CMT Forstner Bits - Choose the Size

CMT Forstner Bits – Choose Your Size

Get clean, accurate boring performance without overspending. CMT Forstner Bits are designed for woodworking applications where you need precise holes with straight sides and flat bottoms. The high-performance stagger-tooth cutting design on larger diameter bits helps produce smooth, controlled cuts in both hardwoods and softwoods.

These versatile Forstner drill bits can be used with drill presses as well as electric and cordless drills, making them a practical choice for cabinetmaking, furniture building, woodworking, and general shop projects. Choose the diameter that best matches your application.

Choose Your Forstner Bit Size

CMT Forstner Bits are available in a wide range of diameters, from compact bits for smaller holes to large-diameter bits for specialized woodworking applications.

• 1/4-in. – Part No. CMF-0002
• 3/8-in. – Part No. CMF-0003
• 1/2-in. – Part No. CMF-0004
• 5/8-in. – Part No. CMF-0005
• 3/4-in. – Part No. CMF-0006
• 7/8-in. – Part No. CMF-0007
• 1-in. – Part No. CMF-0100
• 1-1/8-in. – Part No. CMF-0101
• 1-1/4-in. – Part No. CMF-0102
• 1-3/8-in. – Part No. CMF-0103
• 1-1/2-in. – Part No. CMF-0104
• 1-5/8-in. – Part No. CMF-0105
• 1-3/4-in. – Part No. CMF-0106
• 1-7/8-in. – Part No. CMF-0107
• 2-in. – Part No. CMF-0200
• 2-1/8-in. – Part No. CMF-0201
• 35mm – Part No. CMF-0035
• 40mm – Part No. CMF-0040

Precision Forstner Bit Design

The stagger-tooth design on the larger diameter CMT Forstner Bits is engineered for efficient cutting and clean hole formation. The cutting geometry helps create straight-sided holes and flat-bottom bores, making these bits useful for precision woodworking tasks such as hardware installation, concealed hinges, dowel work, mortising, and furniture construction.

Recommended Operating Speeds

Using the proper RPM for the bit diameter and material helps control heat buildup and promotes longer cutting-edge life. Recommended speeds vary according to the size of the Forstner bit and whether you are drilling softwood or hardwood.

• 1/4-in.: 2400 RPM softwood / 700 RPM hardwood
• 3/8-in.: 2400 RPM softwood / 500 RPM hardwood
• 1/2-in.: 2400 RPM softwood / 500 RPM hardwood
• 5/8-in.: 2400 RPM softwood / 500 RPM hardwood
• 3/4-in.: 1500 RPM softwood / 500 RPM hardwood
• 7/8-in.: 1500 RPM softwood / 500 RPM hardwood
• 1-in.: 1500 RPM softwood / 500 RPM hardwood
• 1-1/8-in.: 1000 RPM softwood / 250 RPM hardwood
• 1-1/4-in.: 1000 RPM softwood / 250 RPM hardwood
• 1-3/8-in.: 500 RPM softwood / 250 RPM hardwood
• 1-1/2-in.: 500 RPM softwood / 250 RPM hardwood
• 1-5/8-in.: 500 RPM softwood / 250 RPM hardwood
• 1-3/4-in.: 500 RPM softwood / 250 RPM hardwood
• 1-7/8-in.: 500 RPM softwood / 250 RPM hardwood
• 2-in.: 500 RPM softwood / 250 RPM hardwood
• 2-1/8-in.: 500 RPM softwood / 250 RPM hardwood
• 35mm: 1500 RPM softwood / 500 RPM hardwood
• 40mm: 1000 RPM softwood / 250 RPM hardwood

Tips for Longer Bit Life

• Make repeated shallow cuts when drilling deeper holes and allow the bit to cool for two or three seconds between passes.
• Keep chips from building up around the cutting edges, as excessive heat can damage the temper of traditional cutting edges.
• Do not exceed the recommended maximum speed for the type of wood being drilled.
• Avoid applying excessive pressure to the bit, which can generate unnecessary heat and shorten cutting-edge life.
• When mortising, remove chips from the previous hole before boring the next hole.

Drill Press and Hand Drill Use

CMT Forstner Bits are suitable for drill presses, electric drills, and cordless drills. Smaller Forstner bits can be used with a hand drill, although a drill press generally provides better control and more consistent results. For bits larger than 19mm (3/4-in.), use particular caution with hand drills because the bit can catch on imperfections in the wood and create a sudden reaction.

Safety Warning

When working in areas where flying objects, fragments, or particles may be present, always wear appropriate primary eye protection such as safety glasses or goggles with side shields. A face shield should be used in conjunction with primary eye protection during severe exposure to impact hazards.

Choose the CMT Forstner Bit size you need for clean, flat-bottom holes and dependable performance across a wide range of woodworking applications.