CMT 537.200.31 Forstner Bit - 20mm Diameter, 8mm Shank, Right-Hand is a precision boring tool built from super strength SP steel for drilling clean, flat-bottom holes in softwood and light wood materials. Whether you are installing cabinet hinges, shelf pin hardware, or creating arched and oval openings at custom angles, this 20mm Forstner bit delivers accurate, repeatable results with every plunge. The 8x30mm shank seats securely in standard drill chucks, and the right-hand rotation pairs naturally with conventional drills and drill presses.

Key Features

• Super Strength SP Steel Construction - the SP steel material provides long-lasting cutting performance, meaning fewer replacements and consistent bore quality over extended use in softwood applications.
• 2 Precision-Ground Cutting Edges - dual cutting edges shear wood fibers cleanly at the bottom of the hole, producing smooth, flat-bottom bores with minimal tearout.
• 2 Ground Spurs - the twin spurs score the perimeter of the hole before the main cutters engage, resulting in chip-free bore walls and a clean entry point even in grain-sensitive softwoods.
• 20mm Cutting Diameter - the precise 20mm diameter is sized for common hinge mortises, shelf pin sockets, bracket niches, and hardware installation cutouts, eliminating the need for oversizing or fitting.
• 8x30mm Shank - the 8mm shank fits standard drill chucks on both benchtop drill presses and handheld drills, giving the bit broad machine compatibility without adapters.
• Right-Hand Rotation (RH) - designed for standard right-hand rotation, so the bit works with conventional drilling equipment without any special setup or chuck modification.
• 3-35/64" Total Length - the overall length provides sufficient reach for typical joinery depths while keeping the bit stable and reducing vibration during plunge cuts.
• Flat-Bottom Hole Geometry - Forstner-style cutting geometry creates a true flat bottom, which is essential for hardware seating, hinge installation, and decorative niches where a drilled pocket must sit flush.

Why This Product

• Purpose-built for hardware installation in softwood - the SP steel cutting edges and dual spur design are optimized for drilling the clean, flat-bottom pockets that hinge plates, shelf pins, brackets, and frame straps require to seat correctly.
• Handles angled and off-center bores - the Forstner geometry allows drilling at any angle, so you can create oval openings, arched cutouts, and angled niches that standard twist bits cannot produce cleanly.
• Long-lasting cutting life reduces downtime - the super strength SP steel material is selected specifically for durability, meaning the bit holds its edge through repeated use rather than dulling quickly on the first project.
• Compact shank fits common shop equipment - the 8mm shank seats in standard drill press and handheld drill chucks without requiring a special collet or chuck upgrade, making this bit a practical addition to an existing tool setup.

Specifications

• Manufacturer Part Number: 537.200.31
• Brand: CMT Orange Tools
• Product Type: Forstner Bit
• Diameter: 20mm
• 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
• Installing hinges, brackets, and straps
• Installing frames and grids with recessed pockets
• Creating oval and arched openings at any angle
• Drilling niches for hardware, shelf pins, and cabinet components

Frequently Asked Questions

What material is this Forstner bit designed to cut?

This bit is designed for drilling precise flat-bottom holes in softwood. The super strength SP steel construction supports long-lasting cutting performance in that material category.

Can this bit be used at an angle to create arched or oval openings?

Yes. The Forstner-style geometry allows drilling at any angle, making it suitable for creating oval and arched openings as well as angled niches for bracket, strap, frame, and grid installations.

What shank size does this bit use, and what machines does it fit?

The bit uses an 8x30mm shank. This size fits standard drill chucks on drill presses and handheld drills operating with right-hand rotation, with no adapters required for most common shop equipment.

How many spurs and cutting edges does this bit have?

The bit has 2 ground spurs and 2 precision-ground cutting edges. The spurs score the wood perimeter before the cutting edges engage, producing clean bore walls and a flat, chip-free bottom in the finished hole.