Build Your Own Arcade Controls Forum

Main => Woodworking => Topic started by: massive88 on February 24, 2009, 11:37:43 am

Title: Perferred place to buy Forstner Bit Online?
Post by: massive88 on February 24, 2009, 11:37:43 am

I want to try using a forstner bit on my next project, as so many people have talked about how well they work in MDF and on plexi, but I cant find any locally at the sizes I would want, namely 1 3/16" (Japanese buttons) and 1 1/8" (Happ).

Is there any reason to not go for these guys?
http://www.amazon.com/Steelex-1-3-16-FORSTNER-BIT/dp/B0000DD32V/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=hi&qid=1235493314&sr=1-1
http://www.amazon.com/Steelex-1-1-8-FORSTNER-BIT/dp/B0000DD0IM/ref=sr_1_29?ie=UTF8&s=hi&qid=1235493736&sr=1-29

Or is there another option I should be looking at for ordering a better/similar product?

Thanks.

Title: Re: Perferred place to buy Forstner Bit Online?
Post by: MrMojoZ on February 24, 2009, 11:47:10 am

http://www.mlcswoodworking.com/shopsite_sc/store/html/smarthtml/pages/forsbit.htm

1-13/64" (30.6mm)
121/128" (24.1mm)

Work perfect for Japanese buttons! Tested many many times over.

Title: Re: Perferred place to buy Forstner Bit Online?
Post by: massive88 on February 24, 2009, 12:00:50 pm

Up til now Ive used 1 3/16" hole saws for Japanese buttons, and they work perfectly.  However, the hole saw may be working it out to slightly larger as it oscillates.  My assumption is that with a forstner bit there would be less oscillation as you drive the hole, making a more precise hole.

How well do the Japanese buttons fit using the 1 13/64"?  Do they fall in?  Do you have to push them in?  Would the fall out of the hole if you turned it upside down and gave it a little shake?

Title: Re: Perferred place to buy Forstner Bit Online?
Post by: MrMojoZ on February 24, 2009, 01:06:09 pm

Hmm lets say they'd take more than just a little shake, but you could shake them out.

Title: Re: Perferred place to buy Forstner Bit Online?
Post by: blakemcginnis on February 28, 2009, 12:13:09 am

So for standard happ buttons you would use a 1 1/8" bit? 

Title: Re: Perferred place to buy Forstner Bit Online?
Post by: foleykoontz on April 28, 2009, 01:11:46 pm

Quote from: blakemcginnis on February 28, 2009, 12:13:09 am

So for standard happ buttons you would use a 1 1/8" bit? 

Ya that's right. Also is there any place to buy this bit by itself, online or off? I've checked most places online but all of them have $8 shipping for a $4 bit. Harbor Freight seemed to have it but only in a $40 bit kit.

Title: Re: Perferred place to buy Forstner Bit Online?
Post by: massive88 on May 01, 2009, 12:16:53 pm

For a quality bit it will run you about $12 either way unless you get it in a pack.

http://www.lowes.com/lowes/lkn?action=productDetail&productId=306155-70-PC1013&lpage=none

http://www.grainger.com/Grainger/items/3WFA6

Title: Re: Perferred place to buy Forstner Bit Online?
Post by: patchboston on May 10, 2009, 10:47:48 am

would these bits work with a harder surface, other than wood? I have a metal CP that needs to have new holes drilled, but I have no clue on what to use..

Title: Re: Perferred place to buy Forstner Bit Online?
Post by: Chadwick on May 10, 2009, 09:13:23 pm

You can't use a forstner on metal.  Use a metal hole saw.