Forstner

[EssexMame]

A lot of talk here on the Forstner bit.

What is it used for (in Arcade Cabinets), and if you don't have one what's the alternative way of doing the same tasks?

[spoot]

Button holes mostly.   Otherwise, spade bit or hole saw.

[kahlid74]

Button holes mostly.   Otherwise, spade bit or hole saw.

Pretty much what Spoot said.  Forstner are superior because they do really well "shaving" the wood away.  Hole saw's have trouble moving the wood particles away and can "burn" the wood.  Spade work but aren't always stable/good cuts.

[Drnick]

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Silverline-FORSTNER-DRILL-BITS-ALL-SIZES-Titanium-Coated-hinge-boring-hole-/150778417537?pt=UK_Home_Garden_PowerTools_SM&var=&hash=item231b181181

I just got the 1 a 30mm and have used it to cut all my button holes (Including the button holes in the perspex).

You can get cheaper sets, but as we should all know the cheapest option is not normally the best. 

[PL1]

Another use for a forstner bit is for the inset/pocket (?) hinges like Mcseforsale used for the CP on The Blue Pill.

The hinge mounts in the flat-bottomed hole made by the forstner.


Scott

[EssexMame]

Thanks (again!) all.

I've got a 28mm spade bit for the button holes, which I was happy with. It did "pop" out the bottom of the wood on my trial chipboard, but I'll get round that with a second scrap of wood clamped underneath next time.

I'd seen what features a Forstner bit had, but none seemed to relate to the cabinet except for holes which I was already happy I'd sorted :-) Still, if I get a router I may as well get a Forstner bit if they do holes easier/better.

[yaksplat]

I use 1-1/8" for all button holes and 1-3/8" for the hinges.

I also use a 5/8" for predrilling plexi before routing.  My flush bit is 1/2" so I have 1/16"clearance for the bit.