I don't know if there is any objective way to describe what they should feel like out of the box, but you should not have to sharpen them before you use them.
I would try them out and see what happens.
I would try them out and see what happens.
How sharp should Forstner drill bits be out of box?
I bought some Forstner drill bits that I would classify as medium priced. When I open the box and feel the sharpness they all feel like a dull knife. I didn't really expect them to be Samurai sharp but I am really wondering if I need to sharpen them or just take them back. Anyone else experience this?
1 - 6 of 6 Posts
I have an old cheap set of Forstners I bought used about 10 years ago.
All of them except the 1/4" and 3/8" bits will cut you if you run your finger along the edge.
The 1/4" I dropped on a cinder block stack and the 3/8" hit a hidden screw. They both still work but not well.
All of them except the 1/4" and 3/8" bits will cut you if you run your finger along the edge.
The 1/4" I dropped on a cinder block stack and the 3/8" hit a hidden screw. They both still work but not well.
A whole sharper than those POS things by Ryobi, which chunk their way through wood!
Don't fuss about it, just sharpen them to your liking. A dremel with a small cone point will sharpen the rim knife and teeth, and a small triangle file sharpens the raker blade. I sharpen my Forstners any time they need it and it's not difficult.
If the shavings come off in a nice spiral without burning or using an excessive amount of force, they are sharp enough.
1 - 6 of 6 Posts
- This is an older thread, you may not receive a response, and could be reviving an old thread. Please consider creating a new thread.
LumberJocks Woodworking Forum
A forum community dedicated to professional woodworkers and enthusiasts. Come join the discussion about shop safety, wood, carpentry, lumber, finishing, tools, machinery, woodworking related topics, styles, scales, reviews, accessories, classifieds, and more!
Full Forum Listing
Top Contributors this Month
View All
bandit571
167 Replies
Desert_Woodworker
141 Replies
JackDuren
69 Replies
Recommended Communities
