Some short time ago I replaced my Forstner bits I'd been using for probably 20 years with a top of the line Freud set and found they cut much better - especially clean exit holes instead of tearing out in the back. They also cut much faster. Probably cost 5X as much, too. But I thought it was a worthwhile upgrade.
So I was wondering about the brad point bits I have been using a set from Delta or about 20 years as well.
I decided the potential upside was as good as for the Forstners and sprung for a set of 7 brad point bits from Fisch, made in Austria.
I made a quick test in some soft cedar scraps
Both pics: New Fisch, top Old Delta Bottom
FIrst Pic Entry hole

Second pic, Exit hole with a slightly chewed up backer board.

Set of bits in the holders I made for 7-bit set, Sizes in 16ths.

Conclusion - some new, sharp, Quality bits do make a difference.
In the past, On projects where the lack of hole tearout was important, I would drill to the point where the brad point center would just poke through, then flip the work over and place the brad point into the tiny hole and make a second entry from the back side with perfect alignment of the holes. While this works really well, it obviously takes more work so I am excited about better bits.
So I was wondering about the brad point bits I have been using a set from Delta or about 20 years as well.
I decided the potential upside was as good as for the Forstners and sprung for a set of 7 brad point bits from Fisch, made in Austria.
I made a quick test in some soft cedar scraps
Both pics: New Fisch, top Old Delta Bottom
FIrst Pic Entry hole
Second pic, Exit hole with a slightly chewed up backer board.
Set of bits in the holders I made for 7-bit set, Sizes in 16ths.
Conclusion - some new, sharp, Quality bits do make a difference.
In the past, On projects where the lack of hole tearout was important, I would drill to the point where the brad point center would just poke through, then flip the work over and place the brad point into the tiny hole and make a second entry from the back side with perfect alignment of the holes. While this works really well, it obviously takes more work so I am excited about better bits.