Colt MaxiCut Forstner Bits

[DJ’s Timber]

To start off, I have been using the Forstner bits available as a set from Carbatec and whilst they do work, I have never been happy with them as they don't stay sharp, especially the way I use them, drilling endgrain on the wood-lathe for S&P Mills.

So I looked elsewhere and found some Tungsten Tipped Forstners made by Carb-I-Tool which drill very well but due to the 1/4" hex shank, it wobbled and tended to run off course :doh: even with making sure it started concentrically and with a square face.

128013

So I tended to stick with the Carbatec bit with an extension for the deep holes with lots of burning and smoke as it would drill straight and the Carb-I-Tool ones for shallow holes.

Then a couple of weeks ago someone started a thread regarding drill-bits (http://www.woodworkforums.com/f11/drill-bits-111166/) and a reply by thumbsucker in that thread lead me to these MaxiCut Forstners (http://www.infinitytools.com/COLT-Maxi-Cut-Individual-Forstner-Bits/products/1488/), so I ordered three bits plus an extension in 7/8", 1" and 1 3/8" from Infinity Tools (http://www.infinitytools.com/) in the USA, which ended up costing me $176.35 AU including postage.

Well they arrived today and each bit comes in its own plastic case including the extension.

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So I had to throw a couple of bits of Kiln Dried Redgum on the lathe and give them a try and after a small hiccup :B had the lathe in reverse didn't I :doh:, anyway I got them drilling beautifully and as hard and quick as I could feed the tailstock, they just kept peeling shavings out :2tsup: with no wandering of the bit.

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The extension worked really well too, it has no grub screws or bolts to tighten, due to the Rotastop design and it came out in the centre at the other end of the 165mm long block :2tsup:

Following quote is copied from the Infinity Tools Website here (http://www.infinitytools.com/COLT-6-Forstner-Bit-Extender/productinfo/101-166/)


Say Goodbye To Shank Damage On Your Forstner Bits With This Innovative New ROTASTOP System

The 6" COLT Forstner bit extender has the patented ROTASTOP adapter and shank system which offers many advantages and will work perfectly with your COLT MaxiCut Forstner bits. Simply drop your COLT Forstner bits into the extension and twist. This will lock the bit into the extension and will elimante any possibility of rotation and prevent slippage which can destroy the shank on normal Forstner bits. To remove the bit, simply twist in the opposite direction to quickly unlock the bit. The shank of the extension has the same ROTASTOP system which will fit into any style chuck and quickly lock into place
So I am a very happy little Vegemite as this has been a source of annoyance to me as I have never been able to find anything that I really liked or felt would be up to the task until now :U

[thumbsucker]

Good to see another positive review of the Colt (http://www.colt-tools.de/). I came across the Colt Forstner and drill bits online, they seem to get good reviews, I am looking to get a set of the Colt drill bits. Seems like the best thing going.

Here is some vids on the Colt.

http://www.youtube.com/v/j1zOGmuMM1I&color1=0xb1b1b1&color2=0xcfcfcf&hl=en_US&feature=player_embedded&fs=1 (http://www.youtube.com/v/j1zOGmuMM1I&color1=0xb1b1b1&color2=0xcfcfcf&hl=en_US&feature=player_embedded&fs=1")

http://www.youtube.com/v/cgIcDl5I-ek&color1=0xb1b1b1&color2=0xcfcfcf&hl=en_US&feature=player_embedded&fs=1 (http://www.youtube.com/v/cgIcDl5I-ek&color1=0xb1b1b1&color2=0xcfcfcf&hl=en_US&feature=player_embedded&fs=1")

And here (http://www.colt-tools.de/video/video.htm).

[Ozkaban]

Thanks for the review DJ. Will definitely keep them in mind. I use the Vermec extension and while it does have grub screws, it is very solid and have never had any dramas with it...

Cheers,
Dave

[Tim the Timber Turner]

I saw a set of these at Carba-Tec last week.

I was very interested until I found out the price.

Value for money if you have plenty of use for them.:2tsup:

I don't, so I'll keep to my cheap set with the odd universal bit for the high demand sizes.

Cheers
Tim

[artme]

Thanks for a brief but good review Tim>>:2tsup::2tsup::2tsup:

Look slike these bits are the goods.

[bsrlee]

Lee Valley are selling them too, but not as 'Colt' brand bits.

[DJ’s Timber]

Lee Valley are selling them too, but not as 'Colt' brand bits.

