Eric. Posted December 20, 2011 Report Share Posted December 20, 2011 I've got a fairly decent collection of forstners, but there are some holes in it (no pun intended) and a number of them have seen better days. Thinking about getting myself a nice, comprehensive set for Christmas. Any recommendations? Lee Valley has a set of 29 bits, but it's about $370. I was hoping to get as many bits as possible for under $200...just don't wanna buy junk to stay under budget. Preferably HSS...don't think I'll spring for the carbide since I'll be using these on a limited basis for "special" projects. What are your favorites? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dave's Not Here Posted December 20, 2011 Report Share Posted December 20, 2011 My first set was a basic el cheapo set which I still have today, well sort of. As they got dull, I would replace individual bits with Freud bits. I now probably have half el cheapo bits(still sharp) and half replacement Freud bits. If you're set on buying a set, this one from Freud is well within your budget. Depending on how many bits you need to replace and add you could be better off just buying some individual sizes to complete what you now have. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dan S Posted December 20, 2011 Report Share Posted December 20, 2011 if you're going Lee Valley (what I have) get the 1/4" - 1" 13 piece set for $92. If memory serves, I have 2 bits larger than 1", and they were both purchase for a specific project. The 29 piece set is overkill in my opinion. Why waste $40 on a 3" Forster bit that will probably never get used? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Craig Posted December 20, 2011 Report Share Posted December 20, 2011 I have a Hickory set I purchased from Home Depot I think I paid $40 or less. When I wear out a specific size I replace it with a carbide bit. I need to replace a couple more, but overall it's worked for me. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rmac Posted December 20, 2011 Report Share Posted December 20, 2011 I think Craig and Mr. Not Here have the right idea. Buy a cheap set to get started and to get the box to keep them in. Then replace the ones you wind up using a lot with good ones. -- Russ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Eric. Posted December 20, 2011 Author Report Share Posted December 20, 2011 Thanks for the tips, guys. I've already got a pretty good selection of cheapies, some worse than others. Think I'll just get the 13 pc Lee Valley set, and buy bigger ones individually as needed. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dave's Not Here Posted December 21, 2011 Report Share Posted December 21, 2011 ..................... Just a little tired of blowing out holes with garbage bits...no matter how slow I take it. Whenever possible I try and use a sacrificial backup board underneath the board I'm drilling to prevent that from happening. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Eric. Posted December 21, 2011 Author Report Share Posted December 21, 2011 Whenever possible I try and use a sacrificial backup board underneath the board I'm drilling to prevent that from happening. Yeah, I do that too. But I'm talking about at the beginning of the cut. Cheap bits have a tendancy to tear out if they aren't engineered with a decent scoring mechanism. Those Lee Valley lipped brad-points look killer. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mattvan Posted December 22, 2011 Report Share Posted December 22, 2011 I recently had a chance to try out FISH forstner bits and was really impressed. Their "wave-cutter" bits cut cool and smooth. I used them on a few recent projects. They're available at McFeeleys and Amazon.com also. 7 Piece Wavy Bit Set Includes: 1/4", 3/8", 1/2", 5/8", 3/4", 7/8" 1" for about $145. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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