Auger bit recommendations?

[AJB Temple]

Managed to bend an Axminster 16mm Auger but today, cutting dowel holes in 9" oak beams. Bent at teh shank (drill end) as the bit caught on a knot deep in the wood somewhere.

Would like to replace with tough as old boots good quality Auger bits. No so sure about Axi anymore. Any recommendations?

I need 16, 18, 19 and 22mm capable of going through 9"

Thanks, AJ

 

[Beau]

Had Sandvic bits in the past and they have held up well.

 

[pcb1962]

I like these armeg bits form Axminster
They cut really well and leave a good clean hole. I've never cut 9 inches of oak with one but it seems to be the kind of thing they're made for and they come in all the sizes you need.

edit: they're not quite as long as you need but you can get an extension rod

 

[RobinBHM]

I tend to use the heller ones although cant say Ive used them in green oak

http://www.toolstation.com/shop/Power+T ... Bit/p50720

 

[n0legs]

Armeg are excellent, also available from Screwfix.

 

[merlin]

Hello AJ,

The best bits I have found and have been using for years now are "Alpen" you can get them from the bay.
They are made in Japan and unlike some there is plenty of meat on them for sharpening.

Merlin

 

[AJB Temple]

Thank you all.

pcb1962 - I had not spotted the Armeg bits. When drilling beams I am usually up a step ladder (as I dont have the luxury of ground assembly and checking fit at ground level) so I prefer bits with flutes that go all the way along the shaft.

Robin thanks for the Heller recommendation and link. I have ordered a couple.

I also ordered some Fisch Auger bits (Austrian apparently). Sorry Merlin -you posted after I ordered, but thanks anyway for your input.

Heavy rain has unfortunately stopped play today, which is annoying as I just need to get a couple more cross beams in.

AJ

 

[Bm101]

Bit late from the sounds of it but....

Have you seen the Japanese Star-M range? I got a couple of specific sizes from Dieter Schmid Fine Tools with some other bits and pieces and they are superb. Sharp, clean cutting and very well engineered. They are not particularly cheap but not obscene. (mm) 19 /330 L / 24 Cutting Length is a shade under 16 Euros. (+ shipping etc). Not that shabby if you need a few bits and pieces to offset the shipping.
I got a cheaper Irwin bit for a particular job and the difference is chalk and cheese. The Irwin was shocking in comparison. I bought a couple of blue Axi sale ones for a hex fitting in the electric drill. The spur ran smooth on the third use into hardwood. (Not sure if they were supposed to only be for hand tool use only? The spur is different for 'combination bits' if that's the right word?) For general info the one on the right is the combination bit below according to Fine Tools website at least.

Being a beginner obviously this is just my blinkered and unscientific opinion, but I'd personally not buy another brand now, bit like having a Ferrari as your first car then being surprised when you drive a 25 year old Nissan Sunny that the driving performance doesn't quite measure up I suppose. :roll: Not to say there aren't other excellent brands out there as mentioned above by People Who Actually Know What They Are Doing of course. (hammer)
I only mention Fine Tools because they seem fairly unavailable (from my past searches at least), in the UK although Mathew at Workshop Heaven seems to be gradually introducing/has introduced a range. Woop! =D> https://www.workshopheaven.com/shop-by- ... tar-m.html
You can use the following range with electric and a brace.
https://www.fine-tools.com/bohr3.html

A slightly tardy Cheers!
Chris

 

[AJB Temple]

Thanks Chris. Nope, not heard of those but I have bought from DS before so will take a look. Something like this (it's holding me up) I need before next weekend so ordering from Germany is not ideal. AJ