Will a T/C-15 or 18 run a 2" forstner bit thru plywood?

[BobKovacs]

I've got a great 2" forstner bit that I use for drilling holes for cable grommets in 3/4" ply.  It cuts like a hot knife through butter when chucked up in my Milwaukee 1/2" corded drill, but my C12 won't even attempt to spin it.  As soon as the blades hit the surface, the drill locks up and beeps.  Has anyone used a similar bit with a C/T-15 or 18 with success, or am I wasted my time and money if I buy one and try to use one with this bit?

 

[Kev]

I'd have no hesitation with the T18 ... But hopefully someone has actually done that very thing on here.

I don't have any forstner bits that large - I use hole saws for that size.

 

[GhostFist]

I don't use forstners that size either, i go for the dirty hole saw. That being said the T15 is finicky with them. you put the slightest bit of muscle behind the drill and it will shut down on you.

 

[peter halle]

I used my T15+3 with a 2 1./8" forstner bit about a month ago to install the small round soffits vents.  It worked for me.  A hole saw would have been better - just couldn't locate mine at the time.

Peter

 

[BobKovacs]

I don't have any forstner bits that large - I use hole saws for that size.

Normally I would have used a hole saw too, but mine was getting pretty dull, so I had to buy a new bit anyway.  The forstner bit was about the same price, and it makes incredibly clean holes with no tear out on the backside.  In can obviously do double-duty for recesses if needed as well.  It makes some incredible shavings too- peels the plywood apart in pieces so thin that you can almost see through them.

 

[mastercabman]

If you are just going thru plywood,i would just use a hole saw.I have used 3" hole saw on my c12 with no problem.

 

[WarnerConstCo.]

I have drilled many a 2" hole with a forstner, in my C-12.

Most through hard woods.  

 

[dltflt]

Why don't you bring the bit to your local Festool dealer and try out the two drill choices.  I can't imagine they would have an issue with that.

 

[Mahogany Man]

Bob,
I will try it tomorrow evening for you and report back.
John

 

[neeleman]

Look at the Youtube film with the torture of a T18 with a 3" & 2" Forstner drill bit.
Festool T18 Torture

 

[AlexThePalex]

Never used my T15 with a Forstner bit of that size bit I did use it with holesaws and around the 2'' mark it starts to struggle.

 

[BobKovacs]

Look at the Youtube film with the torture of a T18 with a 3" & 2" Forstner drill bit.
Festool T18 Torture

Yeah, that's pretty much what I don't want.  It's one thing to have the drill jerk and sputter when you're boring though a 2x clamped to a bench- it's not as much fun when you're working on a finished surface in the back corner of a cabinet, half an inch from the finished sides of the case.

 

[Vindingo]

Look at the Youtube film with the torture of a T18 with a 3" & 2" Forstner drill bit.
Festool T18 Torture

I'm wondering if he would have had more luck with the 3" if it wasn't a self feed bit.  It would be easier to control the feed rate with a regular forstner bit. 

Anyone have luck with those Lenox speed slot hole saws?  I hate messing with the wood hockey puck...

 

[Ken Nagrod]

I did a couple of videos last night for your viewing pleasure, especially those who want to practically see my wrist break.  [big grin]  Enjoy.

Festool original model C12 with 2 9/16 inch hole cutting bit in 3/4 inch ply

Festool original model C12 with 2 9/16 inch hole cutting bit in 3/4 ply PART 2

 

[Deansocial]

no, it will break the drill and i should know im on 5 repair/replace. bits that size jerk too much and stop too sudden for the drill to handle

 

[Ken Nagrod]

no, it will break the drill and i should know im on 5 repair/replace. bits that size jerk too much and stop too sudden for the drill to handle

Dean,

Break which drill?  If you're referring to the Milwaukee, all I can give you is my personal experience and over approximately 3 years of use drilling mainly large holes with big bits or big hole saws, even mixing drywall mud, no problems.  It's a big heavy drill that I really only reserve for those situations where a corded drill might be necessary.

 

[Deansocial]

no ken. im refering to the festool drills not the milwakee

 

[Ken Nagrod]

no ken. im refering to the festool drills not the milwakee

Ok.  Wasn't it the T15 you kept having to send back for repair?

This C12 did have the motor and electronics replaced, but not from using large bits or hole saws.  First time I've tried it with a large hole cutting bit.  Maybe I should have used Dave's C12 to test it?  [big grin]

 

[Deansocial]

Look at the Youtube film with the torture of a T18 with a 3" & 2" Forstner drill bit.
Festool T18 Torture

I'm wondering if he would have had more luck with the 3" if it wasn't a self feed bit.  It would be easier to control the feed rate with a regular forstner bit. 

Anyone have luck with those Lenox speed slot hole saws?  I hate messing with the wood hockey puck...

the speed slot hole saws are alot better than the old lennow hole saw and not just for gettting the plug out they are lighter so put less strain on the drill they are thinner so remove less maretial so drill quiker and i found they stay sharp alot longer but i have only used them in compact laminate and that stuff eats drill bits

 

[Deansocial]

no ken. im refering to the festool drills not the milwakee

Ok.  Wasn't it the T15 you kept having to send back for repair?

This C12 did have the motor and electronics replaced, but not from using large bits or hole saws.  First time I've tried it with a large hole cutting bit.  Maybe I should have used Dave's C12 to test it?  [big grin]

t15 then 18 but im sure they will be engeneered the same .

i found it can handle the drilling but not any sudden stopping.