[CAUT] Irwin bit

[kpiano]

Really the hole saw is the best bit for the job. It is longer in length than the forstner and so
will not wander like the forstner bit does. I have never liked the forstner bits for no drill
press/freehand drilling. Also the hole saw has a real saw blade making the cut which will splinter
the keybed less. Get a Milwalkie removable arbor so you can buy the good saws.

Keith


On Mon, 16 Oct 2006 16:11:06 -0400, Wolfley, Eric (wolfleel) wrote
> David,
> 
> I use a 1 1/8" hole saw for this operation. Hole saws usually have a ¼" pilot bit which 
> can be drilled into the end of a wooden dowel that is the same diameter as the original 
> pitman hole. This keeps the hole saw from wandering around everywhere until you get it 
> started. I haven't seen the forstner type bit you are describing but if you could thread 
> it onto a dowel it would work as a guide in much the same manner as the pilot bit in the 
> hole saw.
> 
> Eric
> 
> Eric Wolfley, RPT 
> Head Piano Technician 
> Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music 
> University of Cincinnati
> 
> ________________________________
> 
> From: caut-bounces at ptg.org [mailto:caut-bounces at ptg.org] On Behalf Of David Ilvedson
> Sent: Monday, October 16, 2006 3:15 PM
> To: pianotech at ptg.org; caut at ptg.org
> Subject: [CAUT] Irwin bit
> 
> List,
> 
> I usually use a forstner bit for retro-fitting pitmans in Steinways and other grands.  
>  Problem is starting the forstner bit into the keybed.   I came across an Irwin 1&1/8" 
> forstner type bit except with a threaded starter tip, about 3/4" long.   As I think about 
> it now I suppose the starter tip wouldn't be of much help since it is going into the 
> pitman hole...anyone used this bit for this repair?
> 
> David Ilvedson, RPT
> Pacifica, CA 94044