The Freud 1-5/8" (Dia.) Forstner Bit - Precision Shear Series is engineered for woodworkers who demand clean, flat-bottom holes with minimal tear-out. Designed for use in a drill press or hand held drill, this 1-5/8" boring bit cuts through hardwoods, softwoods, veneered plywood, solid surface materials, and composites with exceptional precision. The Precision Shear geometry features a double-ground, razor-sharp serrated edge that continuously slices through wood fiber during the full rotation of the bit, reducing splintering and chipping that commonly occurs with standard Forstner bit designs. Whether you are drilling pocket holes, overlapping holes, or clean flat-bottom recesses, this bit delivers smooth results that require little to no sanding.

Key Features

• Razor-sharp serrated cutting edge - slices through material throughout the full rotation, producing flawless flat-bottom holes with less splintering and chipping compared to conventional designs.
• Unique multi-edge geometric design - generates greater shearing action across the cutting face, allowing for faster rotational speeds and more efficient material removal in hardwoods, softwoods, and sheet goods.
• Quality forged construction - provides the structural integrity needed for extended tool life, even under repeated use in demanding drilling applications.
• Ultra-sharp spur tip - registers accurately at the start of each bore, ensuring precise hole placement and preventing the bit from wandering across the workpiece surface.
• Steep angled cutting edges - produce holes that are smooth and flat while creating chisel-like curls for fast, clean chip removal, keeping the cutting area clear and reducing heat buildup.
• 3/8" shank - fits standard drill press chucks and hand held drill chucks, making the bit compatible with a wide range of common workshop tools.
• Freud Limited Lifetime Guarantee - backs the bit against defects, giving buyers long-term confidence in their investment.

Why This Product

• Competitive Forstner bit designs allow small chips and dust to accumulate in the cutting area, increasing friction and heat that dulls the bit prematurely. The Precision Shear serrated edge design clears material efficiently, preserving sharpness over a longer working life.
• The double-ground serrated edge actively slices wood fiber rather than scraping it, which means edges of drilled holes come out clean - reducing or eliminating the sanding step when boring into veneered plywood or hardwoods where surface quality matters.
• At 1-5/8" diameter, this bit is sized for drilling hinge mortises, shelf pin holes, and similar furniture joinery applications in materials ranging from softwoods to composites and solid surface.
• The 3-1/2" overall length and right-hand rotation design make this bit practical for both drill press work and hand held drilling, giving woodworkers flexibility across different shop setups without needing a separate bit for each tool.

Specifications

• Brand: Freud
• Model Number: PB-012
• Series: Precision Shear
• Diameter: 1-5/8"
• 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
• Category: Forstner Bits
• Pack Quantity: 1
• Country of Origin: Austria

Approved Applications

• Drilling flat-bottom holes in plywood, hardwoods, and softwoods
• Boring pocket holes in solid surface and composite materials
• Cutting overlapping holes in veneered plywood and hardwoods

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes the Precision Shear Forstner Bit different from a standard Forstner bit?

The Freud Precision Shear design uses a double-ground, razor-sharp serrated edge that slices through wood fiber continuously throughout the rotation of the bit. This unique geometric approach produces multiple cutting edges that generate greater shearing action, resulting in faster cutting speeds, less splintering, and cleaner hole edges compared to conventional Forstner bit designs that tend to accumulate chips and dust in the cutting area.

What materials can this 1-5/8" Forstner bit cut through?

This bit is designed to work in composites, solid surface, veneered plywood, hardwoods, and softwoods. It is compatible with both drill press and hand held drill use, making it a versatile option for a range of woodworking and cabinet-making tasks.

What shank size does the Freud PB-012 use, and what tools accept it?

The PB-012 has a 3/8" shank, which is a standard size accepted by most drill press chucks and hand held drill chucks. It is designed for right-hand rotation, which is the standard direction for the majority of drills and drill presses.

Does this Forstner bit come with any guarantee?

Yes. Freud backs the Precision Shear Forstner Bit with a Limited Lifetime Guarantee, providing buyers with long-term assurance of the bit's quality and construction.