Bit for drilling carbon fiber stock

[adventuraoutdoors]

I'm preparing to install an escutcheon in my AG Composites carbon fiber stock. I am looking to use a 3/4 inch forstner bit, what is the best type of forstner bit to use for carbon fiber to get a good clean cut or is their another type of bit I should use? I have a small drill press so that limits the the shank size i can use to 1/2 inch.

 

[akajun]

I would think a forstnerbit would not make a clean cut, What about an anualar cutter or hole saw

 

[jds holler]

I'd go spade bit for a clean 3/4" hole. Fairly high speed. They have a smaller shaft. jd

 

[jds holler]

Oh, and always do a test hole on a scrap of similar hardness with those bits. It is easier to cut a smaller hole by simply grinding the sides off the bit. They are fairly inexpensive and I frequently customize them to fit a particular dowel or round fixture such as you are using. jd

 

[Dimner]

I would think a forstnerbit would not make a clean cut, What about an anualar cutter or hole saw

Forstner bits are about the cleanest cutting bits there are if you do not have to go all the way through. If you do have to go all the way through, First, put a 3-4 layers of tape on the side the bit will come out. Make the tape much bigger than the bit. Then also cut into a sacrificial board beneath it. That's how I would attempt this.

I would think that any forstner bit brand should be able to do well in carbon fiber. If a spade bit can do it, you know a forstner will work just fine.

I was gifted a 'vermont american' forstner bit set about 15 years ago. Not my 1st or 5th choice in brand for bits. However, they have served me well as long as I choose the right drill press speed and feed at the appropriate speed.

Mine have the outside teeth like this:

 

[LVLAaron]

I wouldn't use a spade bit on a carbon fiber stock if you pointed a gun at my head. A good (even half good) forstner has a nice knife edge that leaves a great finish and wont blow out chunks of your stock

 

[RPSGuns]

I'd use a hole saw and put a piece of painters tape over the area to be drilled.

 

[Walt Krafft]

A hole saw and a spade bit would be on my absolutely not to use list. A Forstner bit is the correct tool. Especially if all you have is a drill press. Tape on the surface is a good idea.

 

[Hal]

Call the makers of the stock. They work with with carbon, it's what they do.

Hal

 

[Silo1616]

I'm preparing to install an escutcheon in my AG Composites carbon fiber stock. I am looking to use a 3/4 inch forstner bit, what is the best type of forstner bit to use for carbon fiber to get a good clean cut or is their another type of bit I should use? I have a small drill press so that limits the the shank size i can use to 1/2 inch.

I would think a diamond hole bits used for ceramic tile would work as long as you have a rigid set-up as they are not piloted.