SPADE Vs FORSTNER BIT

[kraits]

been a boilermaker by trade i don't have a great deal of knowledge in terms of wood turning but do turn a few handles here and there, ive been using spade bits in the past to cut holes through peices whilst on the lathe with mixed results.

should i be using a spade bit or forstner bit? spade tends to start a bit wobbly and at times leaves quite a messy entry point. if i should be using a forstner bit should i be using the toothed ones? any particular make or just a cheapo one would do?

[damian]

Fosner bits make flat bottom holes. Both types use the point to dig in and run true but the fosner might run a bit cleaner if your having trouble with the spades.

Mostly they put teeth on htem over a certain diameter. Seems to have limited benifite under that, probably about 1 1/4 inches/30 mm or something.

Carbide lasts longest followed by high speed steel then carbon or tool steel.

I've been thinking about a nice set of fosners. Lee valley tools have some nice HSS ones but the shipping can be a killer. Highland might be cheaper, I recently bought some chisels from them.

You probably don't want to go too quick with any of them. Wood can be drilled faster than steel but remember your most likely boring big holes if your using these bits.

Steelex Forstner Bit Set 16 | Forstner Bit Set

is one option from highland.

HSS Forstner & Saw Tooth Bits - Lee Valley Tools

HSS from lee valley.

Both shops have other options. Lee valley have an information page on drill bits which is worth a read. There are probably other better guides around.

[joe greiner]

If you're drilling into end grain, neither spade bits nor Forstners work very well, because they have to chop the fibers across the grain at the bottom of the hole. There's a very tedious procedure for using Forstners of graduating sizes in end grain in an old thread on the forum. But you'd be better off using the Speedbor MAX bits shown here: Brands - Tools - IRWIN TOOLS

I use these exclusively for holes up to 1" diameter, and larger sizes are available.

Unless I'm very mistaken, they should be available at Bunnings, as well as 6" and 12" extensions which snap onto the shank.

For using these, completely retract the bit periodically to remove shavings, or the bit will become a permanent "feature."

Cheers,
Joe

[dai sensei]

COLT Forstner Bits work well in any grain, clean neat holes. A bit exy, but worth the $'s IMHO

[crowie]

I purchased tis set from Rockler in USA and have been very happy with them.
Under A$100 delivered to my door.
Cheers, Crowie

22-Piece Forstner Bit Set with FREE Power Bore Bit Set! (SAVE $100!) - Rockler Woodworking Tools

[munruben]

Not bad Crowie

[chuck1]

i like both but i regrind my spade bits to a 45 degree from the leading point i find it good for deep boring!