The Freud 1-3/4" Forstner Bit is a premium carbide boring tool engineered for woodworkers and tradespeople who demand clean, precise holes in a wide range of materials. Unlike standard high speed steel Forstner bits that can burn wood and lose their edge quickly, this bit uses thick micro-grain carbide and titanium tips to stay sharp significantly longer and cut without scorching - even through dense hardwoods, veneered plywood, composites, and solid surface materials. Ideal for drilling flat bottom holes, pocket holes, angled holes, and overlapping holes, this 1 3/4 in. diameter bit is a reliable choice for both drill press and hand held drill applications.

Key Features

• Thick micro-grain carbide/titanium tips - deliver cleaner cuts and retain sharpness far longer than standard high speed steel bits, reducing the need for frequent tool replacement.
• Sharp center locating spur - accurately positions the center of each hole so your bore starts exactly where you intend, minimizing wander and improving accuracy on every cut.
• Carbide construction resists burning - unlike standard Forstner bits, this carbide tip design does not burn wood or composite surfaces, preserving the appearance of finished and veneered materials.
• Right hand (RH) rotation - compatible with standard drill press and hand held drill setups for straightforward use without special tooling requirements.
• Resharpenable by professional sharpening services - any reputable service that sharpens router bits can restore this bit, extending its working life and protecting your investment.
• Freud Limited Lifetime Guarantee - provides long-term assurance of quality and performance, backing the bit against defects over its lifetime.
• 3/8" shank - fits a broad range of standard drill chucks on both benchtop and portable drills, making this bit versatile and easy to use across job sites and shop settings.

Why This Product

• Carbide and titanium tips keep cutting edges sharp many times longer than high speed steel alternatives - meaning fewer interruptions, less downtime, and better results across large drilling projects in hardwoods and softwoods alike.
• The no-burn cutting action protects sensitive materials like veneered plywood and solid surface from heat damage - making this bit a trusted choice when surface finish quality is critical.
• Versatile enough to drill pocket holes, angled holes, overlapping holes, and flat bottom holes across composites, hardwoods, softwoods, veneered plywood, and solid surface - a single bit that handles multiple drilling tasks.
• Compatible with both drill press and hand held drill use, and backed by Freud's Limited Lifetime Guarantee - a durable, professional-grade bit that performs consistently in shop and field environments.

Specifications

• Brand: Freud
• Model Number: FC-013
• Category: Carbide Forstner Bits
• Diameter: 1-3/4"
• Length: 3-1/2"
• Shank: 3/8"
• Rotation: RH
• Compatible Tools: Drill Press; Hand Held Drill
• Compatible Materials: Composites; Solid Surface; Veneered Plywood; Hardwoods; Softwoods
• Pack Quantity: 1
• Country of Origin: Italy

Approved Applications

• Drilling flat bottom holes, pocket holes, or overlapping holes in woodworking and millwork projects.
• Boring through plywoods, hardwoods, and softwoods for cabinetry, furniture, and construction applications.
• Creating precise holes in composites and solid surface materials without burning or surface damage.
• Angled hole drilling using a drill press or hand held drill in finish-sensitive materials like veneered plywood.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can this Forstner bit be used in a hand held drill, or is a drill press required?

This bit is compatible with both a drill press and a hand held drill, giving you flexibility for bench work and on-site applications. The 3/8" shank fits standard chucks on both tool types.

Why does this carbide Forstner bit outperform a standard high speed steel bit?

Freud's carbide and titanium tips stay sharp many times longer than standard high speed steel Forstner bits and do not burn wood or other materials during cutting. This means cleaner holes, less scorching on veneered plywood and solid surface, and a longer service life between sharpenings.

Can this bit be resharpened when it eventually dulls?

Yes. Any reputable sharpening service that sharpens router bits is capable of resharpening this carbide Forstner bit, helping you extend its working life and maintain cutting performance over time.

What materials can this 1-3/4" Forstner bit cut through?

This bit is designed to drill through composites, solid surface, veneered plywood, hardwoods, and softwoods. It handles a wide range of woodworking and millwork materials, making it suitable for cabinetry, furniture building, and similar projects.