Forstner bits drill clean, flat-bottomed holes in wood, which is why cabinet makers reach for them for hinge cups, dowel seats and overlapping holes. This collection holds Forstner bits in single sizes and sets from Tork Craft, Bosch and Festool, from basic steel bits to carbide-tipped bits for hardwoods and laminates.
Choosing a Forstner bit
- Single size or set. If you mostly drill one size, buy that bit. The Tork Craft Forstner Bit comes in a wide choice of single sizes. For general work, the Bosch 5-piece HSS Forstner drill bit set 2607018395 covers the common sizes in one box.
- Steel or carbide. HSS bits are fine for softwood and occasional use. The Bosch TCT Forstner Bit has carbide teeth that stay sharp through chipboard, MDF and hardwood, and the Bosch TCT Forstner Bit Set 15 - 35mm 2607018750 covers 15 to 35 mm in TCT.
- Clean cut in sheet goods. The Bosch EXPERT Wood Forstner Drill Bit is the premium Bosch bit for clean holes in veneered and laminated board.
- Machine or hand drill. Forstner bits work best in a drill press at low speed. The Festool Forstner drill bit FB D 30 CE 205755 is the Festool option.
Which Forstner bit for hinges?
Standard concealed cabinet hinges use a 35 mm cup, so a 35 mm Forstner bit is the single most useful size for kitchen and wardrobe work. The Bosch TCT Forstner Bit Set 15 - 35mm 2607018750 includes it. Drill the cup in a drill press or with a hinge jig to keep it square, and set the depth stop so you do not break through the door face.
Forstner bits are in stock at our Claremont, Cape Town shop, with nationwide courier delivery across South Africa. Our staff use these bits daily and can advise on size and type. See also auger bits, step drill bits and all Tork Craft.