I was going to buy them from Lee Valley originally but when I had a look at their website, they only offer a limited range and didn't have one of the sizes I wanted :doh:

[Jim Carroll]

This is what is listed on the Carbatec (http://www.carbatec.com.au/miebach-maxicut-forstner-bits_c20881) web site

Not much to start with as mostly kits. Watched the promo and they certainly look good.

Will wait for DJ to do more testing to see the longevity.

[rsser]

Interesting; thanks DJ.

I use a cheap HCS set and they work OK as long as they get stroked with a file often.

Also have the odd HSS unit which last longer but are harder to sharpen.

And one TCT unit which cuts rougher but has lasted well tho will need pro sharpening.

[Mr Brush]

I came very close to buying a set of these direct from Infinity in the US. Since the freight cost was fairly steep (even standard USPS), I wanted to include an Infinity saw blade with the order to make it worthwhile. Unfortunately they'd ship the Colt bits, but wouldn't do the blade due to local distributor......so no go.

Actually, taking the freight into account, the Carbatec price isn't bad. Might take a look next time I'm up there.

Forstner bits are a constant frustration for me - the standard Carbatec ones do seem to need re-sharpening after almost every outing, and I've never been able to find any better quality ones at a decent price. Ideal Tools has some even fancier Zobo forstner bits, but they make the Colt ones look cheap :oo:

[rsser]

Maybe look at the Ctec HSS jobs Mr B.

PS bear in mind the diff btwn F bits, and sawtooth bits specially for end-grain, eg. http://www.carbatec.com.au/sawtooth-bits-hss-imperial_c9120

[wolften]

...heck just grab them from Lee Valley (http://www.leevalley.com/wood/page.aspx?c=2&p=62137&cat=1,180,42240) and get some more gear while you're there.
:U:roll::U

[rsser]

Have you done the numbers wolften?

[wolften]

...I always do my math Ern.
I don't just buy 1 item, that's a bit uneconomical.
Received a stateside parcel yesterday, 300x300x150=$65.00 not that heavy.
You have to combine gear to spread the freight cost as I'm sure you know.
Saved myself $260 by buying US on other items
Would love to support local retailers but...a dollar is a dollar.
I just wish some Aussie retailers weren't so arrogant

Cheers

[ExtremelyAvg]

So I am a very happy little Vegemite as this has been a source of annoyance to me as I have never been able to find anything that I really liked or felt would be up to the task until now :U


I was getting frustrated with my Fostner bits last night and decided to start looking for higher quality. Your post is fantastic, I have never heard of those bits. I may give them a try. Thanks.

Brian:U

[Mr Brush]

wolften - I just did the same. I have an order on the way from Lee Valley (plane, extra blades, dovetail saw), and included one of the Colt Forstner bits with my order to try.

If they are as good as people seem to think, I'll add a few of the more common sizes with my next order.

You can buy the set direct from Infinity Tools in the US, but freight would probably be uneconomical because they won't ship other Infinity items to Austalia.......:((

[ribonzz]

I like the images, but sure they are complete?

[ShazL]

So are there any special recommendations for using forstner bits? I just picked up a cheap set today - imperial sizes, no idea on shank size. (they are round).

Thanks from the newbie in woodworking
ShazL

[rsser]

yes, learn how to sharpen them.

& if they're over 2" in diam & fitted to a socket with grub srews you'll be hard pressed to stop them rotating in the socket. you have to cut slow.

if you get smoke you'll know the edges are dull

[ShazL]

hmm, the biggest one is 2 1/8", long shaft that is in 2 different sizes, starts thick at the forstner end, going smaller, the opposite end has a small hole in it. The smallest is 1/4".

Thanks for the info - a new skill to learn, sharpening.

ShazL

[rsser]

yeah, std carbon steel doesn't last long in our hardwoods

pm me if you'd like some instructions and I'll see what I can scan for you

inc yr email addr

[Mr Brush]

Got my 1" Colt forstner bit in my order from Lee Valley.

Cuts amazingly well. They produce lots of small chips rather than the larger shavings of a conventional forstner.

Produces a hole with VERY smooth surface finish, better than any other forstner I've ever used. Less pressure on the drill press to cut, and (not surprisingly) the Colt bit doesn't get as hot in the process as conventional forstner bits.:2tsup:

I'll certainly buy a few more Colt bits in the commonly used sizes next time I order from Lee Valley. Not sure I'd pay the local prices for them though......

[TTIT]

Gee thanks DJ :~ - something else I just have to have :C :;
Anyone want to share in an order to save some postage????

