CMT Forstner Bit 18mm is a precision boring tool engineered for clean, flat-bottom holes in softwood. Built from super strength SP steel, this right-hand rotation bit delivers long-lasting cutting performance for woodworking tasks including hinge installation, shelf pin drilling, bracket recesses, and the creation of oval or arched openings at any angle. With an 18mm cutting diameter and an 8x30mm shank, this CMT Forstner bit is a reliable choice for both drill press work and careful handheld drilling applications.

Key Features

• Super strength SP steel construction - provides long-lasting cutting performance over repeated use, reducing the frequency of bit replacement in demanding softwood applications.
• Precision flat-bottom boring capability - produces clean, flat-bottomed holes essential for hinge installation, hardware recesses, bracket niches, and shelf pin bores where a through-hole would be unacceptable.
• 2 precision-ground cutting edges (Z2) - dual cutting edges work together to shear material cleanly and efficiently, resulting in smooth bore walls and minimal tearout.
• 2 ground spurs (V2) - spurs score the wood fiber perimeter ahead of the main cutting edges, producing crisp, chip-free entry circles even in softwood grain.
• Right-hand rotation (RH) - standard clockwise rotation is compatible with conventional drill presses and handheld drills, making this bit straightforward to use with common workshop equipment.
• 8x30mm shank - the 8mm diameter shank provides a secure grip in standard drill chucks, minimizing slippage during the plunge for repeatable, on-center results.
• Angled and arched opening capability - the Forstner geometry allows boring at any angle, enabling the creation of oval openings, arched cutouts, and installation niches for frames, grids, and structural straps without repositioning jigs.

Why This Product

• The 18mm cutting diameter fills a common sizing need for European-style hinge cups, shelf pins, and hardware recesses - offering the specific flat-bottom bore geometry those installations require.
• SP steel construction means the cutting edges retain sharpness through extended use in softwood, so you spend more time working and less time changing bits.
• The combination of 2 cutting edges and 2 ground spurs means this bit handles both the perimeter scoring and the core removal in one clean plunge - critical for professional-quality bores in visible furniture and cabinetry faces.
• The ability to drill at any angle - including overlapping, angled, and arched bores - makes this a versatile addition to a woodworking toolkit wherever curved or offset openings are part of the design.

Specifications

• Manufacturer Part Number: 537.180.31
• Brand: CMT Orange Tools
• Product Type: Forstner Bit
• Diameter: 18mm
• Total Length: 3-35/64"
• Shank: 8x30mm
• Number of Cutting Edges: 2
• Number of Spurs: 2
• Blade Material: Super Strength (SP) Steel
• Rotation: Right-Hand (RH)

Approved Applications

• Drilling precise flat-bottom holes in softwood
• Hinge cup and European hinge installation
• Shelf pin and hardware boring
• Creating niches for bracket and strap installation
• Creating niches for frame and grid installation
• Creating oval and arched openings at any angle