A Forstner bit is the best way to bore high-quality holes that are accurately sized, accurately located, and with a cleanly cut rim. Today, the bits come in a variety of designs. To find out which ones are best, I tested 18 brands judging them by several criteria: Size, chip-clearing, temperature, and drilling ability.

Size –  I tested 1/2-in.-dia. and 1-in.-dia. bits. I measured the diameter of each bit to see how close it was to the specified size, and then I measured the diameter of the hole itself. Most holes were slightly larger than the bit that drilled them, indicating slight runout. For the Woodcraft bits, the 1/2-in.-dia. bit was 0.501-in.-dia.and the 1-in.-dia. bit was 1.003-in.-dia. The bits drilled holes that were 0.506-in.-dia. and 1.003-in.-dia. respectively.

Chip Clearing – Bits choked with chips don’t cut well and may increase friction and burning. Many of the 1/2-in.-dia. bits became badly plugged when the head went below the wood’s surface. The Woodcraft bits, however, didn’t get plugged. The 1/2-and 1-in.-dia. bits both cleared chips.

Temperature – To test the longevity of the bits, I mounted each 1-in.-dia. bit in a drill press. I chose the larger bits for this test because there is a greater area in contact with the wood, and therefore more friction. I set the speed to 480 rpm and drilled 100 holes 1 in. deep in hickory, a wood known for its ability to dull a sharp cutter. I used a digital infrared thermometer to check each bit’s temperature every 10 bores. An increase in temperature could signal a dulling cutting edge. While the temperatures ranged from 134ºF to 268ºF, the Woodcraft bit measured an average of 134°F. In general, bits that made cleaner cuts generated less heat.

Drilling Ability – No other type of bit can match the quality of a Forstner for the cut around the rim and sides of a hole. The Woodcraft bits left a bore rim with very good quality.

I also tested to see how the 1/2-in. bit cut overlapping holes and holes drilled at an angle. The rim design in Forstner bits allow you to drill clean overlapping holes, as when excavating a mortise. The Woodcraft bits scored a “very good” in their ability to bore overlapping holes. The Forstner bit’s sharp rim also makes it easy to start the bit in a steeply angled workpiece, as when cutting pocket holes in a table apron. The Woodcraft bits also received a very good score when tested for this.

Overall, I picked Famag bits as the best overall in the tests. Grizzly gets the nod for best value.
 
The Woodcraft bits are available from www.woodcraft.com.

Fine Woodworking Recommended Products

Stanley Powerlock 16-ft. tape measure

With its smooth lock, tough case, compact size, and excellent accuracy, this Stanley tape is perfect for workshop use.

Buy at Amazon

Milwaukee M12 23-Gauge Cordless Pin Nailer

This tool is designed for convenience. The battery and pins are easy to load, and the safety lock operates with the same finger you use to pull the trigger. The depth of set is adjustable, there’s a work light, and there’s a hook for hanging the tool on your toolbelt. A gauge lets you keep track of when you’ll need to recharge.

Buy at Amazon

Craftsman Random Orbit Sander

While this sander is among the least expensive models in the test, its performance ranks among the best. The stock removal was excellent, and dust collection was solid when used with a vacuum. It handles really smoothly, too, and has a tall body that fit my hand nicely whether I was holding it from above or around the waist.

Buy at Amazon