Porter Cable PCFSB12 12 Piece 1/2-Inch to 2-Inch Forstner Bit Assortment

by Porter-Cable

Product Description

Amazon.com Product Description

The Porter Cable PCFSB12 Forstner Drill Bit Set is a 12-bit drill bit set that far exceeds the performance of the competition. Each bit is made of hardened carbon steel for an exceptionally long lifespan, and on average, these quality Forstner bits are twice as fast as the competition--both saving you time and money over the life of the bits. This 12-piece set includes all of the most commonly used sizes, including 3/8, 1/2, 5/8, 3/4,7/8, 1, 1-1/8, 1-1/4, 1-3/8, 1-1/2, 1-5/8, and 2 (inches).

From the Manufacturer

Porter Cable PCFSB12 12 Piece 1/2-Inch to 2-Inch Forstner Bit Assortment

Product Details

• Shipping Weight: 3.8 pounds
• Shipping: This item is also available for shipping to select countries outside the U.S.
• ASIN: B000HCZ4FM
• Item model number: PCFSB12
• Average Customer Review: 4.1 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (15 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #118,033 in Home Improvement (See Top 100 in Home Improvement)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

12 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Drill bits are straight and precise, but dull, prepare to sharpen., September 7, 2008

By 

woodwork hobbyist (Melbourne, FL USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Porter Cable PCFSB12 12 Piece 1/2-Inch to 2-Inch Forstner Bit Assortment (Tools & Home Improvement)

First thing I noticed out of the box is that the bits are visibly dull.
Even to bare eyes the cutting edges look frayed, like a wood chisel that really needs sharpening.
As a consequence this new forstner bit does not cut as fast as a Freud bit I have used for years. (Even though the design and shape are almost identical to the Freud.) The bottom of drill holes in pine shows tearout and some fraying.
I have tried to sharpen a bit with a dremel, this improves things. This can take 5 minutes per bit.
Why not 1 or 2 star? I suspect that after sharpening you still end up with a drill bit that lasts better than a cheaper version. Cheaper ones of course may be dull(er) as well. More importantly, these bits are straight and precise so they don't wobble like cheaper ones.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Good Set of Forstner Bits, January 21, 2010

By 

Jack Beery (Canandaigua, New York USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Porter Cable PCFSB12 12 Piece 1/2-Inch to 2-Inch Forstner Bit Assortment (Tools & Home Improvement)

When I was starting a new project in my shop I needed a couple of new bits. In looking around I thought it was an opportune time to purchase this set. The cost was [...] with free shipping. What is nice about Forstner bits is they are guided by their circular rim instead of their center, and consequently will bore a circle hole or an arc of a circle and can be guided at an angle when necessary regardless of woodgrain or knots.

I use these bits for both through holes and as counterbores to recess screw heads, carriage bolts and hurricane nuts. I am happy with the purchase. I didn't realize how much I made do with an almost right size until I started using these bits.

For people who do not have much experience working with larger diameter Forstner bits, from my experience they are better used in a drill press because they like to be run at a lower RPM. I have included a table that shows the recommended speeds for Forstner bits.

Copied:

In using Forstner Bits, excessive speed will cause burning. To avoid this and drawing the temper in the tool, the following speeds for the various sizes are suggested:

--SOFT WOOD (Pine)----------------------HardWood (Maple)
Tool Diameter-------RPM--------------Tool Diameter-----RPM
---3/8-5/8---------2400-----------------3/8-5/8-------1800
---11/16-1---------1800-----------------11/16-1------1400
---1 1/16-1 7/16---1200-----------------1 1/16-1 7/16--900
---1 1/2-3----------600-----------------1 1/2-2 1/8-----450

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Such A Deal!, September 21, 2007

By 

D. MCCULLOCH - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Porter Cable PCFSB12 12 Piece 1/2-Inch to 2-Inch Forstner Bit Assortment (Tools & Home Improvement)

This has got to be one of the best deals going! For those who do precision wood work or who just need a good set of Forstner bits the value of this set far exceeds the price.