[gidgee 1]

TTIT

If you are buying from Lee Valley I would be interested.
Cheers
gidgee1

[TTIT]

Doesn't look like Lee Valley or Infinity Tools have the Morse taper adaptors (at least not on their websites) so I was looking at getting them from this mob (http://power-cordless-tools.com/01-552398-Colt-Brand-sr-2.html)that appear to be linked to Amazon.com - looks like a flat-rate of about $30 for the shipping :shrug: Anyone used them before???

[Ozkaban]

I use this one from Vermec (http://vermec.tripod.com/PDFs/forstnerbitextension.pdf). Solid as and works very well.

Cheers,
Dave

[issatree]

Hi All,
These bits certainly seem to be the go, but I would prefer the Saw Tooth bits, as if & when they do need a touch up, it is not so hard to sharpen them.
Ern I use the Red Easy-Lap to sharpen mine.

So how do all you Chaps go about Sharpening a Forstener Bit, being the 1 with the round curve.
3 Bits for $176, being a bit over $58ea. is hard to justify, unless you use them often.
Then it depends what price you put on the S&P Grinders ?.
An interesting Post this was.
Regards,
issatree.

[Mr Brush]

issatree - the Colt bits are about the easiest Forstner bit to sharpen I've ever seen.

Take a look at the photo at the beginning of this thread - the curved cutter portion of the circumference of the bit is very small, the remainder of the circumference being cut back to allow easy access to the radial straight cutting edges. Someone at Colt has actually thought about the sharpening issues :D

Very happy with mine, and will be getting more next time I put in an order to Lee Valley :2tsup:

[issatree]

Hi Mr Brush,
Hey thanks for that info, & I'm sorry I jumped in a bit quickly, as I did not notice the 2nd. page.
Yes it does look easier to Sharpen, than what I imagined.
Don't drill enough bigger holes, so I will wait awhile, most likely till the Melb. Show.
Regards,
issatree.

[Mr Brush]

I haven't checked to see what Carbatec are selling the sets for, although I don't think they sell the Colt bits individually.

Infinity Tools in the US were happy to ship the 5-piece set to Australia, and they reckoned the shipping would be about $40.

issatree - I know what you mean about the regular forstner bits re. sharpening, and I think everyone has the same problem. I bought a large diameter forstner from Carbatec recently for a specific job, and it was pretty blunt after cutting just 12 shallow holes in laminated chipboard. It then took about 30 minutes fiddly sharpening to get it ready to cut another 12 holes :((. The Colt bit has already done >100 holes in various materials, hasn't been sharpened yet, and still cuts like new.

Like so many things in life, more expensive but cheaper in the long run :2tsup:

[TTIT]

Got my goodies at last :U:U:U Went through WoodCraft in the US as they were the only ones listing the MT2 adaptor - but I had to wait a week extra anyway 'cos they were out of stock. Haven't done much with them yet but I can't believe how easy they cut hardwood and how clean a hole they make. Got a 1', 1-3/8" and 2" bits plus the 150mm extension and the MT2 adaptor for $254 - might seem like a lot but I reckon they will be well worth it and would have cost near double that to buy here - if you could get them at all. Love the locking system on the shanks - brilliant :2tsup: - no more grinding flats and rounded grubscrews for me :U

[Sawdust Maker]

Damn you blokes - something else I need :doh:
I bought a set (penturners set) of the colt drill bits a while ago and I'm very happy with them. :2tsup:
My cheap forstners have been a continual source of frustration :((

[Mr Brush]

One option for buying these is Infinity Tools (US). They will ship to Australia, and quoted me $40 shipping for a set of the Colt forstner bits:

COLT MaxiCut 5-Pc. Forstner Bit Set-Carbide Router Bits | Router Bit Sets | Shaper Cutters | Saw Blades | Planer Knives | Jointer Knives | Infinity Cutting Tools (http://www.infinitytools.com/COLT-MaxiCut-5-Pc-Forstner-Bit-Set/productinfo/101-160/)

They also have the 150mm extension doodad:

COLT 6" Forstner Bit Extender-Carbide Router Bits | Router Bit Sets | Shaper Cutters | Saw Blades | Planer Knives | Jointer Knives | Infinity Cutting Tools (http://www.infinitytools.com/COLT-6-Forstner-Bit-Extender/productinfo/101-166/)

Even allowing for freight, this ends up being about half the local price........:rolleyes:

Their price for the drills is pretty good too, so I might be tempted.

