Forstner Bit vs Spade Bit vs Hole Saw: What Are the Differences?

Published on: June 15, 2022
Written by David Rowan / Fact-checked by Eric Devin

Drilling holes is commonly done with forstners, spade bits, and hole saws, as is well known. However, many individuals are perplexed as to which tool is best for whatever application. They frequently don’t know which tool to employ for their particular task.

The right bit is required for drilling any material so that holes may be bored fast and easily. This article teaches how to choose the correct drill bit for the job while boring through various materials such as metal, masonry, plastics, wood, glass, and tiles if you’re new to DIY.

When it comes to your use case, going through the distinctions stated in the second part of this article should help you figure out who wins the “Forstner bit vs. spade bit vs. hole saw” struggle.

Spade Bits, Forstner Bits & Hole Saws: The Basics

Let’s start by looking at what defines each of the three sorts of drill bits before we look at how they differ and how that influences how they’re used.

Forstner Bit

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Forstner bits are primarily used in the woodworking industry to drill holes that are bigger than can be drilled with standard drill bits. While other drill bits, such as spade bits, can do the same task, Forstner bits are far more exact and make a clean cut with a flat bottom.

However, in place of a lead screw, the design has evolved to include a pointed tip and split ring. But the end result is nearly the same.

As a result, the Forstner bit is the finest choice for clean drilling in drill presses. You may, however, use a hand drill with it.

Spade Bit

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Spade bits are used to cut wood, plywood, and various plastics swiftly and precisely. Only use them at high speeds to avoid the drill bit sticking in the workpiece and trying to free itself from your grip.

Spade bits often generate larger holes than twist drill bits. As a result, it produces holes ranging from 14 inches to 1-1/2 inches in diameter.

Hole Saw

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The hole saw, which is simply a drill bit, comes in a spherical shape with sharp edges and is used to cut a hole in the working item. As a result, you must revolve the saw around the axis to produce a hole.

A hole saw is made up of two parts: a pilot frill in the middle and saw teeth at the end.

Hole saws come in a variety of sizes, starting at 1 inch. Depending on the size of the workpiece, one should gain a grip on a hole.

It’s also worth mentioning that the hole saw is intended to avoid producing wood chips. You may easily use it to drill holes in a variety of locations on the workpiece.

Difference Between Forstner Bit vs. Spade Bit vs. Hole Saw

These three bits are all often used for drilling holes. However, each bit is primarily intended for a certain purpose. Let’s look at the distinctions between these three bits.

Cleanliness of Cut and Speed

A spade bit is one of your finest alternatives if all you need to do is drill a hole through a piece of wood, and don’t worry too much about how it looks. It is the quickest and enables boring through the thickest pieces of wood of the three.

However, this comes at the cost of a rather rough hole being formed. You should also be aware that the bit will most likely fracture your workpiece where it departs it.

If you want to cut all the way through a piece of wood but want a cleaner finish, a hole saw is a way to go. While the cutting process will take a little longer, the resulting hole will be considerably cleaner. You should also be able to avoid splintering if you use a good hole saw.

Still, drill from the “finish side” – then sand the hole’s surface for the smoothest finish.

Finally, if you require a hole that just goes halfway into the wood and not all the way through, a Forstner bit is the way to go. The cut will be the cleanest of the three alternatives if utilized properly – especially with a drill press – and you will be able to make a pristine flat-bottom hole.

Size And Depth Of Holes

Different sizes of Forstner, spade bit, and hole saw are available. Forstners come in sizes ranging from 1/4-inch to 2-1/4-inch. This ranges from 10mm to 90mm. Spade bits are typically 1/4-inch to 1-1/2-inch in diameter.

This ranges from 10mm to 36mm. Some spade bits are as little as 6mm. Finally, hole saws come in diameters ranging from 1 to 6 inches. This corresponds to a measurement range of 25mm to 150mm.

This makes it more suited to boring larger holes than the other two bits. Aside from the diameter, the depth of the hole must also be considered. The deepest holes can be drilled with spade bits. It’s frequently followed by the hole saws. Finally, of the three drill bits, the Forstner bores the tiniest holes.

Precision

Boreholes may be made with accuracy using both forstners and hole saws. Hole saws came after the forstners. Spade pieces, on the other hand, aren’t known for their cleanliness. The spade drill bits make a bigger mess than the other two drill bits. When used on wood, this bit can leave a rough surface. Splinters result as a result of this.

Drilling using spade bits is likewise difficult to manage. The drill may try to pry itself out of your grip on occasion. However, forstners and hole saws provide you with more control over your drilling. This is due to the fact that they do not require the same amount of torque as spade bits.

Price

The price of the tool, as usual, is determined by the brand and quality. As a result, determining whether the tool is the cheapest or most expensive is challenging. The spade is usually the least expensive of the three tools. The Forstner bits are frequently placed after them. Finally, hole saws are usually more expensive than the other two. So, if you’re on a limited budget, a spade bit can be a good investment. They are inexpensive and may meet the majority of your requirements.

Available Sizes

While the above should serve as a rough reference when deciding between the three, you should also bear in mind that the size ranges offered for the three instruments vary.

Forstner bits are typically available in diameters ranging from 1/4-inch to 2-1/4-inch. Spade bits are often available in diameters ranging from 1/4 inch to 1-1/2 inch. Finally, hole saws, which have a diameter of 1 to 6 inches, are suitable for making huge holes.

