Product Description
CMT Forstner Bit 1-1/8" with 3/8" Shank is a precision wood-boring tool engineered for drilling clean, flat-bottom holes in softwood. Built from super strength SP steel with a toothed rim design, this right-hand rotation bit delivers accurate, repeatable results when installing hinges, shelf pins, and cabinet hardware - or when cutting arched and oval openings at any angle.
Key Features
- Super Strength SP Steel Construction - provides durability and edge retention through repeated use, reducing the need for frequent resharpening when boring through softwood.
- Toothed Rim Design (>=25mm diameters) - standard rims offer better guidance at smaller diameters, while the toothed rim on this 1 1/8" bit actively dissipates heat during extended drilling, protecting both the bit and the workpiece from thermal damage.
- Precision-Balanced Centre Point - keeps the bit accurately on center at the start of each plunge, eliminating walk and delivering repeatable flat-bottom hole placement across every bore.
- 2 Precision-Ground Spurs (V2) - score the wood fiber ahead of the cutting edges, producing clean, chip-free hole walls with minimal tearout on the entry face.
- 3/8" x 30mm Shank - fits standard drill press chucks and handheld drill chucks, offering broad compatibility without requiring adapters for common shop setups.
- Right-Hand (RH) Rotation - matches the standard rotation direction of virtually all drill presses and handheld drills, ensuring immediate compatibility with existing tools.
- 90mm (3-35/64") Total Length - provides sufficient bit depth for typical hinge pocket and hardware boring applications without excessive overhang.
Why This Product
- The toothed rim on this 1 1/8" diameter bit specifically addresses the overheating problem common to larger Forstner bit sizes - making it a reliable choice for production runs or longer drilling sessions where standard-rim bits would degrade quickly.
- With 2 precision-ground spurs and a balanced centre point, this bit is suited for hinge boring and hardware installation where hole placement and wall cleanliness directly affect how hardware seats and functions.
- The 3/8" shank gives this bit compatibility with both drill press setups and handheld drills, making it a versatile flat-bottom boring tool across different working environments.
- The ability to bore oval and arched openings at any angle - not just plunge-perpendicular holes - extends this bit's usefulness beyond simple hardware installation into decorative and joinery applications in softwood.
Specifications
- Manufacturer Part Number: 537.285.31
- Brand: CMT Orange Tools
- Diameter: 1-1/8"
- Total Length: 3-35/64" (90mm)
- Shank: 3/8" x 30mm
- Number of Spurs: 2
- Number of Cutting Edges: 2
- Rim Type: Toothed rim (>=25mm diameters)
- Blade Material: Super Strength (SP) Steel
- Rotation: Right-Hand (RH)
Approved Applications
- Drilling precise flat-bottom holes in softwood
- Hinge installation and hinge pocket boring
- Shelf pin and hardware hole drilling
- Cabinet hardware installation
- Creating oval and arched openings at any angle
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does this Forstner bit use a toothed rim instead of a standard rim?
Standard rims provide better guidance but tend to overheat at larger diameters. For bits at or above 25mm (including this 1 1/8" size), CMT uses a toothed rim design that reduces heat buildup during drilling, helping protect both the cutting edges and the workpiece surface.
What type of wood is this Forstner bit designed for?
This bit is designed for drilling precise flat-bottom holes in softwood. It can also be used in light hardwood applications where a clean, flat-bottom bore is required.
What shank size and chuck type does this bit require?
This bit has a 3/8" x 30mm shank, which is compatible with standard drill press chucks and handheld drill chucks that accept a 3/8" shank. No special adapter is required for most common drill setups.
Can this bit bore holes at angles other than 90 deg.?
Yes. This Forstner bit can create oval and arched openings at any angle, not just perpendicular flat-bottom holes - making it suitable for angled joinery cuts and decorative softwood applications in addition to standard vertical hinge and hardware boring.
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