Router bit question...

Re: Router bit question...

Ken

>Go with frued,I have used them all over many years and they are the best for your money.I route a lot of burl and especially birdseye maple and they do a fantastic job.Plus they hold an edge very well.I have some that I have used over ten yr's and all I do is keep them clean and touch them up with a diamond stone.Good luck.

Ken

PS DO NOT buy those flea market job's,they can and will fly apart,THEY should be outlawed in my opinion.

Re: Router bit question...

Bill Hylton

>Since you are using a PC890, I'd recommend a vertical panel raiser. You really need 3hp to drive a horizontal bit. The vertical bits do a fine job. Added bonus: a vertical bit will cost $30 less than a comparable horizontal bit.

The 890 does have speed control, but a vertical bit, as well as the cope and stick bits, can run at full speed without problems.

Unless you expect to use these bits a LOT, I'd say any of the four vendors you mentioned have satisfactory bits. Without really checking catalogs, Id bet there's a pretty substantial price jump from your four to the likes of CMT, Freud, Amana, Infinity, Whiteside, etc. Check the Woodcraft and Rockler catalogs; both sell at least one high-end brand in addition to the house brand.

Happy shopping!

Bill

Re: Router bit question...

JL

>I hadn't even thought of a vertical raised panel bit. I see from the MLCS catalog that they are less expensive. I'll be using them to do the six doors for the bathrooms and maybe the 10-12 doors for the base cabinets for my shop. After that - who knows. As far as rail and stile bits, I'll happily go with Freud, CMT, Whiteside or Amana.

Re: Router bit question...

Charles Sharp

>Duck when you see the responses to this one.

I have a set of Harbor Freight bits ($30 for a set of 3 bits) and they work OK. I've used the high end bits and they cut a lot cleaner, but for the limited use they get in my shop I can't justify the cost.

Most of the doors I make now I use a 1/4" wing cutter with a bearing to make the stiles and rails. I use 1/4" plywood for the panels.

One last note, finish the panel prior to glue up and allow for panel expansion if using solid wood.

Re: Router bit question...

Dave Bair, Eaton Rapids, MI

>I use both Freud and MLCS bits. I'd honestly have to look at the maker's mark to tell the difference in terms of performance. I've also used some other brands from the borg that are definetly inferior.

Generally, if I'm planning a project that needs a new bit, I'll order from MLCS for it's price and free shipping. If I need a new bit right now, I go out and get a Freud.

Re: Router bit question...

Jim in Lakewood, OH

>I've been very happy with the Eagle bits (EagleAmerica). I believe that a year or so ago someone had posted here that their bits are made by Whiteside.

Jim

Re: Thanks all. I'll see what Freud and the..

JL

>have to offer in rails and stile sets and get a vertical cove panel raising bit. After research, I'm leery of a hortizontal panel raising bit. I don't have a shaper or a large enough motor (even with a 2 1/4 hp) to really want to try the horizontal bit on my table.