20mm "Wood Beaver" drill bit from ARMEG a review

[Slappy]

I was asked to review a sample of this drill bit @ the 20mm size .
I'm posting a photos of the tool & the extension holder that is made just for this drill bit .
I haven't yet used the drill bit & wanted some before photos of the tool before putting thru any use .
I will over the coarse of the next week  use it in many different materials , MDF, Pine , Oak , plywood , masonite .
The bit comes in a nice plastic tube that protects it from damage & also allow a vendor to hang from a display case .
the 1st look  shows it as a 4 flute with edge cutters on the cutting faces of the flutes , this should keep breakout from happening .
My interest in this bit is that I am looking for making my own MFT but a much larger stationary table than the Festool .
I will also be doing some jigs that will use this bit to get a perfect perpendicular 20m hole that any MFT table demands .
here's the  outta the box photos (that's a 1' rule in the photo ) 

 

[PeterK]

Looking forward to this. If you can, please mic the holes and compare to the MFT/3 and if you have any of the dogs, let us know the fit.

 

[Slappy]

I might add the extension drill bit holder uses a twin allen set screw  to securely  attach to the bit .  Nice touch  [cool]

 

[ishmerc]

How much does this drill bit cost compared to the Festool 20mm bit

 

[Slappy]

I myself can't find any pricing on these

from the ARMEG website http://www.armeg.co.uk/WoodBeaver-A00103.asp

Wood Beaver - The next generation drill bit.

   Purpose designed head geometry for ultra clean breakthrough.
   Four cutting teeth for extreme drilling comfort and balance.
   Four deep auger style flutes for rapid chip evacuation and faster drilling speed.
   Short lightweight body construction for maximum holes per charge.
   ¼" quick change shank for rapid diameter tool change. (Apart from 32mm which has a 7/16" shank)
   Can be used within an impact driver (Apart from 32mm)

10mm Wood Beaver WWB10.0T
12mm Wood Beaver WWB12.0T
13mm Wood Beaver WWB13.0T
16mm Wood Beaver WWB16.0T
18mm Wood Beaver WWB18.0T
19mm Wood Beaver WWB19.0T
20mm Wood Beaver WWB20.0T
22mm Wood Beaver WWB22.0T
25mm Wood Beaver WWB25.0T
32mm Wood Beaver WWB32.0T

 

[tbellemare]

It looks a lot like a Speedbor. Is there a significant difference?

Tom

 

[Slappy]

It looks a lot like a Speedbor. Is there a significant difference?

Tom

Unknown  [wink]

 

[Deansocial]

Only thing these bits are good for is making a mess

 

[festoolviking]

I'm with you Dean, but it's not hard work to make the mess. I've got the Irwin-set with 6 drills:



Festoolviking

 

[Stone Message]

Only thing these bits are good for is making a mess

Have you tried an Armeg one?

I have used one of these for over a year now and they produce excellent results but one does need to use it carefully as it takes no prisoners - I found that it cuts so fast that a drill press or guide block is useful. I use a sacrificial piece underneath to avoid break-out. The holes are perfectly clean and it takes no time at all to do 77 holes.

The Irwin cutter is not the same - look at tips of the flutes. The Armeg leaves a cleaner cut as a result.

Peter

 

[Deansocial]

Only thing these bits are good for is making a mess

Have you tried an Armeg one?

I have used one of these for over a year now and they produce excellent results but one does need to use it carefully as it takes no prisoners - I found that it cuts so fast that a drill press or guide block is useful. I use a sacrificial piece underneath to avoid break-out. The holes are perfectly clean and it takes no time at all to do 77 holes.

The Irwin cutter is not the same - look at tips of the flutes. The Armeg leaves a cleaner cut as a result.

Peter

Strange my post only contained your quote hmmm.

Anyway, yes it is armeg and I find it far too aggressive and bad for the drill

 

[Slappy]

between football games I went into the shop & ran the bit through some old dry red oak 3 x 3/4" scrap
1st pass I didn't have both sides clamped on the drill table & the bit lifted it up in short order , it's aggressive to say the least
2nd hole I clamped both ends very well & slowly drilled holding the screw feed at the bits end from pulling in  & got a Very smooth pass
the hole wall is very smooth for red oak & it's open grain , breakout on the underside was minimal as red oak splinters easy any way 
so I feel for the size hole i drilled the breakout on red oak was the best I've ever seen by me with any large bit I've ever used .
as for the fit with a Qwas rail dog it's fine goes in fine doesn't drop out if unsupported ie; it will stay in the hole until pushed out
no slop that I can feel . The 2nd game is starting : the game is on I gotta go !
Tomorrow  I'll run more holes in different stock ,run a support piece under the drilled wood  to see if that stops what little breakout that was there .
1st guess after 2 holes , Yeah I'd buy the thing
I'll also try using a pilot holes to see it that will stop the aggressiveness of pulling into the wood
stay tuned
& I'll post pix of everything I do  [cool]