Recommendations for a good Forstner bit (15mm)?

[M4R5]

Can anyone recommend a good 15mm Forstner bit? I've seen some in ScrewFix - some with bad reviews, some with average. I want something that can cut a few dozen holes in hardwood (Wallnut, Oak, Ash) without noticeable deterioration.

It's to cut holes for Cam & Dowel fittings. Seems to be the right tool.

Oh, any tips on getting a hole where I want it would be good too. My centre mark usually slips half a millimetre when I strike the centre-punch.

Thanks

 

[Deleted member 174758]

Can anyone recommend a good 15mm Forstner bit? I've seen some in ScrewFix - some with bad reviews, some with average. I want something that can cut a few dozen holes in hardwood (Wallnut, Oak, Ash) without noticeable deterioration.

Look for Clico (British), Famag, Colt, Festool Centrotec or Fisch (all German). Avoid cheap Chinese cr*p because it doesn't work, stay sharp or drill true. Forstner bits always were expensive - good Forstners still are

any tips on getting a hole where I want it would be good too. My centre mark usually slips half a millimetre when I strike the centre-punch.

Yes. Use a drill press and a home-made jig! That way your hole will be perpendicular to the surface as well. Failing that mark your centre with a fine awl or an ice pick rather than a centre punch designed for metal. If your eyesight is bad get yourself an auxilliary clip-on magnifiers

 

[M4R5]

Thanks that's really helpful. That seems a good store too. I think I'll pick up some stuff

 

[M4R5]

Hi

I got one of these: http://www.axminster.co.uk/festool-festool-centrotec-forstner-bits-prod844594/

..and it arrived already! It has a hex shank. Can I put it in a regular drill? If so, which part of the shaft should I clamp? The wide bit or the narrow bit between hat and the hex?

Thanks again. Obviously not used one of these before!

 

[Deleted member 174758]

It has a hex shank. Can I put it in a regular drill? If so, which part of the shaft should I clamp? The wide bit or the narrow bit between hat and the hex?

Thanks again. Obviously not used one of these before!

Clamp onto the hex - a 3-jaw chuck will do that easily. The Hex shank also allows you to install the cutter in a bit holder

so that you can change quickly from drilling to, say, screwdriving