ZOBO BITs

[magellan]

Hello all
A while ago I purchased a set of the Festool Zobo Forstner bits.  Wonderful purchase, if asked what was my best purchase for woodworking this yr I would reply the Zobo bits

The set was 5 bits in a nice box, are they available in a complete metric and Imperial size sets. I have a full set of off brand Asian bits I bought yrs ago and have made good use of them but now I got a taste of what a Forstner bit should cut like and want more of them.  I love the replaceable center point.  I also like the quality of the product. 

I’m assuming they do not come in sets or you would see them online or in the catalog.  So what brand is top of the line in this category

Thank you all

 

[Cheese]

Timber Tools offers the complete Zobo product line in metric & imperial.

In the System 3 series bits, they also offer chromium or carbide options.

If you see something you want, I'd suggest ordering it immediately or call them as they don't inventory every available item. I purchased a 20mm with a few accessories and it was a 5-6 week wait. The 20mm bit was in stock but some of the accessories I ordered were not.
https://www.timbertools.com/ZOBO-Central-Drilling-Systems/

 

[neeleman]

In Europe there are several (very) good Forstner bit manufactures.
Top of the line is Famag and Zobo, then Colt and Fish.
Look at this selection from Dieter Schmid Germany.

 

[grobkuschelig]

In line with @neeleman I also have the 5 piece Festool-Zobo. I like it very much!
I recently needed a 26mm and got a Famag Bormax 2.0.
Also goes through hardwood like Butter. [emoji41]

 

[rvieceli]

[member=10212]magellan[/member] I really like the FAMAG Bormax bits. They are of extremely good quality and make great holes.

Here in the US you can get them at Carbide Processors
http://www.carbideprocessors.com/bormax-famag/

Woodcraft
https://www.woodcraft.com/search?q=bormax&button=search

You may have to import the Bormax 2.0 series.

Ron

 

[magellan]

Fellows
Thank you for all the suggestions.  I will spend some time educating myself on the different manufacturers.  I was not aware there were choices of high quality Forstner bits. 

It’s really nice when you can grab a bit and be confident of the precision it will cut with.  I find myself wanting to use  the Zobo bits for everything.  I’m very impressed with how clean they cut

Thanks guys 

 

[blaszcsj]

Anyone else do these in centrotec?

 

[Kodi Crescent]

Be very mindful of nails if drilling into framing!  One of my beloved ZOBO bits is toast after hitting subfloor nail under a wall plate.  I could probably get it sharpened, but it was a real bummer.  I can't replace just the one, I have to buy the whole set.

 

[RKA]

Be very mindful of nails if drilling into framing!  One of my beloved ZOBO bits is toast after hitting subfloor nail under a wall plate.  I could probably get it sharpened, but it was a real bummer.  I can't replace just the one, I have to buy the whole set.

If it's metric, you can replace just one.  I did the same drilling out a mortise in a door jamb.  Caught a finish nail and nicked up the cutting edge.  The magnet I ran over it didn't pick it up since the nail was very thin and more than 1/4" under the surface.  It didn't cut the same anymore after that incident, but I went to Amazon.de and was able to get a new 20mm bit for around $30 shipped. 

 

[Kodi Crescent]

I tried through Festool several years ago.  I'll look on Amazon and see if anything is available.

Do you know if the center inserts are available separately?  I used the drill bit one to drill a pilot hole, and it busted on my second use. A real bummer.

 

[RKA]

I recall someone posting a part number for the pilot set that could be ordered through Festool.  If I can dig it up in the search I’ll post a link.

In case you missed it, I ordered from the German amazon site, not US. 

Edit, link below...
https://www.amazon.com/Festool-497268-Center-2-5x3-5-2-5x7-5/dp/B0051D8J9K

Edit 2...
Here is just the drill bit for a little less, but by the time you add shipping, maybe not so much?  I *think* this one is interchangeable with the Festool version, but I’ve never tried.  It’s says 2.5mm x 30mm with a tapered shank.  That thread I recall but couldn’t find discussed it I think.
https://www.timbertools.com/ZOBO-System-2-Pilot-Drill-Bit.html