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The Rockler 22-Piece Forstner Bit Set covers the vast majority of hole sizes woodworkers need and you even get a nice labeled case that protects the bits and lets you know which one you have not put away yet! Click image to enlarge

Rockler 22-Piece Forstner Bit Set

When clean, consistent holes in wood are important

Text, photos and video by Tom Hintz

Posted - 7-22-2014

Ever since Forstner drill bits first came on the scene they have been favored by woodworkers because of the super clean, consistent holes they make in virtually any species of wood. The Rockler 22-Piece &orstner Bit Set (#36191) in this review is ideal for woodworkers because of the quality bits and span of sizes that covers the range of holes we use most.

The Basics

The Rockler 22-Piece &orstner Bits are made from high carbon steel, come pre-sharpened and ready to use. The design of the cutting edges slices the wood fibers to minimize tearout on entry and exit from the wood. The inside cutters form the remarkably clean flat-bottom holes. Back up the piece being drilled with flat scrap wood and the exit tearout is virtually eliminated.

All of the included bits have 3/8" round shanks. The flutes are extra wide to help get chips out and allow for more airflow to reduce the overall temperature of the bit. Bits 1” in diameter and larger have multiple spurs that increase their cutting ability and also reduce heat build-up. The rim and spurs are finely ground to help produce remarkably smooth holes with accurate diameters. Each bit has a “pilot” point that lets you start the drill exactly where you want it for perfectly placed holes.

Included bits sizes are 1/4", 5/16", 3/8", 7/16", 1/2" 9/16", 5/8", 11/16", 3/4", 13/16", 7/8", 15/16", 1", 1-1/8", 1-1/4", 1-3/8", 1-1/2", 1-5/8", 1-3/4", 1-7/8", 2", 2-1/8". You also get a nice fitted and size-labeled storage case that makes it clear visually what bits are missing before you close it up. Rockler added a simple speed (RPM) chart to the label inside of the case to help you drill more and burn less.

In the Shop

The bits are finely made and sharpened to slice (left) rather than tear through the wood. Back the wood you are drilling with scrap wood below it and you can get holes like this one (right) that needs nothing but a bit of sanding to be ready for finish. No chipping, no tear out. sand it and move on to other tasks! Click images to enlarge

I know there are people who use Forstner bits in hand-held drills and I have occasionally done this myself, but only with smaller diameter bits. There is just too much going on when drilling with a Forstner bit to expect the best results when drilling by hand. With larger bits drilling by hand is simply asking for trouble. When used in a drill press every bit in the Rockler 22-Piece &orstner Bit Set will cut remarkably clean, precise holes.

Throughout the review process the Rockler 22-Piece &orstner Bit Set cut easily and made very clean holes that needed little if any final work to get ready for use or finish. I had a hodge podge pile of Forstner bits that I have been using but when I started putting the Rockler versions into use I could hear the difference in the drill press. It wasn’t working as hard to drill the same size holes. We grow accustomed to the sounds of our machines and may not recognize one that is laboring until we put a better cutter in as happened when I chucked up the first Rockler Forstner bit.

What didn’t surprise me was how easily and clean these bits cut wood. Set the drill press in the safe range for that bit and wood and just let it do its work. I found that only moderate pressure need be applied to bore a clean, precise hole.

I don’t know what else we can ask of a drill bit other than a long life and that appears to be reality with the Rockler 22-Piece &orstner Bit Set. The materials and machining appear to be first rate so with normal use and common sense care these bits should last a long time.

Conclusions

The Rockler 22-Piece &orstner Bit Set certainly performs very well and more than meets the needs of a woodworker or even a small shop. This set has a street price of $159.99 (7-17-2014) which is short money for this many high end bits. My intention earlier was to just buy the Forstner bits that I needed rather than a set. Like anything else, the set is way more economical, plus it has plenty of sizes that would have me burning more gas to go back to the home center to get in the future. If you like to use good quality drill bits or just want to do your part in fuel conservation check out the Rockler 22-Piece &orstner Bit Set. See the links below for other sets Rockler offers these bits in.

See the Rockler product page – Click Here

7-piece set

16-piece set

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