Product Description
CMT 537.260.31 Forstner Bit - 26mm is a right-hand rotation boring tool engineered in super strength SP steel for drilling precise, flat-bottom holes in softwood. Whether you are installing cabinet hinges, mounting shelf pins, routing bracket niches, or creating arched and oval openings at any angle, this 26mm Forstner bit delivers clean, accurate results in demanding workshop and jobsite conditions. The 8x30mm shank provides a secure grip in standard drill press chucks and compatible handheld drills, making it a versatile addition to any woodworking toolkit.
Key Features
- Super Strength SP Steel Construction - the SP steel material delivers long lasting cutting performance, meaning fewer replacements and consistent results across extended production runs or repetitive drilling tasks.
- 2 Precision-Ground Cutting Edges - dual cutting edges shear wood fibers cleanly at the base of the bore, producing smooth, flat-bottom holes that require minimal cleanup before hardware installation.
- 2 Ground Spurs - the twin spurs score the wood perimeter ahead of the main cutters, preventing grain tearout and leaving crisp, chip-free hole walls in softwood workpieces.
- 26mm Cutting Diameter - the 26mm bore diameter is well-matched to European-style hinge cups, shelf pin sockets, and a wide range of cabinet hardware, eliminating the need for sizing adapters.
- 8x30mm Shank - the 8mm shank seats securely in standard drill press and handheld drill chucks, reducing slippage and allowing confident, repeatable plunge cuts.
- Right-Hand Rotation (RH) - compatible with all standard right-hand drill presses and handheld drills without any spindle modification or tooling reversal.
- 90mm Overall Length - the 3-35/64 in. total length provides adequate clearance for angled drilling operations, including the creation of oval openings and arched niches at compound angles.
Why This Product
- Designed for flat-bottom precision - unlike twist or spade bits, this Forstner bit geometry produces a true flat-bottom hole, which is essential for flush hinge installation, bracket recesses, and frame or grid niches where full contact at the bore base is required.
- Handles angled and overlapping bores - the Forstner design allows drilling at any angle and even partially off the workpiece edge, making it the right choice for creating arched openings and oval cutouts that standard bits cannot execute cleanly.
- Long lasting SP steel reduces downtime - the super strength steel used throughout the cutting head holds its edge longer than standard tool steel in softwood applications, supporting higher volume work without frequent resharpening interruptions.
- Compatible with common workshop machines - the 8mm right-hand shank fits drill presses and handheld drills used in typical cabinetry and carpentry shops, so no special tooling or adapters are needed to put this bit to work immediately.
Specifications
- Manufacturer Part Number: 537.260.31
- Brand: CMT Orange Tools
- Diameter: 26mm
- Total Length: 3-35/64 in. (90mm)
- Shank: 8x30mm
- Rotation: Right-Hand (RH)
- Number of Spurs: 2
- Number of Cutting Edges: 2
- Blade Material: Super Strength (SP) Steel
Approved Applications
- Drilling flat-bottom holes for hinge cup installation in cabinet doors and face frames
- Boring shelf pin and hardware mounting holes in softwood panels and carcasses
- Creating arched and oval openings at any angle in softwood workpieces
- Routing niches and recesses for the installation of brackets, straps, frames, and grids
Frequently Asked Questions
What materials is this Forstner bit designed to cut?
This bit is designed for use in natural softwood. The super strength SP steel cutting edges and twin spurs are optimized for clean, flat-bottom boring in softwood without tearout along the hole perimeter.
Can this bit be used at an angle to create oval or arched openings?
Yes. The Forstner bit design allows drilling at any angle, including partially off the edge of a workpiece, which makes it suitable for creating oval and arched openings - one of its specifically noted applications according to the product data.
What chuck size is needed to accept the 8mm shank?
The bit has an 8x30mm shank, so any drill press or handheld drill chuck that accepts an 8mm round shank will hold this bit securely. Verify your chuck capacity before use to ensure a proper fit.
Is this bit compatible with a handheld drill as well as a drill press?
Yes. The bit is compatible with both a drill press and a handheld drill. When using a handheld drill, take care to maintain steady feed pressure and keep the shank fully seated in the chuck to ensure accurate, flat-bottom results.
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