Product Description
CMT Forstner Bit 2-1/8" with 3/8" Shank by CMT is a precision boring bit engineered for drilling clean, flat-bottom holes in softwood. Whether you are installing cabinet hinges, fitting shelf pins, or cutting arched openings at any angle, this right-hand rotation bit delivers repeatable accuracy and smooth bore walls on every plunge. Its toothed rim design and super strength SP steel construction make it a dependable choice for woodworkers and cabinet installers who need consistent flat-bottom boring performance in larger-diameter applications.
Key Features
- Precision-balanced centre point - keeps the bit locked on target during entry, so flat-bottom holes are accurately positioned and repeatable across multiple workpieces.
- 2 precision-ground spurs (V2) - score the wood fiber ahead of the main cutting edges, producing chip-free bore walls and clean hole perimeters in softwood.
- Toothed rim design for diameters 25mm and larger - reduces heat buildup during extended cuts at this 2-1/8" diameter, extending bit life and maintaining cutting quality without scorching the wood surface.
- Super strength SP steel construction - provides the durability and edge retention needed for repeated flat-bottom drilling in softwood and light woodworking applications.
- 3/8x30mm shank - compatible with standard drill press chucks and handheld drills, giving the bit a secure, vibration-minimizing grip during deep boring cuts.
- Right-hand (RH) rotation - matches the standard direction of drill presses and corded or cordless handheld drills for straightforward installation and use.
- 90mm total length - provides enough reach for hinge cup bores and similar flat-bottom holes while keeping the bit stable in the chuck.
Why This Product
- Engineered specifically for flat-bottom boring at 2-1/8" - unlike twist or spade bits, this Forstner design leaves a precisely flat floor in every hole, which is critical for hinge installation and hardware fitting where depth consistency matters.
- Toothed rim addresses the primary failure point of large-diameter Forstner bits - overheating - by dissipating heat more effectively than a standard rim at diameters of 25mm and above, protecting both the bit and the workpiece.
- The 2-spur, precision-balanced design allows drilling at any angle into softwood, making it practical for creating oval openings and arched entries that would be difficult or impossible with conventional hole saws or spade bits.
- SP steel combined with precision grinding means the cutting edges stay sharp through repeated use on natural softwood, reducing the frequency of bit replacement in production or shop environments.
Specifications
- Manufacturer Part Number: 537.540.31
- Brand: CMT Orange Tools
- Diameter: 2-1/8"
- Total Length: 3-35/64"
- Shank: 3/8x30mm
- Rotation: Right-hand (RH)
- Spurs: 2 (V2)
- Number of Teeth: 2
- Rim Type: Toothed rim (for diameters 25mm and larger)
- Blade Material: Super Strength (SP) Steel
Approved Applications
- Drilling precise flat-bottom holes in softwood
- Hinge installation boring
- Shelf pin and hardware hole drilling
- Creating oval and arched openings at any angle
- Cabinet hardware installation
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between a standard rim and a toothed rim on a Forstner bit?
Standard rims provide better guidance but tend to overheat, particularly at larger diameters. For diameters of 25mm and above - including this 2-1/8" bit - a toothed rim is used instead. The toothed design dissipates heat more effectively during the cut, protecting the workpiece surface and extending the usable life of the cutting edges.
What shank size does this Forstner bit use, and what machines are compatible?
This bit uses a 3/8x30mm shank, which fits standard 3/8" drill press chucks and handheld drills. It is right-hand rotation, matching the standard forward direction of most drill presses and corded or cordless handheld drills.
Can this bit be used to drill holes at an angle, such as for arched or oval openings?
Yes. The precision-balanced centre point and 2-spur design allow this bit to bore into softwood at any angle, making it suitable for creating oval and arched openings in addition to standard flat-bottom vertical holes.
What material is this bit designed to cut?
This CMT Forstner bit is designed for use in natural softwood. Its super strength SP steel construction and precision-ground cutting geometry are matched to the characteristics of softwood for clean, flat-bottom results.
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