Forstner bits have been helping woodworkers cut clean holes with precision since they were developed a century ago. Today, Forstner bits come in a variety of designs. To find out which ones are best, I tested 18 brands. The top nine brands are listed in an article in FWW #197.
Download the PDF to see the results for the remaining nine bits from CMT, Lee Valley, Promax, Woodtek, and Eagle American.
Fine Woodworking Recommended Products
Veritas Precision Square
This precision square is incredibly versatile, from checking squareness to dialing in machine setups.
This is the saw I want in my shop. For one, it’s easy to use. All of the controls are easy to reach and manipulate, and the glide mechanism is both robust and smooth. The handle works well for righties and lefties. Then there are added bonuses that no other saw has. For instance, its hold-down is superb, as it can move to different locations, hinges for a greater range of coverage, and actually holds down the work. In addition, the saw has two points of dust collection, letting it firmly beat the rest of the field. The one downside was the saw’s laser, which was so faint we had to turn off the shop lights to see it. Still, all these pluses in a package that fits tight to the wall? That’s a winner for me.
With its graceful curves, cabriole legs, and ornamental back splat, a Queen Anne side chair is a bucket list build for many woodworkers. Dan Faia had a very specific Queen…
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