Counter sink bit

[mike9]

Looking for recommendations on counter sink bits. I like the combo drill bit and counter sink . I currently own the three pack dewalt set. I like them but the smallest one is sometimes to large.

 

[thorp]

I've seen this snappy tools set recommended but don't own it. https://www.amazon.com/Snappy-Brand.../ref=sr_1_2?crid=S41E1VLJZE0V&keywords=snappy+countersink+drill+bit+set&qid=1575764286&sprefix=snappy+counters%2Caps%2C208&sr=8-2

My next purchase will likely be the HSC 82 deg single-flute countersinks from Lee Valley.
https://www.leevalley.com/en-us/sho...l-bits/32308-hcs-82-single-flute-countersinks

 

[FestitaMakool]

I have an old DeWalt set, with 3 different sizes, with both countersink and drill bit, as the Snappy [member=70135]thorp[/member] mentions. These have been in regular use for more than 15 years, and still is.
I have also earlier tried the equivalent to HSC 82, but have not found any, until I bought a Centrotec bit set, it has two sizes. These are the best stand alone countersink bits. I have tried cheap countersinks, but they make uneven holes.

Also in the Festool Centrotec bit set is the combination of drill bit, countersink and depth stop. These are magnificent, if you can afford them they can also be purchased separately, and is highly recommended. For countersink alone, I would suggest similar to the HSC 82.

 

[thudchkr]

I just picked a couple sizes of these.
https://www.toolstoday.com/carbide-...e-depth-stop-with-no-thrust-ball-bearing.html

A bit more expensive, but top notch.

 

[ForumMFG]

The lee valley is the way to go, nothing produced a cleaner cut then a single flute counterbore

 

[demographic]

I use the Hall type which are advertised as deburring cutters.
Expensive but cut a smooth hole and last well.

Plus my local fastener stockist sells them.

 

[Jiggy Joiner]

I use the Hall type which are advertised as deburring cutters.
Expensive but cut a smooth hole and last well.

Plus my local fastener stockist sells them.

Same here, I got put onto these a good few years ago when buying countersinks. I’ve used them ever since, even on aluminium and plastics. As you say, expensive but, they last well.
The design seem to cut much better than conventional countersinks. My supplier sells them as a ‘deburrer’  [thumbs up]

 

[hdv]

+1 on the Weldon-style countersinks (or zero-fluted as the Americans seem to call them). I have been using the Bohrcraft ones for years in all sorts of materials with very good results.

A benefit that has not been mentioned here (yet) is that they don't "chatter", which is something the 4-fluted countersinks often tend to do if they are not sharp, or if the feed is too quick, or if they are not properly pressed against the material. Chattering will cause the hole to not be perfectly round.

 

[Cheese]

I'm also a fan of the Weldon style, zero flute countersinks. Here's a photo of the Festool version versus the KEO version. The nice thing about KEO is that they're made from cobalt so they hold up well when used on aluminum. The Festool version will only last for about a dozen holes in aluminum.

[attachimg=1]

For drilling a thru hole and a countersink at the same time, I prefer the Amana version over the Festool version. The depth of the countersink is not adjustable on the Festool item. It is on the Amana so you can also sink the screw deeper in wood for plugging. For that reason they're popular with wooden boat builders.

[attachimg=2]

Here's a #10, #8 & #6 Amana countersink that will be converted to the Centrotec function probably later on today. These things are also 1/2 the price of the Festool version.

[attachimg=3]

 

[veric13]

Cheese,

How do you convert it to centrotec?

 

[Cheese]

Cheese,
How do you convert it to centrotec?

I do it on a lathe with carbide tooling. That wiil give you very nice results. However others have done it on a drill press with a file.
https://www.festoolownersgroup.com/...trotec-ing-standard-bits/msg518762/#msg518762

 

[Rob Z]

Cheese, thanks for the reference to KEO Tooling.  I didn't know about that brand and that's just what I need.

 

[TinyShop]

I'll plug the excellent combination (which I own and love) of Snappy's US-made Centrotec-compatible HSS "Gold Screw" countersinks and their optional U.S.-made ball bearing depth stop:

For anyone concerned (and wanting to support the BDS movement), the Amana offerings are produced in Israel (as are, it should be noted, Snappy's carbide-version'ed (but not HSS0-version'ed) Gold Screw countersinks). 

 

[greg mann]

@cheeze,

The Festool combination counter sinks are very much adjustable. There are two set screws, the one on the shank will move the countersink in and out while the one just above the flutes and accessible through the hole in the collar sets the drill length.

 

[thudchkr]

Here's a #10, #8 & #6 Amana countersink that will be converted to the Centrotec function probably later on today. These things are also 1/2 the price of the Festool version.

Amana now provides those same countersinks with a Centrotec compatible shaft.  Look for the part # that starts with 5533...  I see that the part number on yours starts with a 5524.