Product Description
CMT Forstner Bit - 68mm Diameter, 1/2 in. Shank, Right-Hand Rotation is a large-diameter boring tool engineered in super strength (SP) steel for drilling precise flat-bottom holes in softwood. With a 68mm cutting diameter and a full 6-3/16 in. overall length, this bit handles demanding boring tasks - from installing oversized brackets and frames to creating arched or oval openings at virtually any angle. The 1/2 in. shank seats securely in drill press chucks and handheld drills, while the right-hand rotation and dual-spur geometry keep every plunge clean, centered, and repeatable.
Key Features
- Super Strength (SP) Steel Construction - delivers long-lasting cutting performance through dense softwood grain, reducing the need for frequent bit replacement on high-volume boring tasks.
- 68mm Cutting Diameter - a large-format bore size suited for cutting niches, frame recesses, strap installations, and any application where a standard forstner size falls short.
- 2 Precision-Ground Spurs - score the wood fiber ahead of the main cutting edges, producing clean, chip-free bore walls and preventing tear-out at entry.
- 2 Cutting Edges - work in tandem with the spurs to pare the flat bottom of the hole cleanly, enabling accurate depth control for hardware installation and joinery work.
- 1/2 in. Shank Diameter - fits standard 1/2 in. drill press and handheld drill chucks, providing a rigid, low-runout connection that keeps the 68mm head stable during the cut.
- 6-3/16 in. Overall Length - provides enough reach to bore deep niches or work in recessed areas where shorter bits cannot maintain proper alignment.
- Right-Hand (RH) Rotation - compatible with all standard right-hand drill presses and handheld drills, requiring no special adapters or reversed chucks.
- Flat-Bottom Hole Geometry - creates a perfectly level bore floor, essential for precise hinge installation, bracket seating, and any fitting that must sit flush without rocking.
Why This Product
- Purpose-built for large-diameter flat-bottom boring - at 68mm, this bit fills the gap between standard consumer forstner sizes and specialty tooling, making it the right choice when oversized hardware recesses, niche cutouts, or arched openings need a clean, controlled bore rather than a rough routed cavity.
- SP steel keeps edges sharp across extended softwood runs - the super strength steel construction is specifically noted for long-lasting cutting performance, meaning the bit maintains its accuracy across production quantities without constant resharpening stops.
- Versatile angle boring capability - because forstner bits can start and run at angles without a centered pilot, this 68mm bit can create oval and arched openings at any angle - a capability that standard spade or hole-saw bits cannot match cleanly.
- Consistent results for bracket, strap, and frame installations - the flat-bottom, chip-free bore produced by the dual spurs and dual cutting edges ensures that installed hardware sits level and flush, reducing shimming, fitting errors, and rework on the job.
Specifications
- Manufacturer Part Number: 537.680.31
- Brand: CMT Orange Tools
- Bit Type: Forstner Bit
- Diameter: 68mm
- Total Length: 6-3/16 in.
- Shank: 1/2 in. (12.7mm)
- Number of Spurs: 2
- Number of Cutting Edges: 2
- Blade Material: Super Strength (SP) Steel
- Rotation: Right-Hand (RH)
Approved Applications
- Drilling precise flat-bottom holes in softwood
- Creating oval and arched openings at any angle
- Cutting niches for the installation of brackets and straps
- Cutting recesses for frames and grids
- Installing oversized hardware, hinges, and shelf components requiring a large-diameter bore
Frequently Asked Questions
What shank size does this Forstner bit use, and which drills will it fit?
This bit has a 1/2 in. (12.7mm) shank diameter. It fits any drill press or handheld drill with a 1/2 in. or larger chuck. The 1/2 in. shank provides a rigid, low-runout connection that is especially important when driving a large 68mm head through dense material.
What is the primary material this Forstner bit is rated to cut?
According to the product data, this bit is designed for drilling precise flat-bottom holes in softwood. The super strength (SP) steel construction is noted for long-lasting cutting performance in that material class.
Can this bit bore holes at angles other than 90 deg. to the surface?
Yes. A key advantage of the forstner bit design is the ability to create oval and arched openings at any angle. Because the rim and spurs guide the cut rather than a center pilot, the bit can be plunged at compound angles to produce elliptical openings - a technique commonly used when creating decorative or functional arched recesses.
What is the overall length of this bit, and why does it matter?
The total length is 6-3/16 in. (approximately 157mm). This extended length gives the bit enough reach to bore deep niches and recesses - such as those required for installing brackets, straps, or frames - in situations where a shorter bit would not maintain proper alignment or could not reach adequate depth.
Reviews
FAQs
Standard Shipping is free on most orders over $50 within the contiguous US. If the order is under $50.00, the shipping is $9.99 set fee for shipping within the contiguous US.
Most of our products will ship within 1 to 3 Business Days. Some Special order products will ship within 2 to 5 Business Days. Preorders will be shipped to you on a first come first serve basis as soon as available from the manufacturer. Items that are "Made-to-Order" (Custom order products) will be shipped when fabrication is completed, shipping and delivery times will vary and depend on manufacturing.
Products that are shipped directly from the manufacturer will have processing and fulfilment times subject to manufacturer availability.
Preorders are shipped on a first come first serve basis as soon as available from the manufacturer, the sooner you place your Preorder the sooner your order will ship.
Freight shipping Policy:
Orders/Items too large or heavy may require special handling/Shipping and may require to be sent by truck. Someone must be present to accept truck deliveries. Standard truck delivery is to a dock facility designed to receive freight. You will be notified within 24 hours of ordering to confirm delivery. Lift gates for deliveries are available for an additional fee.
We offer Financing options through Clicklease
Please email your Return request to info@FactoryDirectSupplyOnline.com
Include the order number and the reason for your return.
All returns, regardless of their categorization, must include all original parts, be in their original packaging, and in the condition in which they were received. You may not qualify to receive a refund If the returned item is used, damaged, missing any parts, or is damaged during return shipping.
Checkout our complete Return policy
You can contact us through our contact page! We will be happy to assist you.