What drill bits do you guys use?

[Steven in Iowa]

I'm in the market for a set of drills to use exclusively for wood.  What is the general consensus to the best quality in terms of clean boring?  I've been told by a VERY knowledgable and publicly known router guru, he doesn't like forstners at all and will not use them, but he didn't suggest what he uses.

 

[nclemmons]

Popular Woodworking editors did a piece on a new style Forstner that really looks like it will put every other Forstner bit to shame...

http://blogs.popularwoodworking.com/editorsblog/A+Stampede+For+Colts+MaxiCut+Bits.aspx

I ordered a set but they have been on backorder.  Watch the video in that piece and it might change your mind too.

neil

 

[mwhafner]

I really like Forstner bits, especially for holes larger than 3/4". 

For woodworking, I generally use the Festool bit set, or Forstner bits. 

 

[KorDes]

I got a set of these TCT Forstner Bits

Otherwise I use Brad point drillbits for dowels and normal spirals for pilot holes

 

[robski]

hi- not sure if you have them in the u.s but in the uk we have a brand called m.a.d bits (multi angle directional) they look like a forstner bit but cut much more cleanly and its easy to drill at angles with great acuracy, they are made from high quality tool steel and easy to sharpen. the only draw back is they are quite slow compared to augers etc but its a price worth paying for the super clean finish. not sure how to add a link but you'll find them on screwfix.com.

 

[JayStPeter]

It depends on the requirements for each hole.  If clean entry and exit are desired, brad point and forstner make nice clean holes.  Regular twist bits are good for most things and would be the first set I'd get.  Buy anything except black & decker or dewalt and get a Drill Dr.  For the others Lee Valley sells good stuff.  Auger bits and spade bits are for speed.  I use them for construction, running wiring, etc. but not finer work.

 

[Greg_R]

For smaller diameters I use the Lee Valley HSS lipped Brad-point bits and have been very pleased with their performance.  I have not used a Forstner bit that I can recommend yet...

 

[Steveo48]

It depends on the requirements for each hole.  

You bet.  For general drilling for screws I use high quality twist drill bits.  I use Hanson bits, mine come via catalog, I buy them buy the envelope.  Cheaper that way and when you break a smaller one you have plenty of replacements.

For dowels, to prevent the bit from wandering or closer dimensions on D, I use brad point bits.

Foerstners are great for flat bottomed holes, holes with smooth sides and larger diameters and are great to use with dowels.  Use your slowest speeds, I use them in my DP.

 

[dirtydeeds]

if you are not looking for ultimate accuracy

a MAD bit is an alternative to a forstner, they have a more aggresive cut / you can use them in a fast running drill

i have lost the temper ( blued the steel ) on smaller forstners by running them fast and deep

there are fewer sizes avaliable and ive not seen bigger than 25mm ( approx 1 inch )

i still keep a full range of forstners