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Author Topic: Source of metric bits vs forstner?  (Read 3473 times)

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CryptKeeper24

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Source of metric bits vs forstner?
« on: January 16, 2017, 09:52:13 am »
 Hey all,

I came across a lot of pushbuttons for a good price.  They're convex and a tad smaller. I thought they add a nice look, but I'm having a dickens of a time getting them into my panel.

They are 24 and 30mm.  I've bought three different spade bits for the 30mm (two from China and one from UK).  Absolute rubbish.
The quality is so bad they were all unusable and went immediately in the trash.

I checked amazon canada and uk but no good reviews for any supplier of metric bits.  Big box stores don't carry.  Tried Rockler and other woodworking stores.
I did find a 1 3/16" forstner bit by CMT for the 30mm.  But I don't know if it would be wise to use a forstner bit.  This is for wood and plexi.

Anybody have a source for quality (i.e. workable) metric drill bits?



yotsuya

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Re: Source of metric bits vs forstner?
« Reply #1 on: January 16, 2017, 11:29:01 am »
Why not forstner? That's ALL I use.
***Build what you dig, bro. Build what you dig.***

UEDan

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Re: Source of metric bits vs forstner?
« Reply #2 on: January 16, 2017, 12:03:36 pm »
I wouldn't trust a spade bit on plexi.
Got my forstner from MLCS:
https://www.mlcswoodworking.com/shopsite_sc/store/html/smarthtml/pages/forsbit.htm
Looks like they have a 24.1 and 30mm option.

CryptKeeper24

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Re: Source of metric bits vs forstner?
« Reply #3 on: January 16, 2017, 02:01:48 pm »
I can't believe how active this site is!

Wow, great to know.  I would have thought all the surface area of the cutter would get gummed up cutting plastic.  I'll try that, thanks a lot!

:cheers:

UEDan

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Re: Source of metric bits vs forstner?
« Reply #4 on: January 16, 2017, 02:49:04 pm »
I had a little issue with small bits lodging itself between the plexi and unsharp parts.
But the actual cutting area will scrape away thin layers with each pass.
Have fun.  :cheers:

RobodocX

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Re: Source of metric bits vs forstner?
« Reply #5 on: January 25, 2017, 12:46:50 pm »
Just for the sake of completeness: another alternative is a circle cutter for this type of thing. Generally not necessary (or desirable) for smaller holes such as the ones you are describing but a circle cutter can be adjusted to whatever diameter you need and is also suitable for cutting out much larger holes accurately. To use these, though, you need a drill press with a slow speed setting.
Richard

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DeLuSioNal29

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Re: Source of metric bits vs forstner?
« Reply #6 on: January 25, 2017, 03:28:09 pm »
+1 on the Forstner bit.  That's all I use now.  I used to use spade bits at first, but once I switched I never turned back.

I've had great success cutting both 24mm and 30mm for Japanese buttons (Sanwa and Seimitsu) using Forstner bits.

Good luck!

DeL
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RobodocX

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Re: Source of metric bits vs forstner?
« Reply #7 on: January 25, 2017, 07:00:24 pm »
By the way, if you haven't tried the Maxi-Cut Forstner bits in the past, they are quite amazing. I have no personal interest in the company, don't work for them, etc. They cut very cleanly and don't clog. Nothing in common with the garden variety Forstner bits in those bargain sets. Might be worth an investment if you are cutting a lot of holes of one particular size. I'm not aware that they come in metric sizes though...
Richard

Woodworker and computer builder.
Traditional, digital design, CNC and laser techniques. Always happy to help if I can.