Aside from the diameter of the hole, the depth of the hole is another feature that distinguishes the three. Spade bits, hole saws, and Forstner bits are the ones that go the deepest.

While the above should serve as a rough reference when deciding between the three, you should also bear in mind that the size ranges offered for the three instruments vary.

Forstner bits are typically available in diameters ranging from 1/4-inch to 2-1/4-inch. Spade bits are often available in diameters ranging from 1/4 inch to 1-1/2 inch. Finally, hole saws, which have a diameter of 1 to 6 inches, are suitable for making huge holes.

Aside from the diameter of the hole, the depth of the hole is another feature that distinguishes the three. Spade bits, hole saws, and Forstner bits are the ones that go the deepest.

Workpiece

Spade bits and forstners are commonly used in woodworking projects like as treehouses. They aren’t recommended for working with metals. Hole saws come in a variety of styles. On wood, the most frequent ones are utilized. However, we may discover hole saws that are developed specifically for masonry work. These pieces may be used to cut through metals like iron and aluminum.

Benefits of Using a Forstner Bit

A Forstner bit is a type of drill bit that is used for drilling flat-bottomed and angled holes in wood and other materials. The benefits of using a Forstner bit include:

1. Precise, clean cuts: Forstner bits cut clean, precise holes with smooth edges and flat bottoms, which is especially useful for drilling overlapping holes or creating mortises.
2. Versatility: Forstner bits can be used to drill angled and overlapping holes, as well as large-diameter holes.
3. Durability: Forstner bits are made of high-speed steel or carbide, which makes them more durable than other types of drill bits.
4. Reduced tear-out: Forstner bits have a center spur that helps to prevent tear-out on the bottom of the hole, which is particularly useful when drilling end grain.
5. They can make a hole in the middle of a board without exiting the other side.
6. They can drill through materials with knots or other defects without getting jammed.
7. They are suitable for drilling thicker materials.

Benefits of Using a Spade Bit

Spade bits are commonly used for drilling large, rough holes in wood. They have a number of benefits, including:

1. Speed: Spade bits are designed for rapid drilling, making them ideal for quickly creating large holes.
2. Versatility: Spade bits can be used for drilling in both soft and hardwoods, and can also be used to drill through walls and other materials.
3. Low cost: Spade bits are relatively inexpensive compared to other types of drill bits.
4. Easy to use: Spade bits are simple to operate and do not require any special training or skill to use.
5. Durable: Spade bits are made from strong, durable materials that can withstand heavy use and last for a long time.

Benefits of Using a Hole Saw

A hole saw is a tool that is used to cut circular holes in a variety of materials, such as wood, metal, and plastic. The benefits of using a hole saw include the ability to make precise, clean cuts with minimal effort, the ability to make large-diameter holes, and the ability to cut through a variety of materials. Additionally, hole saws are versatile, and can be used for a wide range of applications, such as plumbing, electrical, and HVAC work.

FAQs

What Is the Difference Between the Hole Saw and the Forstner Bit?

The debate over whether to use a Forstner bit or a hole saw was a hot topic.

Forstner nit is capable of producing the ideal design-like hole. As a result, it digs a hole slowly and deliberately. A hole saw can cut a precise hole in the material. If you want to cut anything clean, a hole saw is better.

The Forstner bit is recommended for detailed work. A hole saw may be used for both metal and woodworking. Alternatively, you might use masonry.

What Are the Advantages and Disadvantages of Using an Arbored Hole Saw Compared to a Non-arbored Hole Saw?

When it comes to nonarbored hole saw advantages, one of the main benefits is its versatility. Non-arbored hole saws can be used with any size of arbor, making them compatible with different power tools. However, they may not provide as much stability as arbored hole saws, leading to less precise cuts and potentially more difficult use.

Is a Spade Bit Better Than a Hole Saw?

Although spade bits are a convenient and less expensive alternative to a hole saw, they do have certain disadvantages. Without the need of an arbor or other attachment, the spade may be placed into any standard 12″ chuck drill. Anyone who wants to utilize an SDS drill may also get SDS / Hex-ended bits. The disadvantage is that these drill bits can only drill holes up to 38mm and aren’t available in the bigger diameters that hole saws can handle.

A spade bit will bore a hole much faster than a hole saw, but it will not be as clean. As the spade completes its cut through to the opposite side of the wood, splintering might occur. Clamping a spare piece of material to the other side of the lumber you’re cutting is a good idea. This will lessen the likelihood of splintering.

Hole saws are ideal for cutting holes with more precision. They normally cover all of the spade sizes, but they also cover a considerably larger variety of sizes up to 115mm. These bits must be screwed into an arbor, which also includes a pilot drill / locating bit for simplicity of operation. As a result, the Hole saw is rarely used for operations that need only partial hole cutting.

Conclusion

Which one you select will be determined by your needs for drilling holes in materials. Each instrument has a distinct purpose. They’re all made to serve a certain function. It would be ideal if you took this into account when purchasing a tool. In addition, the tool’s use is dependent on the task at hand.

Also, at some point, each instrument is superior to the other. They both have advantages and disadvantages. You should be aware of the distinctions as a buyer. This will assist you in choosing the best tool for the job. We hope that this post has clarified any misunderstandings you may have had.

Read more:

• What Are the Best Hex Shank Drill Bits?
• Black Oxide Vs Titanium Vs Cobalt Drill Bits – Which one is Better?
• Arbored VS Non-arbored Hole Saw: Which One Is Better?