Forstner bit not drilling after a certain depth?

Tags: #<Tag:0x00007fa49b186c98>
#1

Hi! Apologies in advance if this is a really newbie question, I’ve only just started woodworking so it’s probably user error.

I was using a Forstner bit on the drill press the other day to cut into some wood. I’m looking at making a small ring box and didn’t want to drill all the way through, just to a decent depth.

However, it seemed like the bit bottomed out at a certain point on both pieces. I checked the drill without the pieces in and it wasn’t that it was only locked to that height as it could go further, it just seemed that the pieces stopped cutting and the bit was spinning in place.

For information, I was using some wood from the scrap wood section and there was a bit of smoke that came off the wood when drilling.

Does anyone more experienced have any ideas here? :slightly_smiling_face:

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#2

Could just be a dull bit? Try the ones in the Makita box

#3

Worth checking for sure there’s nothing stopping the dill press itself from moving further downwards - the height stopper can stick / rub

#4

Hi James, you may have had the drill base too low, although you said you checked this. Forstner bit are renowned for becoming blunt very easily, and it was probably just stuggling to remove material as you pushed deeper. Its a large hole for a small piece of solid wood, and it looks as if there is a fracture in one corner too. I suggest you drill down into a larger piece of wood(it looks like you are using oak) and then cut the squares around it. This way you have more material while drilling and will enable better control.

#5

Thanks for the suggestions everyone! I’ll give these a go when I’m next in :slight_smile: