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 even with making sure it started concentrically and with a square face.

Attachment 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 and a reply by thumbsucker in that thread lead me to these MaxiCut Forstners, so I ordered three bits plus an extension in 7/8", 1" and 1 3/8" from Infinity Tools 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.

Attachment 128014 Attachment 128015 Attachment 128016

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 had the lathe in reverse didn't I , anyway I got them drilling beautifully and as hard and quick as I could feed the tailstock, they just kept peeling shavings out with no wandering of the bit.

Attachment 128017 Attachment 128018 Attachment 128019 Attachment 128020

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

Following quote is copied from the Infinity Tools Website here

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

[thumbsucker]

Good to see another positive review of the Colt. 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/cgIcDl5I-ek&color1=0xb1b1b1&color2=0xcfcfcf&hl=en_US&feature=player_embedded&fs=1

And here.

[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.

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>>

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

[Jim Carroll]

This is what is listed on the Carbatec 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

[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-...imperial_c9120

[wolften]

...heck just grab them from Lee Valley and get some more gear while you're there.

[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

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