Small bits help lighten the boring load for big bits

It takes a lot of torque to spin large Forstner bits. And the bits have to hog away so much material that they overheat easily, which makes them dull faster. To make your expensive big bits last longer, you can have smaller bits do some of the work.Start with the Forstner bit and bore just deep enough to create a well-defined shoulder. Next, switch to a 1⁄2" bit and drill several holes through the single hole to remove much of the wood. Finally, re-chuck the Forstner bit and finish the hole.—Buck Nall, Alma, Ga.