Zobo Forstner Bits... Yay or Nay?

[Brice Burrell]

The Zobo bits can be used with a regular twist pilot bit or a metal point.  The twist pilot bit can be extended do the bits can be used on an angle.  I have a set of these and while I haven't used them much I can tell you they are first rate Forstner style bits.

The pilot bit 'extendability' makes this kit worth the crazy price... I would imagine the pilots would be prone to snapping while drilling on extreme angles- any experience on this Brice?

I suppose it is possible.  I've not use this set a lot, however, several times were specifically for angled holes.  I did worry about breaking the pilot bit since the set only comes with one.  I've drilled maybe 30-40 acute angle holes without issue.

My earlier post about the pilot bit, I referred to it as a regular twist drill bit.  That isn't completely accurate.  The shaft of the bit is slightly tapered where it inserts into the main (Forstner) bit.  If you broke the pilot bit you need a replacement specific to this set. 

 

[Wonderwino]

So the pilot bit is held in with a Morse taper? 

 

[Brice Burrell]

So the pilot bit is held in with a Morse taper? 

Probably better described as a machine taper.

 

[Sean7a]

Yeppp, we'll sell'em   Right Sal?

 

[John Bates]

These might do the job, the pilot point or drill is clamped rather than wedged by a taper.
http://www.famag.com/en/news/2011_02_11.aspx

 

[spikfot]

These might do the job, the pilot point or drill is clamped rather than wedged by a taper.
http://www.famag.com/en/news/2011_02_11.aspx

I just spent 40 minutes reading the PDF catalog, WOW.
Thanks for the link, John!

 

[fdengel]

Not sure I could justify that price for them right now.

They look like great bits, though.

 

[harry_]

I don't know, that is a lot of money for something I am sure I would miss use and destroy.

+1

 

[Bob Menefee]

I need 1 to

 

[Brice_Arnold]

I would be down for a set. I am interested in the 20mm and using it with a router and the LR 32 kit to make my own MFT tops.

 

[spikfot]

I would be down for a set. I am interested in the 20mm and using it with a router and the LR 32 kit to make my own MFT tops.

Here we go again...

 

[jonny round boy]

I would be down for a set. I am interested in the 20mm and using it with a router and the LR 32 kit to make my own MFT tops.

Brice,

You can't use these in a router. If you want to use the LR32 with a router to make your own MFT top, get a 20mm router bit that's designed for the job. Festool make one, but I know they've just discontinued them in the US. Part no for the Festool one is 491072.

 

[Brice_Arnold]

Brice,

You can't use these in a router. If you want to use the LR32 with a router to make your own MFT top, get a 20mm router bit that's designed for the job. Festool make one, but I know they've just discontinued them in the US. Part no for the Festool one is 491072.

That makes sense due to the shank design. I guess I was thinking of the CMT kit that I just picked up when I typed that. They have a 8mm/10mm round shank (depending on size).

Thanks for the Festool P/N.

 

[ccarrolladams]

Brice,
You can't use these in a router. If you want to use the LR32 with a router to make your own MFT top, get a 20mm router bit that's designed for the job. Festool make one, but I know they've just discontinued them in the US. Part no for the Festool one is 491072.

Actually, Festool USA did not discontinue any of the bits used by the LR32 system, the VS600 and the MFK700. Although the 20mm bit is not included in the LR32 set, Festool USA considers it part of that system since some LR32 hardware needs a 20mm mortise. The same is true of smaller bits, such as the 8mm used for LR32 construction holes.

Anyone in NA with doubts about available Festool bits should call Festool USA, or a dealer you trust to actually look up the information.

 

[Jamie_MA]

That would be a yes from me also.  [smile]

 

[jonny round boy]

Brice,
You can't use these in a router. If you want to use the LR32 with a router to make your own MFT top, get a 20mm router bit that's designed for the job. Festool make one, but I know they've just discontinued them in the US. Part no for the Festool one is 491072.

Actually, Festool USA did not discontinue any of the bits used by the LR32 system, the VS600 and the MFK700. Although the 20mm bit is not included in the LR32 set, Festool USA considers it part of that system since some LR32 hardware needs a 20mm mortise. The same is true of smaller bits, such as the 8mm used for LR32 construction holes.

Anyone in NA with doubts about available Festool bits should call Festool USA, or a dealer you trust to actually look up the information.

Thanks for that,

I knew some of them were still available, but I didn't know which & didn't have time to check.

 

[GreenGA]

Baring a new Festool higher up on the desire chain, I would be interested.

 

[Bob Menefee]

I'll take one

 

[bobigski]

So will I!

 

[adubeau]

No I would not buy them...