What do I use a Forstner bit for?

The Forstner bit - named after its inventor, American Benjamin Forstner - is used in woodworking mainly for making flat bottomed holes. For example, a knot hole can be drilled out exactly and precisely. That is why the Forstner bit is also colloquially called knothole drill. In addition, it can also be used to make holes for concealed hinges in furniture.

For what types of material is a Forstner bit suitable?

Forstner bits belong to the category- wood drills and are therefore suitable for wood and wood-based materials.

What must be considered when using a Forstner bit?

Forstner drills are equipped with a centring point due to the diameter of the bit. It is important to make sure that this centre point is firmly held in the workpiece when the drill is applied. This is the only way to ensure that the drill does not slip during drilling and that a clean hole is produced.

Up to what diameter are Forstner bits available?

Our assortment offers you a large selection of Fornstner bits. In our Classic range we offer bits up to Ø50 mm, Tool steel (WM) range up to Ø60 mm and in Tungsten-Carbide (HM) up to Ø60 mm.

What is the difference between a Forstner bit and a cylindrical bit?

The cylindrical drill is a variation of the Forstner bit. While the Forstner drill usually consists of a centre point, two main cutting edges and two closed circumferential cutting edges, the cylindrical drill is equipped with two open circumferential cutting edges. In general, the Forstner bit is ideal for free-hand applications and the cylindrical drill is ideal for working with a stationary device, such as a drill stand.

When should I use a Forstner bit with tool steel (WS) and when with tungsten-carbide cutting edges (HM)?

Drill bits with tungsten-carbide cutting edges generally have a longer service life and are particularly suitable for hard woods. Tthey are also ideal for wood-based materials such as MDF and chipboard. Fornstner drills made of tool steel are ideal for drilling in soft woods.

Forstner Bits

Forstner Bit Classic

Forstner Bit WS steel

Forstner Bit HM

Forstner Bit Set

Countersinks

Premium Forstner bit WS

Depth stop for Forstner bits

FAQ, Videos and more

The Forstner bit is a helpful wood drill for large holes. Unlike the twist drill, a Forstner bit has a short tip and no drill thread. With the aid of the centring point, the drill can be easily fixed in place when attaching.

The Forstner bit is used in woodworking mainly for making blind holes. For example, a knothole can be drilled precisely. Therefore, the Forstner bit is also colloquially called a knothole drill bit. Holes for top hinges in furniture are also made with that wood drill.

More Information FAQ

incl. 19% VAT

Bormax®, the rapid Forstner bit

AØ: 60 mm | SØ: 13 mm | NL: 57 mm | GL: 90 mm

Delivery time 1-2 days

Article no.: FA-162206000

EUR 98.16

incl. 19% VAT

Forstner bits from Famag

We offer a selection of excellent Forstner bits from Famag in premium quality. Among them you will find the Bormax Forstner bits. These drills are characterized by a low heat development and thus have a long service life with the highest drilling quality. Solid wood and chipboard can be chipped very quickly at lower feed rates than with conventional drills.

Pre-drilling is important

To avoid having to force the centering pin through the wood, pre-drilling should be carried out. Make sure that the correct diameter is used. It is helpful to use the tip of the Forstner bit as a guide.

Frequently asked questions about Forstner Bits

What do I use a Forstner bit for?
For what types of material is a Forstner bit suitable?
What must be considered when using a Forstner bit?
Up to what diameter are Forstner bits available?
What is the difference between a Forstner bit and a cylindrical bit?
When should I use a Forstner bit with tool steel (WS) and when with tungsten-carbide cutting edges (HM)?

1. What do I use a Forstner bit for?

The Forstner bit - named after its inventor, American Benjamin Forstner - is used in woodworking mainly for making flat bottomed holes. For example, a knot hole can be drilled out exactly and precisely. That is why the Forstner bit is also colloquially called knothole drill. In addition, it can also be used to make holes for concealed hinges in furniture.
2. For what types of material is a Forstner bit suitable?

Forstner bits belong to the category- wood drills and are therefore suitable for wood and wood-based materials.
3. What must be considered when using a Forstner bit?

Forstner drills are equipped with a centring point due to the diameter of the bit. It is important to make sure that this centre point is firmly held in the workpiece when the drill is applied. This is the only way to ensure that the drill does not slip during drilling and that a clean hole is produced.
4. Up to what diameter are Forstner bits available?

Our assortment offers you a large selection of Fornstner bits. In our Classic range we offer bits up to Ø50 mm, Tool steel (WM) range up to Ø60 mm and in Tungsten-Carbide (HM) up to Ø60 mm.
5. What is the difference between a Forstner bit and a cylindrical bit?

The cylindrical drill is a variation of the Forstner bit. While the Forstner drill usually consists of a centre point, two main cutting edges and two closed circumferential cutting edges, the cylindrical drill is equipped with two open circumferential cutting edges. In general, the Forstner bit is ideal for free-hand applications and the cylindrical drill is ideal for working with a stationary device, such as a drill stand.
6. When should I use a Forstner bit with tool steel (WS) and when with tungsten-carbide cutting edges (HM)?

Drill bits with tungsten-carbide cutting edges generally have a longer service life and are particularly suitable for hard woods. Tthey are also ideal for wood-based materials such as MDF and chipboard.

Fornstner drills made of tool steel are ideal for drilling in soft woods.

Our tip:

If you are looking for an entry level Forstner bit set, then we recommend the Classic Forstner bits from FAMAG. Here you find good quality at a fair price!