[Mr Brush]

ooh....for the turners, they also stock the MT adapter

COLT Morse Taper-Carbide Router Bits | Router Bit Sets | Shaper Cutters | Saw Blades | Planer Knives | Jointer Knives | Infinity Cutting Tools (http://www.infinitytools.com/COLT-Morse-Taper/products/1550/)

:2tsup:

[DJ’s Timber]

ooh....for the turners, they also stock the MT adapter

COLT Morse Taper-Carbide Router Bits | Router Bit Sets | Shaper Cutters | Saw Blades | Planer Knives | Jointer Knives | Infinity Cutting Tools (http://www.infinitytools.com/COLT-Morse-Taper/products/1550/)

:2tsup:

Hmm, that must be a recent addition, as they didn't have that available when I ordered my bits from them.

[TTIT]

Hmm, that must be a recent addition, as they didn't have that available when I ordered my bits from them.Well worth getting DJ. With the MT adaptor, the 150mm extension and using a bit bigger in diameter than my tailstock spindle, I can drill to over 400mm deep - without a single grubscrew or slipping chuck :U:U:U

[Groggy]

DJ, how would these go chewing dog holes through 130mm Jarrah? Are the entries and exits of the holes clean? Have you tried these with a drill?

[DJ’s Timber]

I'll find out for you during the week, what size hole do you want me to try?

Test piece will be a sample of 150mm thick Jarrah that was dry when it came into my possession 8yrs ago

[Groggy]

3/4" is the standard round dog hole - thanks mate!

[DJ’s Timber]

Don't have a 3/4" bit, closest is a 7/8".

Will do a few holes with 7/8th bit and post pics of result soon :H

[Groggy]

*pulls up a chair to wait* :thanx2:

(I have a friend of my daughter coming over from the US at the end of the month, she may be getting some extra luggage :D )

[DJ’s Timber]

Test holes in 7/8th in 160mm Jarrah done with a hand drill. Had good control of drill at all times, no grabbing or drill trying to twist it self out of my hands. Just needed to keep pulling the bit out, to clear hole of shavings to prevent bit jamming.

First hole was clean entry with blow-out on exit as expected, which is normal for most drilling operations.

Second hole was clean entry with hardly any sign of blow-out due to using scrap to prevent blow-out, rough surface of test timber wouldn't have helped in this case.

Holes themselves are relatively clean and I believe that they are good enough for dog holes.

Images for you.

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[Groggy]

Aargh, my back! Been in that chair for a while :D

Thanks DJ, that is good news for me. Yesterday Kiwibrucee told me he was ordering some stuff from our mate Rob Lee so I piggybacked his order and have a 160mm extension and 3/4" bit on the way. Now I just need to make a simple jig to help get the holes nice and square.

As an aside, how easy is it to position the bit *exactly* and keep it running true?

Great pics btw, helped a lot. :2tsup:

[DJ’s Timber]

Aargh, my back! Been in that chair for a while :D

Got sidetracked a few times :B, been a busy week :doh:

Now I just need to make a simple jig to help get the holes nice and square.

I may be able to help in this regard, will check further and get back to you

As an aside, how easy is it to position the bit *exactly* and keep it running true?

Very easy, it stayed exactly where I positioned it



.

[DJ’s Timber]

Now I just need to make a simple jig to help get the holes nice and square.

I may be able to help in this regard, will check further and get back to you

OK, just dug this out, picked it up at a Garage Sale a while back, never been used.

It has 60mm travel, head can be rotated/lowered, so in theory you clamp the table to your timber top so that the drill travels at the back, bore first depth of 60mm, blow hole out, drop head so bit is at bottom of hole, then drill another 60mm or finish by hand.

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[Groggy]

That may well be one of the few in captivity that is worth owning. The rest of them are carp, but the Bosch is made in Germany (or used to be) and will probably be just what I need! :2tsup::2tsup::2tsup:

[rsser]

FWIW I just got a thick bit of hardwood and drilled a guide hole in it on the drill press.

Way back when I had a job drilling mount holes in steel roof trusses. Portable drill press with a magnetic base. Course would ain't ferrous :-{

[Groggy]

Thanks Ern. On my current bench I did just as you suggest, however this bench is three times the thickness so I want to get them spot on.

[Groggy]

I think Rob Lee has a space shuttle, the bits arrived this morning, four days from Canada! :oo:

These are very nicely machined with a cam-lock fit in the inner sleeve, beautifully concentric when locked. Glad I spent the extra, this will be perfect for doing the dog-holes in my bench.