Freud PB-012 1-5/8″ (Dia.) Forstner Bit

Freud PB-012 1-5/8″ (Dia.) Precision Shear Forstner Bit

The Freud PB-012 1-5/8″ Precision Shear Forstner Bit is designed for drilling clean, flat-bottom holes in plywood, hardwoods, and softwoods. It’s a practical choice for woodworking tasks that require accurate recesses such as counterbores, hardware seating, plug work prep, and joinery, where smooth hole walls and a flat bottom help parts fit correctly. With a 3/8″ shank and right-hand rotation, it fits common drill press chucks and handheld drill setups when the workpiece is properly clamped for control.

Built with Freud’s Precision Shear™ cutting geometry, this bit features a double-ground, razor-sharp serrated rim that slices wood fibers throughout the rotation to help reduce splintering and chipping. Multiple cutting edges increase shearing action for efficient cutting and steady feed rates, while steep angled cutting edges form “chisel-like” curls for faster chip removal. That chip clearing helps reduce friction and heat compared to designs that pack fine dust in the cutting area, which can dull edges sooner. An ultra-sharp center spur supports accurate starts and helps prevent wandering, producing cleaner recesses with less sanding required on the rim and hole walls.

Freud 1-5/8″ (Dia.) Forstner Bit At a Glance

• 1-5/8″ Cutting Diameter: Useful for recess drilling, counterbores, and joinery work.
• Precision Shear Serrated Rim: Slices fibers to reduce chipping and tear-out on the rim.
• Flat-Bottom Hole Cutting: Produces clean recesses for hardware and plug work.
• Ultra-Sharp Center Spur: Helps start accurately and reduces wandering.
• Steep Angled Cutting Edges: Creates smooth walls and efficient chip removal.
• 3/8″ Shank: Fits common drill chucks and drill press setups.
• 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, panels, and casework parts.
• Furniture Builders: Useful for flat-bottom holes for fittings, joinery, and plug work.
• Construction and Renovation: Helps with wood hardware mounting and custom carpentry details.
• Maintenance and Facilities Teams: For repair work requiring clean recess drilling in fixtures and wood components.
• Woodworking Hobbyists and Advanced DIY: A dependable Forstner bit size for shop projects and jigs.
• Trade Schools and Training Programs: Supports accurate boring technique on drill presses and guided setups.

Shops and builders choose a Forstner bit in this size range when a spade bit or hole saw won’t leave the flat bottom or clean rim needed for a proper fit. Cabinet and furniture makers benefit from the serrated rim because it helps control splintering on plywood veneers and improves finish quality on visible hardwood surfaces. Contractors and maintenance teams use it for controlled-depth recesses for hardware and repair work, especially when paired with a drill press or guide jig. For schools and DIY users, the center spur and chip-clearing cutting profile help produce consistent results while reinforcing good habits like clamping the workpiece securely, maintaining steady feed pressure, and clearing chips during deeper bores.

Freud PB-012 1-5/8″ (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-012 1-5/8″ (Dia.) Forstner Bit Includes

• (1) Freud PB-012 1-5/8″ Precision Shear Forstner Bit

Freud PB-012 1-5/8″ (Dia.) Forstner Bit Specifications

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

Freud PB-012 1-5/8″ (Dia.) Forstner Bit Warranty

• Freud Limited Lifetime Guarantee

Why Woodworking Professionals Choose the Freud 1-5/8″ (Dia.) Forstner Bit

Woodworkers choose the Freud PB-012 when they need a 1-5/8″ Forstner bit that leaves a clean rim and a flatter-bottom recess with less sanding afterward. The Precision Shear serrated edge helps reduce chipping on plywood and improves edge quality on visible hardwood surfaces, which matters when the hole will be seen or needs a tight, clean fit. The ultra-sharp spur supports accurate starts, and the steep cutting edges help form chip curls for faster clearing during deeper bores. For drill press work, jig building, and hardware recess drilling, crews and DIY users rely on this Forstner bit for repeatable hole quality and controlled cutting.