<table cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" border="0"><tr><td valign="top" style="font: inherit;"><div>Jim, Forstner bits ( that's the right spelling) are intended for created flat-bottomed cavities in wood ( such as pouch wells, clearences for bolt heads, and etc.) not drill-through.<br /><br />Peace,<br /> Thumpe</div></td></tr></table> <div id="_origMsg_">
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<span style="font-weight:bold;">From:</span>
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Ron Nossaman <rnossaman@cox.net>; <br>
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<pianotech@ptg.org>; <br>
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Re: [pianotech] All points bulletin, or the case of the useless forstener bit <br>
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Thu, Dec 20, 2012 3:12:08 AM <br>
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<td valign="top" style="font:inherit;">On 12/19/2012 8:59 PM, Jim Ialeggio wrote:<BR>> Calling all cars, calling all cars...be on the lookout for a specialty<BR>> drill bit, posing as a cutting tool. Suspect claims to be armed, but is<BR>> not dangerous, as it couldn't cut its way out of a paper bag. Answers to<BR>> the name "Forstener"...<BR>><BR>> Now really, I'm about to completely give up on Forstener bits. They<BR>> should useful for cutting clean semi-large holes, especially in masonite<BR>> and template stock, soundboard panels, etc, but they never live up to<BR>> their billing, except in a drill press. And then only in certain woods.<BR>> And then clog and burn before you can say boo. Does anybody get these<BR>> bits to behave reasonably?<BR>><BR>> So I try all the bits in the shop for drilling a clean hole in a<BR>> soundboard panel and masonite panel template.
What comes up on top...a<BR>> sharp cheap-o Spade bit, with the panel backed-up.<BR>><BR>> How do others manage a clean hole in soundboard panels...hand held or<BR>> jig held?<BR><BR>It's called a hole saw. With a 1/4" pilot, drilled half way through one <BR>side, and finished from the other, there's no tear out or other such angst.<BR>Ron N<BR></td>
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