Thread: Colt MaxiCut Forstner Bits

I like the images, but sure they are complete?

So are there any special recommendations for using forstner bits? I just picked up a cheap set today - imperial sizes, no idea on shank size. (they are round).

Thanks from the newbie in woodworking
ShazL

yes, learn how to sharpen them.

& if they're over 2" in diam & fitted to a socket with grub srews you'll be hard pressed to stop them rotating in the socket. you have to cut slow.

if you get smoke you'll know the edges are dull

hmm, the biggest one is 2 1/8", long shaft that is in 2 different sizes, starts thick at the forstner end, going smaller, the opposite end has a small hole in it. The smallest is 1/4".

Thanks for the info - a new skill to learn, sharpening.

ShazL

yeah, std carbon steel doesn't last long in our hardwoods

pm me if you'd like some instructions and I'll see what I can scan for you

inc yr email addr

Got my 1" Colt forstner bit in my order from Lee Valley.

Cuts amazingly well. They produce lots of small chips rather than the larger shavings of a conventional forstner.

Produces a hole with VERY smooth surface finish, better than any other forstner I've ever used. Less pressure on the drill press to cut, and (not surprisingly) the Colt bit doesn't get as hot in the process as conventional forstner bits.

I'll certainly buy a few more Colt bits in the commonly used sizes next time I order from Lee Valley. Not sure I'd pay the local prices for them though......

Gee thanks DJ - something else I just have to have
Anyone want to share in an order to save some postage????

TTIT

If you are buying from Lee Valley I would be interested.
Cheers
gidgee1

Doesn't look like Lee Valley or Infinity Tools have the Morse taper adaptors (at least not on their websites) so I was looking at getting them from this mob that appear to be linked to Amazon.com - looks like a flat-rate of about $30 for the shipping Anyone used them before???

I use this one from Vermec. Solid as and works very well.

Cheers,
Dave

Hi All,
These bits certainly seem to be the go, but I would prefer the Saw Tooth bits, as if & when they do need a touch up, it is not so hard to sharpen them.
Ern I use the Red Easy-Lap to sharpen mine.

So how do all you Chaps go about Sharpening a Forstener Bit, being the 1 with the round curve.
3 Bits for $176, being a bit over $58ea. is hard to justify, unless you use them often.
Then it depends what price you put on the S&P Grinders ?.
An interesting Post this was.
Regards,
issatree.

issatree - the Colt bits are about the easiest Forstner bit to sharpen I've ever seen.

Take a look at the photo at the beginning of this thread - the curved cutter portion of the circumference of the bit is very small, the remainder of the circumference being cut back to allow easy access to the radial straight cutting edges. Someone at Colt has actually thought about the sharpening issues

Very happy with mine, and will be getting more next time I put in an order to Lee Valley

Hi Mr Brush,
Hey thanks for that info, & I'm sorry I jumped in a bit quickly, as I did not notice the 2nd. page.
Yes it does look easier to Sharpen, than what I imagined.
Don't drill enough bigger holes, so I will wait awhile, most likely till the Melb. Show.
Regards,
issatree.

I haven't checked to see what Carbatec are selling the sets for, although I don't think they sell the Colt bits individually.

Infinity Tools in the US were happy to ship the 5-piece set to Australia, and they reckoned the shipping would be about $40.

issatree - I know what you mean about the regular forstner bits re. sharpening, and I think everyone has the same problem. I bought a large diameter forstner from Carbatec recently for a specific job, and it was pretty blunt after cutting just 12 shallow holes in laminated chipboard. It then took about 30 minutes fiddly sharpening to get it ready to cut another 12 holes . The Colt bit has already done >100 holes in various materials, hasn't been sharpened yet, and still cuts like new.

Like so many things in life, more expensive but cheaper in the long run