They are pretty amazing. We've used them in our timber framing shop for years to great success. We've also found that their Deep Cut Utility augers are also excellent tools for longer bits, 18" & 24", that are much simpler to sharpen because they are a single spur, straight cutter style bit and they still cut a super clean hole. Not quite as exceptionally as an Ultra Smooth but very respectable.
There is also another Star-M "WoodOwl" variant available from TimberTools.com that they call a HolzMaster that is a 2 flute design that shares cutting edge/spur geometry with the Ultra Smooths. They have a 12" length that is a fantastic compromise between the 7.5" shorties and the 18's.
Thank you very much for this - articles like this one is why I subscribe! And if you follow your link to the Texas Heritage tool rolls, he has a link on that page to an article you wrote on individual self-made edge tool guards to protect edges and prevent cutting the tool rolls. How did I never know this, it’s brilliant! Thank you again :)
After repeated use, I pulled out my trusty 3/4" WOUS to drill a new hold fast hole in an odd spot on my bench. I didn't plan . . . and drilled through the top and hit the vise screw below. Pretty hard. The bit still cuts. Not as smooth as before, but it still drills.
Have you experienced any rust when using leather tool rolls? I was gifted a tool roll for my chisels several years ago but my chisels started rusting in the roll.
On your question specifically, no. But that's because we use vegetable-tanned leathers. Some tanning processes that use chromium to tan the leather will encourage tools to rust. So look for veg-tan leather when buying a tool roll.
You need the screw tip on an auger when drilling through thick and tough woods. It pulls the cutting flutes into the wood without you having to lean on the drill.
The bits without a screw feed are regulated by you. They are ideal for when you want to control entry and exit.
I don't use them to drill mortises for stretchers, so no. But they do have a reputation for splitting narrow stock. Thanks for bringing that downside up.
They are pretty amazing. We've used them in our timber framing shop for years to great success. We've also found that their Deep Cut Utility augers are also excellent tools for longer bits, 18" & 24", that are much simpler to sharpen because they are a single spur, straight cutter style bit and they still cut a super clean hole. Not quite as exceptionally as an Ultra Smooth but very respectable.
There is also another Star-M "WoodOwl" variant available from TimberTools.com that they call a HolzMaster that is a 2 flute design that shares cutting edge/spur geometry with the Ultra Smooths. They have a 12" length that is a fantastic compromise between the 7.5" shorties and the 18's.
Thank you very much for this - articles like this one is why I subscribe! And if you follow your link to the Texas Heritage tool rolls, he has a link on that page to an article you wrote on individual self-made edge tool guards to protect edges and prevent cutting the tool rolls. How did I never know this, it’s brilliant! Thank you again :)
I used MS Copilot in Deep Thinking mode, to ask about the black coating; it is PTFE. The non-stick on cookware; it's black from the added other stuff.
The Wood Owl 7ltra Smoothes are great.
After repeated use, I pulled out my trusty 3/4" WOUS to drill a new hold fast hole in an odd spot on my bench. I didn't plan . . . and drilled through the top and hit the vise screw below. Pretty hard. The bit still cuts. Not as smooth as before, but it still drills.
Have you experienced any rust when using leather tool rolls? I was gifted a tool roll for my chisels several years ago but my chisels started rusting in the roll.
Just to be clear, that tool roll is waxed cotton.
On your question specifically, no. But that's because we use vegetable-tanned leathers. Some tanning processes that use chromium to tan the leather will encourage tools to rust. So look for veg-tan leather when buying a tool roll.
Thank you!
The Star-M F type augers have a smooth point tip as opposed to the threaded one of the Wood Owls. Do you find that this makes a difference?
You need the screw tip on an auger when drilling through thick and tough woods. It pulls the cutting flutes into the wood without you having to lean on the drill.
The bits without a screw feed are regulated by you. They are ideal for when you want to control entry and exit.
Have you ever had legs splitting when drilling mortises for stretchers with this bit?
I don't use them to drill mortises for stretchers, so no. But they do have a reputation for splitting narrow stock. Thanks for bringing that downside up.