Canadian Owned & Operated Since 1964
Diablo Forstner Bit for Wood
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Diablo Forstner Bit for Wood
Diablo's Forstner bits bore flat-bottom holes in wood. A sharp center spur locates the hole and resists walking, and steep-angled, double-ground serrated edges slice the full rotation of the bit for less splintering and chipping. The holes come out smooth and flat, and the chips curl off like chisel shavings. The bit is forged high-speed steel with a hardened body.
Sixteen sizes from 1/4 in. to 2-1/8 in., all 3-1/2 in. long, for drill presses and handheld drills. The shank steps up with the bit, from 1/4 in. on the smallest sizes to 3/8 in. from 3/4 in. up. Diablo lists a 1/4 in. minimum chuck for the 1/4 in. bit and 3/8 in. for the larger ones, so check the Shank column against your chuck.
Run slower as the bit gets bigger. Diablo's speed chart tops out at 3,000 RPM for the 1/4 in. bit in softwood and 1,500 RPM for the 2-1/8 in. bit, and hardwood runs slower still.
Features and Common Uses
- Forged high-speed steel with a hardened body for a longer life and a sharper edge
- Sharp center spur locates the hole and resists walking on the material
- Steep-angled, double-ground serrated edges for less splintering and chipping
- Smooth, flat-bottom holes, with chips that curl off for fast, clean removal
- Straight, angled and overlapping holes in all types of wood
- For drill presses and handheld drills
Commonly used for:
- Flat-bottom holes in solid wood and plywood
- Pocket holes and overlapping holes
- Angled holes in hardwood and softwood
Specifications
| Size | Model | Shank | Softwood RPM | Hardwood RPM |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1/4 in. | FB-001 | 1/4 in. | 800 to 3000 | 600 to 1500 |
| 3/8 in. | FB-002 | 1/4 in. | 800 to 2000 | 600 to 1500 |
| 1/2 in. | FB-003 | 1/4 in. | 800 to 1800 | 600 to 1200 |
| 5/8 in. | FB-004 | 5/16 in. | 800 to 1700 | 600 to 1200 |
| 3/4 in. | FB-005 | 3/8 in. | 1200 to 2500 | 1000 to 2000 |
| 7/8 in. | FB-006 | 3/8 in. | 1100 to 2000 | 900 to 1800 |
| 1 in. | FB-007 | 3/8 in. | 1100 to 1800 | 900 to 1600 |
| 1-1/8 in. | FB-008 | 3/8 in. | 1100 to 1800 | 900 to 1500 |
| 1-1/4 in. | FB-009 | 3/8 in. | 1100 to 1800 | 900 to 1500 |
| 1-3/8 in. | FB-010 | 3/8 in. | 1000 to 1700 | 800 to 1200 |
| 1-1/2 in. | FB-011 | 3/8 in. | 1000 to 1700 | 800 to 1200 |
| 1-5/8 in. | FB-012 | 3/8 in. | 1000 to 1700 | 800 to 1100 |
| 1-3/4 in. | FB-013 | 3/8 in. | 1000 to 1700 | 800 to 1100 |
| 1-7/8 in. | FB-014 | 3/8 in. | 900 to 1500 | 700 to 1000 |
| 2 in. | FB-015 | 3/8 in. | 900 to 1500 | 700 to 1000 |
| 2-1/8 in. | FB-016 | 3/8 in. | 900 to 1500 | 700 to 1000 |
Sizes and shanks are from Diablo's product pages, one page per bit. Recommended speeds are from Diablo's Forstner bit speed chart. Source: Diablo Forstner bit product pages (diablotools.com).
Speed ranges are printed on Diablo's chart as shown, including the 3/4 in. row, which runs higher than the 5/8 in. and 7/8 in. rows around it. Source: Diablo Forstner bit speed chart (PDF).
Frequently Asked Questions
What speed should I run it at?
Use the Softwood and Hardwood RPM columns in the table above. Smaller bits can run faster, and hardwood needs a lower speed than softwood at every size.
What chuck size do I need?
Diablo lists a 1/4 in. minimum chuck for the 1/4 in. bit and 3/8 in. for the larger bits. Match the Shank column to your chuck.
Drill press or handheld drill?
Either. Diablo lists both. A drill press holds the bit square and the speed steady.
Is there a set?
Yes. Diablo's 4, 7 and 16-piece sets are on the Forstner bit set page.