Forstner Bit in a router

[DiscoStu]

I am looking to make some 20mm holes into 36mm thick MDF. I really want the holes to be vertical, could I use a forstner bit in a router - I know it would have to be on a slow setting but I wondered what peoples thoughts were?

 

[marcros]

no.

I would use a forstner to make a template in mdf, and use a bearing guided router bit in the router.

 

[Mr T]

I would do as Marcos but use a 20mm straight flute cutter and a guide collar.

Chris

 

[DiscoStu]

Ok,

Can I jsut ask why?

Is it just too dangerous because the bit isn't designed to be used like that? Too fast? I'm just interested to know why its not recommended.

 

[iNewbie]

its not designed for it - and too fast a speed.

 

[iNewbie]

As an example - heres the speed for a quality Forstner bit:

https://www.fine-tools.com/colt-forstnerbohrer.html

 

[pcb1962]

I am looking to make some 20mm holes into 36mm thick MDF.

Is this for an MFT style bench?
If so, do you realise that you won't be able get the clamps through a 36mm deep hole?

 

[DiscoStu]

No, not for an MFT style top. (Not for this requirement)

Basically I am building an MFT style top - but this query is for my normal work bench. I've just bought bench dogs and parf dogs (for the MFT that I am building) and like the idea of having some holes in my worktop that I can drop them into and use to give me something to push against when using my domino. Hopefully that makes sense. So I am just looking to make some 20mm holes and would prefer them to be vertical.

I think I might cut out a block and then drill a 20mm hole in that on the pillar drill, then use this to keep forstner bit vertical - I might even have a 20mm auger bit that might be better.

 

[pcb1962]

I would spend 30 quid on one of these http://www.axminster.co.uk/festool-spir ... er-cutters and use the router

 

[Phil Pascoe]

"I think I might cut out a block and then drill a 20mm hole in that on the pillar drill, then use this to keep forstner bit vertical - I might even have a 20mm auger bit that might be better."
That method works fine with an auger, a forstner is probably a little shallow to be accurate.

 

[Phil Pascoe]

I would spend 30 quid on one of these http://www.axminster.co.uk/festool-spir ... er-cutters and use the router

A little more difficult to centre than an auger, but ok. You'd need to know the full dimensions to ensure you could cut deep enough, though. That particular one's an 8mm collet, mind.

 

[mouppe]

Festool make an excellent 20mm router bit. I used this to make some holes in my workbench to enable me to use some Festool clamps. You can then use this hole as a guide for a drill bit if you want to go al the way through the bench (I didn't bother as I already have a row of 3/4" dog holes).

 

[Racers]

I have drilled hinge holes with a 35mm forsner but in a router it even came with a 1/2" collet it's a good one withTCT tips.

Pete

 

[Mar_mite]

I have drilled hinge holes with a 35mm forsner but in a router it even came with a 1/2" collet it's a good one withTCT tips.

Pete

Me too.

 

[Shultzy]

This is what you need, I've used it for the same purpose, for drilling holes on walls and angled holes. It also allows you to auto-centre on an edge.

http://www.axminster.co.uk/axminster-drill-guide

 

[DiscoStu]

I was in Axminster this week!

 

[Bigdanny]

Here you go Stu, Just come across this at wealden. Duflex Type D designed for routers. http://www.wealdentool.com/acatalog/Duflex_154.html
If I recall you wanted to do 20mm holes and they lest only down to 25mm. It may be worth a call to see if they can grind one for you.