How to Drill With a Forstner Bit

Forstner bits are drill bits that can be used for many wood and wood-product applications, from drilling shallow holes with flat bottoms to creating decorative edging. The bits are available in a wide range of sizes and can be used effectively in drill presses and hand-held drills as well.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Forstner bit Drill press or hand-held drill Wood or wooden product

1. Place a Forstner bit into the chuck of your drill. Tighten the chuck well so the bit will not become a safety hazard.

2. Mark the wood in the place where the hole is required.

3. Place the tip of the Forstner bit on the mark and turn the drill on. Allow the bit to reach its top spinning speed before beginning the hole.

4. Insert the drill slowly. Large Forstner bits remove large amounts of material, so it is safer for you (and better for the tool) if you drill the hole slowly.

5. Remove the Forstner bit from the hole while the bit is still spinning. Do not touch the bit, as it my be hot. Allow the bit to cool before removing the bit from the chuck.

Tips & Warnings

• When drilling a hole completely through a piece of wood, place another piece of wood behind the piece being drilled to protect the bit when the hole is finished. Drilling speed recommendations vary by drill-bit size and wood hardness. Consult the drill-bit package for more information.

Resources

• Forstner bit selection, use and care
• About Forstner/saw-tooth bits