Rover Drill Bits

[Jcrawf]

I use Forstner bits for roughing out the inletting for rifle stocks. They do the job, but even with a slow rpm and a slow feed they get pretty hot and they dull fairly quickly. I came across this bit on the web and it looks like the greatest thing since Jane Mansfield:

http://blip.tv/file/795906

Have any of you tried them?

Jack

[Uncle Cracker]

Haven't tried them. I don't use Forstners much, and have a Ti-coated set that is holding up well, but I'd be interested in seeing how well the Rovers hold up, in case I ever need to "upgrade". The only problem I can see (aside from the brittle nature of the carbide cutters) might be that the side cutters (and the wandering capability they feature) might make it more difficult to maintain a perfectly round and size-controlled hole. The video would seem to bear this out.

[LCHIEN]

I always think of Forstners as fine finish bits and not roughing out bits. Used when you want smooth sides and smooth flat bottom.
The Rovers look interesting but are pretty expensive. it would seem that their main feature is the ability to change direction in the hole, and their claimed robustness - neither of which are of use to you from what I can tell.

If I understand you are trying to rough out the interior cavity of gun stocks? Not the exterior removal? In that case, I'd consider just plain old straight spade bits. They're cheap and remove material fairly quickly. When used with a drill press they will drill very straight. They have a point which leaves a rather large hole in the bottom of the cavity, and the bottom is sort of flat but has spurs around the edges as well as the hole in the middle, but that should not matter for your work.

[cgallery]

The Rover bits look interesting, I've seen them at shows before.

I just don't have much application for their special applications.

They may work well for your application. The one concern I'd have is whether you'd have much control on where the bit goes when going more than 1/2" to 1" deep.

If the bit can go sideways, then how do you make sure it doesn't, when you don't want it to?

[herb fellows]

Haven't tried them. I don't use Forstners much, and have a Ti-coated set that is holding up well, but I'd be interested in seeing how well the Rovers hold up, in case I ever need to "upgrade". The only problem I can see (aside from the brittle nature of the carbide cutters) might be that the side cutters (and the wandering capability they feature) might make it more difficult to maintain a perfectly round and size-controlled hole. The video would seem to bear this out.

Wouldn't normal carbide shatter when it hit the nail in the demo, assuming that the cutters actually hit the nail? Are these treated with something that prevents that?

[cgallery]

Wouldn't normal carbide shatter when it hit the nail in the demo, assuming that the cutters actually hit the nail? Are these treated with something that prevents that?

I don't think the nails are hardened. Probably soft wire brads.