DIY MFT Dog Hole Router Bit

[JackW]

Anybody use a Whiteside 25/32 router bit for a DIY MFT?  Thanks in advance.

 

[4nthony]

Anybody use a Whiteside 25/32 router bit for a DIY MFT?  Thanks in advance.

I have not. 25/32 would be ~19.8mm and I think most commercial 20mm bench dogs might be a bit too snug.

Why not get a 20mm bit? Or use a smaller bearing guided bit with a template?

 

[Packard]

I used a drill bit and a drill bushing.

Spacing was accomplished with perforated peg board and a Vix bit. 

I’ve made three MFT-type work benches.  Each one has one (1) hole that is out of alignment.  I have no idea how the alignment issue crept in.  The hole is about 1/32” off in one direction only. 

I “fixed” the problem by using a marker to indicate which hole was out of alignment.  I can almost always work around that hole. 

I used an auger bit with a screw lead.  That proved to be a bit too aggressive in drilling the holes.  You do need a brad point to center on the Vix-bit drilled spacing holes. 

I considered using carbide forstner bits, but they generally will not function well with the guide bushings. 

I got all items from Amazon.com. (Except the MDF and the perforated peg board.)

Note:  I screwed the perforated board to the MDF to keep it in registration. 

I wish someone would tell me how I managed to get one hole out of alignment each time (in a different spot each time).

I don’t have dust collection on my router, so drilling MDF is a good bit tidier than running a router.

 

[JackW]

Thanks, I have a drill bit that works well; but I wanted to use the LR-32 system to create the MFT. I bought a Frued router bit; but it is just makes too big of a hole. So, looking for alternates.

 

[Packard]

For router bits that I plan on using regularly, my go-to company is Whiteside.  Uniformly excellent products.

But for something that will have limited use, I like the Amazon brand “Uxcell”.

While I cannot speak to durability on these bits, (I tend not to be using them often), I do find that they are produced within specifications and that they cut well.  I have only bought their carbide tipped bits.

I just looked at Amazon, and their 20mm bit is $10.99, as a Prime member I get free shipping.  If you are not happy with the bit, Amazon will take it back. 

It should have no difficulty cutting 60 holes.

 

[JackW]

Thanks, I will check it out.

 

[Crazyraceguy]

Years ago, before the Parf-guide system ever existed, I used a Freud 20mm bit. I would have preferred it to have been 1/2" shank, rather than 1/4", but it worked fine. I used a template that was made on an industrial CNC with 1" holes, and cut with a bushing.

 

[JackW]

I have the Freud 20mm bit and the test holes I did seemed too big to me.  Maybe I should do another test.

Thanks.

 

[Francis_Beland]

I think you should really check for the router boring bit (Festool, Whiteside or Amana). The big problem is that those bits have metric shank (either 8mm or 10mm) so you need a metric collet or an adapter. You said you want to use the LR-32 system to do it but if you're looking at other options, you can take a look at this item. As a disclaimer, it's my Etsy shop.

 

[JackW]

I have an OF 1010, so 8mm collet is not a problem. I have the LR 32 system and rail. The system to make the holes worked well as far as spacing and squareness, I just need the find the correct size router bit for my bench dogs. Thanks.

 

[Francis_Beland]

If you already have the LR32 then yes you'll be more than satisfied with it. I would say go with the Festool 20mm boring bit. I'm using it to bore mine and it's perfect in term of accuracy.

 

[JackW]

Sounds like a good plan, thanks.

 

[Imemiter]

I used the Festool spiral bit with my 1010 and LR32. Next time I might consider scoring the surface with the bit before wasting most of the hole with a slightly smaller Forstner bit chucked into a drill. Just to save the bit a bit. That's not a cheap router bit and it's easy to get in too much of a hurry with it.

 

[JackW]

I have been considering doing something similar. Making just a point pattern with the bit that came with the LR-32 and then drilling out the hole with a forstner bit.

 

[Francis_Beland]

Just be careful if you want to drill with forstner bit. Most of the cheap 20mm forstner bits available on Amazon were smaller than 20mm so the bench dogs were not fitting or were too tight. I did a forstner bit guide with my template jig but that problem forced me to stop offering this option. The only forstner that was perfect (there are probably others but that's the first one that fitted so I did not buy others) is the Bosch one.

 

[mikev12345]

I bought the following router bit.  Its in the same line as the one sold buy benchdogs UK for their hinge template.  I'm done some test holes with it and it cuts perfectly. Its meant for boring holes for MFT's.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07QV9VPR3?ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_product_details&th=1

I also have the 20mm freud bit and its not great.  I'm not sure if its bigger than 20mm or if its too hard to keep the router in place free handing it.  The problem with the freud bit is it isn't meant for boring so there is a small space in the center that has no cutter which means you're fighting the bit all the way down to cut. 

 

[JackW]

Thanks, I’ll check it out.