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Poor quality of forstner bits - Smashedfinger - 03-27-2019

Trying to find good quality forstner bits that don't cost a fortune. I bought these grizzly and the smaller ones are ok, but the larger sizes of this "31 piece master set" are terrible! Soft metal that looks like it was ground with a 40 grit wheel. I'm sending them back then spend double the amount for half the bits, just to get something usable! I remember when most forstner bits were well made, they seem to be 90% junk now.


https://postimg.cc/gallery/2knig813g/


RE: Poor quality of forstner bits - Philip1231 - 03-27-2019

Not cheap, but I've had this set for many years and its still going strong:

[Image: 81frLsNEmbL._SL1500_.jpg]


RE: Poor quality of forstner bits - fredhargis - 03-27-2019

What he said^^^^^^^. I've had my set for probably 25 years (had them sharpened once) and they still do a fine job. I also have a few Freud HSS forstners, and they also do a good job...but I don't expect them to stay sharp as long as the carbide. I've used the carbide in all manner of bad news stuff, particle board, MDF, melamine, as well as drilling through plastic laminate. They just keep on cutting.


RE: Poor quality of forstner bits - Arlin Eastman - 03-27-2019

I got mine from Lee Valley 5 or 6 years ago. 

Just wondering did you sharpen them or check them for sharpness before using them??

I sharpen mine after using them after so much cutting, but I check them before use not trusting them to be as sharp as I wanted them to be.

Most of them are standard cut by machines and not to well then unless high priced ones which means they might have been more finished ground.

If you want try to sharpen one and if you do not like that then send them back.


RE: Poor quality of forstner bits - Smashedfinger - 03-27-2019

(03-27-2019, 01:17 PM)Arlin Eastman Wrote: I got mine from Lee Valley 5 or 6 years ago. 

Just wondering did you sharpen them or check them for sharpness before using them??

I sharpen mine after using them after so much cutting, but I check them before use not trusting them to be as sharp as I wanted them to be.

Most of them are standard cut by machines and not to well then unless high priced ones which means they might have been more finished ground.

If you want try to sharpen one and if you do not like that then send them back.

I sharpened a couple of the larger ones, but the metal is so soft that it just won't form a sharp enough edge. It's the quality I would have expected from China in the 70's.


RE: Poor quality of forstner bits - captjack - 03-27-2019

(03-27-2019, 11:12 AM)Smashedfinger Wrote: Trying to find good quality forstner bits that don't cost a fortune. I bought these grizzly and the smaller ones are ok, but the larger sizes of this "31 piece master set" are terrible! Soft metal that looks like it was ground with a 40 grit wheel. I'm sending them back then spend double the amount for half the bits, just to get something usable! I remember when most forstner bits were well made, they seem to be 90% junk now.


https://postimg.cc/gallery/2knig813g/

welcome to the learning curve, we all have been there.  Always buy the best you can afford. and in some cases a bit more.   cheap tools become expensive when you have to buy another set to replace them.  DAMHIKT


RE: Poor quality of forstner bits - Admiral - 03-27-2019

I've had the same set as Phil and Fred for at least 20 years, excellent bits. Carbide is the key..... cry once.


RE: Poor quality of forstner bits - Stwood_ - 03-27-2019

(03-27-2019, 11:12 AM)Smashedfinger Wrote: Trying to find good quality forstner bits that don't cost a fortune. I bought these grizzly and the smaller ones are ok, but the larger sizes of this "31 piece master set" are terrible! Soft metal that looks like it was ground with a 40 grit wheel. I'm sending them back then spend double the amount for half the bits, just to get something usable! I remember when most forstner bits were well made, they seem to be 90% junk now.


https://postimg.cc/gallery/2knig813g/

Sometimes Quality and Grizzly doesn't fit together, as you've found out.
They do have some quality stuff (which I own), but like everyone else, some of it isn't.
Bits, blades and sandpaper, you need to look elsewhere.


RE: Poor quality of forstner bits - Timberwolf - 03-28-2019

(03-27-2019, 11:12 AM)Smashedfinger Wrote: Trying to find good quality forstner bits that don't cost a fortune. I bought these grizzly and the smaller ones are ok, but the larger sizes of this "31 piece master set" are terrible! Soft metal that looks like it was ground with a 40 grit wheel. I'm sending them back then spend double the amount for half the bits, just to get something usable! I remember when most forstner bits were well made, they seem to be 90% junk now.


https://postimg.cc/gallery/2knig813g/
.......................
I have had this set for a number of years...no problems....

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oezVCiT5va0