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I use a Diablo precision Forstner bit to face my rod stock. It makes a flat surface, but it's not smooth. It leaves little rough holes. It used to not do this. Has the bit dulled or is there something I'm doing wrong?

Also, on my last pipe, the same forstner bit was used to face the shank and it left some small cracks. I think I forgot to turn down the speed on the lathe before I drilled, so that might be why. But maybe it's related.

They are pretty easy to sharpen and smooth out with some diamond needle files. Harbor freight has a cheap set.

So sharpening them is a pretty regular routine?

Yip, it's got to be really sharp and very good quality. Personally, I prefer using using a cutter on the lathe to face.

You shouldn't have to have a super smooth stem face. Just sand it up the grits and polish it.