[pianotech] All points bulletin, or the case of the useless forstener bit

[Ron Nossaman]

On 12/19/2012 8:59 PM, Jim Ialeggio wrote:
> Calling all cars, calling all cars...be on the lookout for a specialty
> drill bit, posing as a cutting tool. Suspect claims to be armed, but is
> not dangerous, as it couldn't cut its way out of a paper bag. Answers to
> the name "Forstener"...
>
> Now really, I'm about to completely give up on Forstener bits. They
> should useful for cutting clean semi-large holes, especially in masonite
> and template stock, soundboard panels, etc, but they never live up to
> their billing, except in a drill press. And then only in certain woods.
> And then clog and burn before you can say boo. Does anybody get these
> bits to behave reasonably?
>
> So I try all the bits in the shop for drilling a clean hole in a
> soundboard panel and masonite panel template. What comes up on top...a
> sharp cheap-o Spade bit, with the panel backed-up.
>
> How do others manage a clean hole in soundboard panels...hand held or
> jig held?

It's called a hole saw. With a 1/4" pilot, drilled half way through one 
side, and finished from the other, there's no tear out or other such angst.
Ron N