The Freud 2-1/8" Forstner Bit (FC-016) is a professional-grade carbide boring tool engineered to deliver cleaner, cooler, and longer-lasting performance than standard high speed steel Forstner bits. Designed for use in a drill press or hand held drill, this 2-1/8" diameter bit bores precise flat bottom holes, pocket holes, angled holes, and overlapping holes through hardwoods, softwoods, veneered plywood, composites, and solid surface materials. Crafted in Italy and backed by Freud's Limited Lifetime Guarantee, this carbide Forstner bit is built for woodworkers and craftsmen who demand consistent, professional results across a wide range of drilling applications.

Key Features

• Thick micro-grain carbide/titanium tips - ensure cleaner cuts and long lasting sharpness, so you spend less time changing bits and more time working
• Sharp center locating spur - accurately locates the center of your hole for precise, repeatable hole placement with minimal layout time
• Carbide construction vs. high speed steel - the bit will not burn the workpiece the way a standard Forstner bit can, protecting the surface quality of hardwoods, softwoods, and veneered plywood
• Stays sharp many times longer than standard Forstner bits - reduces replacement frequency and total cost of ownership over the life of the tool
• Compatible with professional sharpening services that sharpen router bits - the carbide tips can be resharpened rather than discarded, extending the usable life of the bit
• Right hand rotation - compatible with standard drill press and hand held drill operation
• 3/8" shank - fits a wide variety of drill chucks used in both bench-top drill presses and portable hand held drills
• Freud's Limited Lifetime Guarantee - gives buyers confidence in long-term performance and quality

Why This Product

• If you need to bore large, clean flat bottom holes in hardwood, softwood, or veneered plywood without scorching or tear-out, the carbide/titanium tip construction of this bit addresses exactly that problem - maintaining a sharp, cool cutting edge through demanding material types.
• The 2-1/8" diameter makes this bit well suited for boring large-diameter hardware recesses, shelf pin holes, and furniture joinery applications where a smaller bit simply cannot do the job.
• Unlike standard high speed steel Forstner bits that dull quickly and require frequent replacement, this carbide Forstner bit holds its edge far longer and can be resharpened by any reputable sharpening service that handles router bits - making it a more practical long-term investment for production or frequent use environments.
• The ability to drill pocket holes, overlapping holes, and angled holes in addition to flat bottom holes means this single bit handles a broader range of woodworking and cabinet-making tasks than a typical drilling tool.

Specifications

• Brand: Freud
• MPN: FC-016
• Category: Carbide Forstner Bits
• Diameter: 2-1/8"
• Length: 3-1/2"
• Shank: 3/8"
• Rotation: RH
• Tools: Drill Press; Hand Held Drill
• 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 cabinetry projects
• Boring through plywoods, hardwoods, and softwoods
• Drilling through composites and solid surface materials
• Angled hole drilling using a drill press or hand held drill

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes this carbide Forstner bit different from a standard high speed steel Forstner bit?

Freud's carbide Forstner bit uses thick micro-grain carbide/titanium tips that stay sharp many times longer than a standard high speed steel Forstner bit. The carbide construction also prevents the burning that standard Forstner bits can cause, resulting in cleaner cuts and better surface quality across hardwoods, softwoods, composites, and veneered plywood.

What size shank does the FC-016 have, and what tools can I use it with?

The FC-016 has a 3/8" shank and is designed for use in a drill press or a hand held drill with a compatible chuck. Its right hand rotation is standard for both tool types.

Can this bit be sharpened once it begins to dull?

Yes. The carbide tips on this Forstner bit can be sharpened by any reputable sharpening service that sharpens router bits. This makes it a longer-lasting and more economical option compared to bits that must be replaced once dull.

What types of holes can I drill with this 2-1/8" Forstner bit?

This bit is designed to drill flat bottom holes, pocket holes, angled holes, and overlapping holes. It is compatible with a wide range of materials including hardwoods, softwoods, veneered plywood, composites, and solid surface materials.