Workaround: Large Bit, Small Hole

I was working on a project that required a 1-7/8″ forstner bit, and the only size close to this that I had was a 2″ bit. Unfortunately this was not close enough, so I needed a solution, and no stores were open. I decided that the best approach would be to use my router with a template guide, which would make a nice flat bottomed recess that I was looking for, but now I would have to create a template that was slightly larger than my 1-7/8″ target, or roughly 2″. Hmmm, what do I have that can make a 2″ hole for my template? Yep, the forstner bit that was worthless to me only moments ago just became part of my solution.

holeDrilled hole in scrap plywood. I chucked up the forstner bit in my drill press and made a 2″ hole in the middle of a piece of plywood to use as a template.

holeClamped and routed. I then used a router equipped with a template guide and appropriate sized router bit, and I ran the template guide around the template until a perfect recess was formed.

holePerfection! This worked better than my original plan, as the recess made with a router did not have the dimple in the center which is characteristic of a forstner bit.

This is a more of an art than a science. To size this accurately for your application you will need to look at the thickness of your router template walls and the gap between the bit and your template guide, but with a little patience and a bit of luck you might find a combination that produces the perfect sized recess for your project without requiring a trip to the store.

Photos By Author

how to buy a router guide

Share tips, start a discussion or ask one of our experts or other students a question.

Make a comment:
500 characters remaining

No Responses to “Workaround: Large Bit, Small Hole”

No Comments