Freud PB-004 5/8″ (Dia.) Forstner Bit

Freud PB-004 5/8″ (Dia.) Precision Shear Forstner Bit

The Freud PB-004 Precision Shear™ 5/8″ Forstner Bit is a compact boring size for clean, flat-bottom recesses where tight placement and controlled depth matter. A 5/8″ Forstner bit is commonly used for small counterbores, hardware seating, dowel-style recess work, and jig/fixture drilling where a neat rim edge is important and a spade bit would splinter the surface. It drills plywood, hardwoods, and softwoods with straight walls and a smooth bottom, making it a good match for cabinet parts, face frames, furniture components, and hardwood trim that will be stained or clear coated. With a 5/16″ shank and 3-1/2″ overall length, the PB-004 fits smaller drill chucks and also works well in drill press setups for repeatable depth control.

Freud’s Precision Shear™ geometry uses a double-ground, razor-sharp serrated rim that slices wood fibers throughout the rotation for less splintering and chipping. Steep angled cutting edges produce “chisel-like” curls for fast chip removal, helping reduce friction and heat compared to Forstner designs that pack dust into the cut. An ultra-sharp center spur supports accurate starts, which helps when drilling repeat 5/8″ recesses in plywood or hardwood and when hole placement needs to stay tight to layout lines.

Freud 5/8″ (Dia.) Forstner Bit At a Glance

• 5/8″ Cutting Diameter: A compact size for counterbores, recesses, and jig work.
• Precision Shear Serrated Rim: Helps reduce chipping on plywood veneers and hardwood edges.
• Flat-Bottom Hole Cutting: Creates clean pockets for hardware seating and joinery tasks.
• Ultra-Sharp Center Spur: Starts accurately and helps reduce wandering on entry.
• Steep Angled Cutting Edges: Produces smooth walls and efficient chip clearing.
• 5/16″ Shank: Fits smaller chucks while maintaining stable boring control.
• Right-Hand Rotation: Standard clockwise cutting direction.
• Wood Compatibility: Drills plywood, hardwoods, and softwoods cleanly.

Markets

• Cabinet and Millwork Shops: For clean recess drilling in doors, frames, and casework parts.
• Furniture Builders: Useful for compact counterbores and controlled-depth recesses in hardwood parts.
• Construction and Renovation: Helps create neat fastener recesses in trim and carpentry details.
• Maintenance and Facilities Teams: For repair work requiring accurate recesses in wood fixtures and components.
• Woodworking Hobbyists and Advanced DIY: A practical 5/8″ Forstner bit for shop projects and jig building.
• Trade Schools and Training Programs: Supports accurate boring technique and repeatable drilling setups.

A 5/8″ woodworking Forstner bit is often selected when the hole needs to stay compact, especially on narrow parts like face frames, rails, and trim where there isn’t much extra material around the recess. Cabinet and furniture shops benefit from the serrated rim when drilling plywood and hardwood because it helps keep entry edges clean and reduces finishing time around the pocket. Contractors and maintenance crews use this size to seat smaller fastener heads below the surface without removing extra material, improving appearance and reducing snag points. In training and DIY use, the smaller diameter is easier to control, the center spur helps keep placement consistent, and the chip-clearing cutting action helps reduce heat buildup during repeated holes—especially when paired with a drill press or depth guide.

Freud PB-004 5/8″ (Dia.) Forstner Bit Features

• Double-ground cutting geometry for efficient boring and clean hole edges
• Razor-sharp serrated rim for fast cutting with reduced splintering and chipping
• Multiple cutting edges for greater shearing action and efficient material removal
• Steep angled cutters that produce smooth walls and flat-bottom holes
• Ultra-sharp center spur for accurate starting and improved control
• Designed to reduce dust packing, friction, and heat versus common Forstner designs
• Suitable for plywood, hardwood, and softwood drilling applications

Freud PB-004 5/8″ (Dia.) Forstner Bit Includes

• (1) Freud PB-004 Precision Shear™ 5/8″ Forstner Bit

Freud PB-004 5/8″ (Dia.) Forstner Bit Specifications

• Bit Diameter (D): 5/8″
• Shank Diameter: 5/16″
• Overall Length (L): 3-1/2″
• Rotation: Right hand (RH)
• Material Compatibility: Plywood, hardwoods, softwoods

Freud PB-004 5/8″ (Dia.) Forstner Bit Warranty

• Freud Limited Lifetime Guarantee

Why Woodworking Professionals Choose the Freud 5/8″ (Dia.) Forstner Bit

Woodworkers choose the Freud PB-004 5/8″ Forstner bit when they need a compact, flat-bottom recess that keeps hardware seating neat without over-sizing the pocket. The Precision Shear serrated rim helps reduce tear-out on plywood and keeps entry edges cleaner on hardwood, which cuts down on sanding and touch-up. The ultra-sharp center spur improves accuracy for repeat drilling in jigs and hardware layouts, while the steep cutting edges clear chips efficiently so the bit runs cooler and cuts more consistently during multiple holes. For drill press work and controlled-depth recesses where fit and finish matter, this 5/8″ boring bit is a reliable option.