CMT Forstner Bit - 1 3/4" Diameter, 3/8" Shank, Right-Hand Rotation is a precision flat-bottom boring bit engineered for clean, accurate holes in softwood and light hardwood. With its toothed rim design, super strength SP steel construction, and precision-balanced centre point, this bit is a go-to tool for cabinetmakers, woodworkers, and finish carpenters drilling hinge pockets, shelf pin holes, and arched or oval openings at any angle.

Key Features

• Precision-Balanced Centre Point - keeps the bit accurately on center at the start of the plunge, resulting in repeatable, correctly placed flat-bottom holes with no walking or drift.
• 2 Precision-Ground Spurs (V2) - score the wood fibers ahead of the main cutting edges, producing clean, chip-free bore walls and a smooth hole perimeter in softwood.
• Toothed Rim Design (for diameters >= 25mm) - dissipates heat during extended drilling runs, reducing the overheating risk that standard smooth rims can cause at larger diameters, which means longer tool life and more consistent cut quality.
• Super Strength SP Steel Construction - provides durable cutting performance and edge retention through repeated use in softwood boring applications.
• 1 3/4" Cutting Diameter - sized specifically for common woodworking tasks such as large hinge cup drilling, cable pass-throughs, and decorative arched openings.
• 3/8" x 30mm Shank - compatible with both drill press and handheld drill chucks, giving flexibility in how and where this bit is used on the job or in the shop.
• Right-Hand (RH) Rotation - matches the standard rotation of all common drills and drill presses, so there is no special setup required.

Why This Product

• Drilling precise flat-bottom holes at larger diameters creates overheating risk with standard smooth-rim Forstner bits - this bit's toothed rim addresses that problem directly by managing heat on diameters >= 25mm, keeping cuts consistent throughout a full work session.
• The combination of a precision-balanced centre point and 2 ground spurs means the bit registers cleanly and scores the wood perimeter before material is removed - ideal for hinge cup installations and hardware recesses where accuracy directly affects fit and function.
• At 3 35/64" total length and a 3/8" shank, this bit bridges shop and field use, fitting standard drill press chucks and handheld drills for arched openings, oval cutouts, and angled bores at any work angle.
• SP steel construction delivers edge retention suited to repeated softwood boring tasks without frequent resharpening, making this bit practical for production cabinetry, furniture making, and general woodworking.

Specifications

• Manufacturer Part Number: 537.445.31
• Brand: CMT Orange Tools
• Diameter: 1 3/4"
• Total Length: 3 35/64" (90mm)
• Shank: 3/8 x 30mm
• Number of Spurs: 2
• Number of Teeth: 2
• Rim Type: Toothed rim (for diameters >= 25mm, prevents overheating)
• Blade Material: Super Strength (SP) Steel
• Rotation: Right-Hand (RH)

Approved Applications

• Drilling precise flat-bottom holes in softwood
• Hinge cup and hinge pocket installation
• Shelf pin and cabinet hardware boring
• Creating oval and arched openings at any angle
• Cable and hardware pass-through holes