Forstner bits are extremely useful woodworking tools. They allow you to drill accurate, flat bottom holes in all types of wood. They also come in a wide range of sizes from 1/4" to 2-1/4" and beyond. Forstner bits, like any other cutting tool, must be made to tight tolerances and of high-quality materials to produce clean, accurate, and burn-free cuts. This is why we reach for Famag Bormax 2.0 Forstner Bits in our shop. Let's take a look at what makes these German-made Forstner bits a great choice for your shop.
Who Is Famag?
Famag was founded in 1865 and has been manufacturing drill bits in Germany for over 150 years. Since then, Famag has been known for producing some of the highest quality Forstner bits available. Carrying on the tradition of quality and innovation, the Bormax 2.0 line of Forstner bits combines old-world craftsmanship with modern manufacturing techniques and materials. As a result, these bits produce the cleanest, most accurate holes we have ever achieved while maintaining an unmatched lifespan.
Bormax 2.0 Forstner Bits are made of Alloyed Tool Steel and coated with a Black oxide finish to resist corrosion. When you compare a Bormax 2.0 to any other Forstner bit you will immediately notice the unique Waveform/Split Circumference body. This design serves two distinct purposes. First, it produces multiple scoring lips around the parameter of the cutter. This helps cleanly sever the wood fibers and produce a beautiful cut. Second, it reduces friction and heat which can cause burning and premature dulling of the tool.
Traditional Forstner bits have straight main cutters that create wide shavings and cause clogging especially in deeper holes. Famag Bormax 2.0 Forstner Bits have offset chip breaker cutting edges that produce short and narrow shavings. This greatly reduces clogging so you don't have to stop drilling to clear the waste.
All Bormax 2.0 Forstner Bits measure 3-1/2" overall and have a Hex Shank. This hex shank means the bit won't slip in your drills' chuck. Why does this matter? Forstner bits remove a lot of wood in a hurry, especially as the sizes get larger. The added torque can cause bits with round shanks to slip causing damage to your project and even your drill. A hex shank eliminates all possibility of a Bormax 2.0 Forstner bit from slipping.
Buy one or buy them all!
Sometimes you just need one size, like when Installing concealed hinges and need a 35mm Forstner Bit to make the hinge pocket. Maybe you do production work and drill a lot of 1/2" holes. For these situations, we offer a complete line of Famag Bormax 2.0 Forstner bits individually. But more often than not, woodworkers need a broad selection of sizes. Infinity Tools offers several different Famag Forstner Bit Sets so you can choose the one that best suits your needs and save a little cash in the process. We definitely recommend taking a look at the 16-Pc Bormax Forstner Bit set (101-969). It includes all of the most common sizes and comes in a quality wooden storage case to keep everything safe and organized.
Don't forget the Famag accessories!
What is a Forstner Bit accessory? Depth Stops, Bit Extensions, and Morse Taper Adapters are all accessories and allow you to get even more versatility out of your investment. Famag has some unique accessories for their Forstner Bits that we think all woodworkers will enjoy.
Depth Stops are our favorite because they allow you to repeatedly drill to the same depth when using a handheld drill. They also help make it easier to drill square to the surface. The Famag Depth Stop Kit (101-973) is incredibly easy to install and set up. Each kit includes bushings to work with all but the largest bit sizes that you will want to use in your drill press.
Famag Forstner Bit Extensions come in two-piece sets with one of each 125mm and 250mm extensions. One set works with 8mm shank bits and the other works with 10mm shank bits. All of the extensions have 4 set screws to lock the bit securely in place. While the 8mm extensions cannot be connected end-to-end, the 10mm versions can be. When connected, they create a 350mm extra-long extension. To get the most from you Famag Forstner Bit set, make sure you pick-up both the 8mm and 10mm extension kits.
We also offer a Famag #2 Morse Taper Adapter specifically for those using Forstner Bits on their woodturning lathes. The Morse Taper Adapter allows you to mount your 10mm shank bits directly into your lathes' tail stock, eliminating the need for a dedicated chuck. This can free-up bed length so you can drill deeper and larger projects. We also offer an excluding Famag 5-Pc. Pepper Mill Boring Kit (101-950) specifically for those who like to turn those beautiful wooden salt and pepper grinders you see in fancy kitchens and restaurants.
We highly recommend the Famag Bormax 2.0 Forstner bits to anyone that is looking for the best performance and uncompromising quality at an outstanding price. And, with a complete line of high-quality accessories, you will always have the right system no matter what project you undertake.
