Porter-cable 16 piece forstner bit sets

[xli1]

I need to purchase a sets of forstner bits. I saw porter-cable 16 piece sets in Homedepot for $44.95. It looks good, made of HHS, but made in China. Anybody here has any experience about this sets? Can anyone recommend a set with good quality but not too expensive. Thanks!

[JoeyGee]

I don't know about the PC...

I bought the HD Hickory 16 piece set awhile back and it has been OK. Most of the bits I use are getting fairly dull. If I had to do it over, I would buy a smaller set of higher quality (which ones, I have no idea). I mainly only really use the 1/4", 3/8" and 1/2", with a couple others with very little use. Most have not even been out of the box.

[Holbren]

Joey,

For those sizes you may want to consider brad point bits.

As for the forstner bits, the Hickory set is high carbon steel not high speed steel so I assume the PC set is the same. The bits will work but dull rather quickly if you use them often. But like anything else, you can always replace with betters ones as you wear them out.

Another option and the only option I considered selling were the carbide tipped ones. I don't think many companies sell them and they do get a premium.

[xli1]

Brian,

Do you currently offer any set of carbide tipped forstner bits? I would be interested in that. What would be the price range? I would definitely think about it considering the quality of carbide.

[Holbren]

Brian,

Do you currently offer any set of carbide tipped forstner bits? I would be interested in that. What would be the price range? I would definitely think about it considering the quality of carbide.

I never got started with them but I should revisit though. Come to think of it, I may have a 7 piece set sample in the garage, I better go check.

Only forstner bits I have are the 35mm ones for the euro hinges. I used them as giveaways at one time, still have some left.

OK, I found the info from days past and I should have brought them in. I would sell the 16 piece set for $39.95 with carbide tips. I think Grizzly get almost $100 for them and we share the same factory on some things, don't know about these.

I will be adding Forest City brad points though but they are pricey. They are owned by Whiteside now.

[raney]

Only forstner bits I have are the 35mm ones for the euro hinges. I used them as giveaways at one time, still have some left.

OK, I found the info from days past and I should have brought them in. I would sell the 16 piece set for $39.95 with carbide tips.

I would definitely be interested in a carbide set at that price!

I also need a 35mm for hinges on the wife's aquarium stand - are these on the website anywhere?

[xli1]

Brian,

In fact, I already have a 7 piece forstner bit sets, but as you may know, it only reaches 1" for this kind of sets. I am currently working on kitchen cabinets, the reason I want to get a decent set of these bits is that I need to install those Euro hinges, which use 35mm or 1 3/8" forstner bit. What I am thinking is that I would prefer to get a whole sets instead of just a single bit. Since you may have 35mm bit, do you think you can sell me one for a reasonalbe price? Or if you can bring in the 16 piece carbide tiped set for $39.95, I would like to order it. Let me know when you have it. Thanks! BTW, I think a bunch of people in this forum might be interested in 16 piece carbide set at this price. If you can bring this in, there might be some business here.

[Holbren]

I'll give you guys a 35mm carbide tipped forstner bit but need to collect on shipping. Send me an email with your zip code and I'll tell you how much shipping will be. Should be less than $2 and we can work it out with paypal.

I put this offer out there once before and some took advantage. It is open to anyone that wants one.

Email me at:

bgumpper@holbren.com

[ryan.s]

I would also be interested in the carbide tipped set for $39.95. Definitely do let us know if you start carrying these.

[bigsteel15]

I bought an inexpensive "chinese" set (up to 1") and a couple of larger sizes in the same brand. They worked OK until I bought a Freud 1-3/8" (35mm) euro hinge bit and used it. I won't even touch those cheap ones anymore.
The Freud is so smooth, you hardly know you're cutting.
I think the LV ones look decent also.

That said, if Holbren had an offering in his, line, I'm there.

[xli1]

I'll give you guys a 35mm carbide tipped forstner bit but need to collect on shipping. Send me an email with your zip code and I'll tell you how much shipping will be. Should be less than $2 and we can work it out with paypal.

I put this offer out there once before and some took advantage. It is open to anyone that wants one.

Email me at:

bgumpper@holbren.com

Just send you email with all the ordering information. Thanks a lot for the offer.

[Holbren]

I bought an inexpensive "chinese" set (up to 1") and a couple of larger sizes in the same brand. They worked OK until I bought a Freud 1-3/8" (35mm) euro hinge bit and used it. I won't even touch those cheap ones anymore.
The Freud is so smooth, you hardly know you're cutting.
I think the LV ones look decent also.

That said, if Holbren had an offering in his, line, I'm there.

Brian,

That's the exact reason I don't sell the steel ones. The Chinese carbon steel is just not good for cutting. But again, at the right price there is always some value until you can decide which ones you use the most.

If anyone has used one of my 35mm forstner bits or will use it when it arrives, I am interested in feedback. Especially about the longevity of the carbide. Being these are not saw tooth type cutters you may be able to put an edge on them yor self too with a diamond faced sharpener.