HF Forstner bit set opinions?

[cgallery]

Are the titanium nitride Forstner bits carried at Harbor Freight any good? Does the titanium nitride buy me anything really? I work with quite a bit of plywood, particle board, and MDF.

Thanks,
Phil

[dkhoward]

I don't know about the titanium (no metalurgical background), but I have a set of the HF bits and they work great for me. Of course, I am a part time hobby type user.

[leehljp]

I have the HF Tn ones and they are OK. I would buy them again as opposed to two to three times the price for other brands at another store. I don't use them often but when I do, they do an OK job.

[LCHIEN]

I have a set of the HF TiN forstner bits (1/16ths to 2") and I believe I am pretty happy with them. I have not used any truly expensive ones so I have no comparison, however they seem to be pretty well finished and run true. I cut 92 holes to day with the 1-1/4" bit.

The TiN coating is supposed to help resist heat buildup that detempers the steel - It's both harder and slipperier than the base metal. the bit lasts longer and cuts better.

[LarryG]

Quite good for the money.

I have both of the 7-piece HaFr Forstner bit sets (plain, TiN). IIRC I caught the latter on sale for some absurdly low price, like $3.99. Either set is well worth that. I can't detect a whole lot of difference made by the TiN coating but I'd say they maybe cut a little bit better. Maybe.

However, I should also mention that I own one (only) Freud "Precision Shear" Forstner bit and the difference between it and the HaFr cheapies is truly night and day.

[uglystick]

HF 7pc TiN Forstner set

I also have the 7pc TiN set from HF. No complaints for the few sizes I've used so far in plywood and some cherry. A great value in my opinion. Remember to adjust the speed of your drill press!

[zootroy]

7pc TiN

another vote. No problems to date. Used the 1/2" for about 20 mortises.