How to counterbore?

[baok]

So in the hand-tool-only world, how do you make a very shallow counterbore neatly? For example, when you want to recess a washer/screw. This is the sort of thing I'd typically use a Forstner bit for.

[RenaissanceWW]

Sure a Forstner is still a good option. You can mount these just fine in a brace to cut the counterbore. At the same time a typical auger bit works fine too though the spurs will cut a bit deeper around the perimeter of the counterbore.

[ChrisG]

I typically just use an auger bit in a brace like Shannon said. Just don't make the same mistake I did the first time I did this. DRILL THE COUNTERBORE HOLE FIRST, then drill the smaller screw/bolt hole. The threads on the lead screw of the auger bit rely on there being wood in its path so it has something to grab into and pull the rest of the bit through.

[Mike M]

If you're fussy, you can use the brace and bit to score the perimeter of the counterbore then clean the interior with a chisel. If the counterbore is large enough, you could also use a small router plane to clean out the center.