MLCS 9237H 2-1/2-Inch Diameter Steel Forstner Bit with Hex Shank

Never used one of these before. Overall they were pretty pricy. This was the largest diameter that I could find for a price that seemed worthwhile to try. I wanted to use it to start making a hole for a bowl center on my lathe. First time I used it I let it get too hot but it still worked well. Did better next use. Found this to be good tool for purpose and a good value. Cuts well.

Great bit for the price but I had to sharpen in it before I used it. But I don't know how long it will last but it does what I want to do. It is a little bit wobbly but not much slightly off but did not measure it. Great bit for the money.

An $18 forstner bit: Yes, you do get what you pay for. This is a large bit.Hex shank; Yes it does have a hex shank.Fit and finish out of the box: fair. When chucked in the drill press, there was an ever so slightly noticeable wobble.Drilling with bit straight out of the box: Not recommended. Cutting edges were very rough and poorly sharpened. Cutting edges mealed off thewood in the soft maple block I tested it on. As much sawdust as shavings.I spent 15 minutes with a small mill file and diamond file sharpening the cutting edges and spurs.Once this was done this bit cut beautiful continuous shavings in the soft maple test block, leaving an exactly 2.5" diameter hole with a reasonably smooth bottom.At this point, I can't speak to how long the edges will last, but I only need two holes at this time.Well worth $18 and a little extra prep work.

I had to run 2" PVC through the solid 8"X8" sill in our 1800s home in order to vent a new natural gas furnace and water heater. The first hole I did with a hole saw and hammer and chisel.... uuuugh, what a miserable job. I smartened up for the next two holes and ordered this forstner bit. I went through my 8"X8" sill like a hot knife through butter. An added bonus was that the shank was long enough to cut through without having to use any type of extension on my 1/2" cordless drill. The time this bit saved vs. using a hole saw and chisel more than made up for the reasonable cost.

The bit arrived on time and in thin torn box packaged within a bubble wrap bag. The bit was undamaged, bit the packaging left a lot to be desired. The teeth appeared to be fine and it cut well on a drill press on the slowest speed. The diameter was perfect.It’s OK for what I need and the price was good. I would have expected a little better packaging to assure good quality arrival.

This is a sturdy chunk of metal that will be happy to take chunks of wood out of a larger chunk of wood.From my experience with these in other sizes, they're long lasting and do the job quickly - both ideal qualities for any good tools.

It will bore a hole in wood...but would be nice if additional length extension(s) would be available to go with the purchase.

Cuts just the right size for my Nova chuck to fit into in order to use the worm screw. But it's big...really big. Best to use a drill press and clamp your work to the table.