Best Auger Bit for Chair Making

[Kansas John]

I need a 1 1/4" auger bit to drill holes for legs in a stool. I bought one but it didn't have "Lips" on the end so there was a lot of tear out on the surface of the cut. Does anyone know of a good brand or type of bit to use to get nice clean holes bored. I'm using a power drill not a brace.

 

Thanks.

[Barron]

Chris Schwarz recommends WoodOwl bits. He does a lot of chairs, so check out his page at Lost Art Press. 

[xxdabroxx]

I only have one WoodOwl bit but have a 1-1/4" coming in tomorrow for my leg vise hole.  The 3/4" one I have now is quite impressive, fast and clean holes. 

[RJH30518]

I have a set of the Wood Owl bits -- the Overdrive ones -- and they do a smoother and faster cut than my forstner bits. The Overdrive ones have a very small point (no treaded point) so the bottom of the hole is close to the bottom of my forstner bits.

Highly recommend these bits.

[Gilgaron]

The Overdrive bits are great, and my forstners get far less use since I bought them.  The lack of a screw would be problematic in a brace, but does allow you do use a drill press without pulling the chuck out of the quill.  If you're using a hand held power drill then it wouldn't matter too much either way.