Fisch FSF-321262 High-Speed Steel Double Flute Brad Pt. Drill Bit, 1/2

I use this bit for making/hollowing wooden items on the lathe such as pens, toothpick holders, precise holes for finials, etc. It works really well in soft or hard wood species. Very clean entrance and exit.

I am a long time woodworker, and many years ago purchased some excellent brad point drill bits from a local woodworking store. Largely using them for drilling dowel holes, they were absolutely awesome bits. Every hole was perfectly round and absolutely clean. They functioned extremely well and became “go to” bits whenever I needed to create a clean hole in an application in which a forstner could not be used. Naturally, they dulled over time and finally became unserviceable about five years ago. Without any manufacturers name on the bits, I was sadly unable to locate an exact replacement, so embarked on a process of ordering a couple of bits from different manufacturers –some with very reputable names – and putting them to the test in my shop. Sadly, I could find nothing that lived up to my expectations. Some pulled uncontrollably into the work piece, some required excessive force, some were not perfectly straight, and virtually none of them created the smooth-sided perfectly clean, round entry holes at the surface that I was looking for.About a week ago, I came across the name Fisch in an unrecalled posting on the web, and did a quick search here on Amazon. They popped up, and I ordered one in ¼ diameter and another in 3/8” to test. They arrived a couple of days ago. On removing them from their packaging and looking at them I did not hold out a huge amount of hope, because they did not have the proud, knife-like outer spurs of my faithful old friends.Since then, I have conducted a number of tests, using them in pine, maple and red oak, with the drill press, doweling jig and freehand with a cordless drill. I am elated to report that I have finally found these bits to be a wholly worthy replacement for my trusty old friends. Perfectly circular, chip free holes clean all the way to the bottom – regardless of depth. When drilling freehand or with a doweling jig, they require no real effort to push, and more importantly none of that tendency to pull uncontrollably into the work piece that I encountered with some manufacturer’s products. Drilling with these bits is a completely controlled and enjoyable experience. Since I have only had them for less than a week, I cannot attest to their longevity, and whether they will hold their edge as long as my old friends, I just ordered more in the ¼, 3/8 and ½ inch sizes to last me the rest of my life.

I haven't used it yet (but am looking forward to it) ... its just a good looking bit ... almost jewel like! I also bought the Steelex bit as well. Its a good looking bit too (but I haven't used it yet either). But this Fisch bit is a particularly beautiful bit. I'll be using it here before too long on my present project. In fact I plan on using both for comparison ... but after closely inspecting them I don't anticipate a problem with either one. I won't add anything later to this comment unless there's some kind of unwelcomed surprise. In any case, based on my inspection I'm glad to have this bit (and wouldn't hesitate to buy it again).One thing that may be of interest: This Fisch bit comes packaged in a nice plastic tube that was designed to use for storing the bit. It has a top that was designed to be removable and reused. That's a nice feature if one needs it.UPDATE: I have used it now and find that it drills a nice clean hole. I've also used the Steelex bit now too ... and while I like it Steelex bit too ... I'm finding that the Fisch bit drills a cleaner edged hole. I wouldn't hesitate to buy the Fisch bit again.

Details to follow but bottom line this is the best drill bit I have ever owned.I needed a 1/2 drill bit for doweling and my normal drill bit set did not include a 1/2 in bit. Up until this point in life I had never purchased an expensive drill bit; I always just bought a set of, what until now I thought were decent, drill bits from Dewalt or Milwaukee or some other brand I recognized. In one week this drill bit convinced me that every other drill bit I had ever bought was awful, cheap, terrible and unpleasant to use.This bit drills 3 in long, perfect 1/2 in diameter holes faster and easier than my old bits can drill a pilot hole. The holes are clean. I have come to love this bit so much that I now want to throw out every other bit I own and purchase an entire set. The 1/2 in bit I bought does not produce saw dust, it produces small wood chips. This is not problem just different from bits I have used in the past.After falling in love with this bit I started putting half inch dowel in place of 1/4 dowels in ever project I could just because drill with this bit was so much easier. That lead to a very unfortunate event the other day. When doweling a shelf I accidentally drilled straight into 2 1/2 in steel screw. My heart sunk the minute I hit it. I thought I had just ruined the best and most expensive drill bit I had after less than a month of use. I pulled the bit out and to my amazement even the brad point on the bit was still in perfect condition. I am happy to report no damage what so ever to my beloved bit.5 stars, I absolutely recommend this drill bit!

I have not been able to find bits of this high quality for years. Super sharp with the proper spiral to rapidly clear chips. Worth every penny.

Great drill bit. I only wish the size was more true. These drill larger holes that my regular 1/4" drill bits, so they don't match up as well with dowels. Still it makes such nice holes and it's wonderfully sharp.

I can't believe I put up with drill bits for years that made my work so much harder than it needed to be.This Fisch bit drilled a relatively large hole in 1/4" walnut cleanly, without splintering and without having to drill a series of smaller holes first. It's like night and day. I will never buy another brand. It's heartening to know that quality like this is still available. I'm ready for a set of these!

Very good bit but disappointed in the length, it’s very short for the high price

This bit is hands down the best there is.- You get no tear out above- You get no tear out underneath- You get no runoffSimply put, straight and clean lines. No tear out underneath means I save money by not having to brace the underside with a block and clamp.It also comes with a bonus sheath that you can slide and lock it into after every use.Spend the money and only buy it once, you’ll thank me later.

Used to drill kydex. Works great

one of the smallest spurs for blind holes, dowels and ornaments. It's sharp. Very good price.

Works as expected! thanks

It seems to be good quality. I don't really a notice a difference between these and single fluted bits though. It could be because this is a smaller bit however.