CMT forstner Bit Set

[Mario Turcot]

Hello all,

I am looking to get a set of forstner bits and was wondering if any of you would recommend the CMT 537.000.16 16-Piece forstner Bit Set.

I actually have a cheap Porter Cable set, and by cheap I mean really cheap. I can hardly cut into anything but pine... I know pine is fine! Anyways I am looking at a better set. Suggestions are welcome!

Mario

 

[tomp]

Just used my first CMT bit, 22 mm, drilling 72 holes, 5/8" deep, in MDF - making blocks to store router bits. Not a definitive test, but it seemed to be cutting as well on the last hole as the first.

 

[gsdvorak]

Hi Mario,

I have had a CMT set for several years now and the bits have served me quite well.  Some sizes get used more than others- many have yet to need sharpening- but I have a file-looking sharpener made by Trend that I have used to sharpen a couple of my frequently-used sizes.  Been happy with their performance in hardwoods.

Regards,
Gerald

 

[Mario Turcot]

Thanks for the reply.

Based on Tom picture the CMT bits made away better clean cut then what I am used too.

Any one using the Lee Valley ones. I went to the local store and they can't tell what manufacturer they are from and they are more expensive than CMT bits.

Mario

 

[RustE]

I found an article from the March/April 2008 issue of Fine Woodworking.

They published test results for several steel bits:  Bosch, Famag, Fisch, Freud, Grizzly, Porter-Cable, Woodcraft.
  -  Best Overall went to Famag.
  -  Best Value went to Grizzly.
  -  The 1/2-inch diameter Fisch and Freud bits had some plugging.
  -  All of the 1-inch diameter bits cut cleanly.
  -  Three hottest 1-inch diameter bits drilling into hickory were:  Bosch, Porter-Cable, Grizzly.

They published test results for two carbide bits:  Freud, MLCS.
  -  The Freud bit performed better in testing.
  -  The MLCS bit has replaceable tips and creates a true flat-bottom bore (no point divot).

 

[Michael Kellough]

The price of this kind of tooling has come down so much (when made in China) that carbide versions often cost less than steel used to.

Bought a 40mm carbide tipped bit that Magswitch sells ($8.24 at Amazon) to make fixtures to hold MAGJIG 150 Magswitches.

Made nice clean holes in plywood that are so close to the diameter of the 150 that they had to be pressed in.