Forstner Bits & Sets

A Forstner bit bores clean, flat-bottomed holes with smooth sidewalls in wood. Common uses include hinge mortises, shelf-pin pockets, dowel joints, and decorative plug holes where a standard twist drill or spade bit would leave a pointed bottom or rough sides.

HSS (high-speed steel) Forstner bits are sharp, affordable, and suitable for solid wood and occasional use in soft sheet goods. Carbide-tipped bits, such as the Famag Bormax Carbide Tipped Forstner Bits, stay sharp much longer in abrasive materials like MDF, particleboard, and melamine, making them the better choice for production environments.

Yes, but a drill press is preferred for accuracy and safety. When using a hand-held drill, keep the bit speed moderate — larger-diameter Forstner bits should run slower than smaller ones — and use a fence or jig to keep the bit from wandering.

Larger bits require lower speeds. As a general guide, bits under 1 inch can run at higher RPM in softwood, while bits over 2 inches should run at the lowest speed setting available on your drill press to reduce heat and tear-out. Always consult the manufacturer's recommendations for the specific bit.

Yes. Because the rim does the cutting, a Forstner bit can begin a hole that overlaps a previously bored hole or that exits the edge of a board — something a hole saw or spade bit cannot do reliably. This makes Forstner bits indispensable for routing-style waste removal and for mortising work.

Use a dedicated extension kit, such as the Famag Bormax HSS 2/0 Forstner Bit Extension Kits, which attach between the bit shank and the drill chuck to add several inches of reach without sacrificing centering accuracy.

Set sizes vary by manufacturer, but most entry-level sets cover diameters from roughly 1/4 inch to 2-1/8 inches. The 7 Pc Carbide Tipped Forstner Bit Set includes the diameters most commonly needed for cabinet and furniture work.

Forstner bits can bore into end grain, though the cut is somewhat harder than face-grain drilling. Slowing the drill press speed, backing the workpiece firmly, and using a sharp bit will produce clean results in end grain.

Yes. Infinity Tools maintains a price-match policy. Visit the Price Match page for details on how to submit a request.

Infinity Tools stands behind every product it sells. See the Quality Guarantee page for complete terms, including what to do if a bit arrives defective or fails prematurely.