is pre-settable for depth that only works at 90 degrees you can't go past the Festool CS. The price is high but I can't recommend it too highly. These stay sharp and I have done a lot of work with mine. Mind you I took a deep breath when I bought mine, I think they were $70 each

http://www.festool.com.au/mediandowe...RD=countersink

The two bottom items in the above link are the type I have. Absolutely the best I have used for cabinets etc. They do not fit a common quick change chuck which is a long standing Festool issue.

Hi Tom

The angle is 82 degrees.

The reason that I use a slow turning brace (or eggbeater drill) with #2 is that this gives you time and control over the position of the countersink. Something that aligned the countersink with the bit would be ideal, but the ones that are available create serrated edges. I think that they are better suited to metal.

I demonstrated this at a recent workshop, and you should have seen the eyebrows go up!

Regards from Perth

Derek

Many thanks Bob, Batpig, Derek, Artme, Pat and Chris.
This has been a real learning experience.
I am going to give the second variety a try, they are available here:
3PCE HSS COUNTERSINK AND DEBURRING TOOLS (NEW) - eBay, Tools, Metalworking, Woodworking, Business, Industrial. (end time 01-Nov-09 14:07:50 AEDST)
I also want some self centring drill bits for hinges, and I can get them from the same place.
I may also end up with some of combination drills and countersinks at a later stage, but I don't need them at the moment.
Thanks everyone for your help.
Kind regards
SG

I've had varied success with the ones I have. Mine are made by Bordo and can give a great cut, but be aware of the grain and the type of wood. My experience is that when the grain presents itself in the right way the bit can try to follow between the grain. Using a hand held drill this can make a small dent fairly quickly. I like these #2's held in a drill press and the work clamped to control the cut so it can't run off center.