Anyone have a flush trim bit they like?

Re: Anyone have a flush trim bit they like? *LINK*

David Yoho

I've had one I like a lot and used many times from Infinity Cutting Tools. It's a real horse of a bit in size. Mine is the # 06-690 but there are several others to chose from on the linked page. See what you think...


Flush trim spiral bit

Re: Anyone have a flush trim bit they like? *LINK*

Hank Knight

Barry, I recently bought a Whiteside Ultimate pattern routing bit. It is a compression bit with top and bottom bearings. It's supposed to be the bees knees for squirrelly grain. I'm about to do some pattern routing on some figured walnut that I can't afford to ruin, so I sprung for the bit. It's crazy expensive; but, in this case, I thought the investment was warranted. I ordered mine from Brian Holbren at Holbren Precision Cutting tools in Florida. His prices are considerably less expensive than anywhere else I found. I haven't used it yet, so I can't give you a first hand report, but all my research indicates this is the bit.


Holbren Precision Cutting Tools

Re: Anyone have a flush trim bit they like?

Barry Irby

David, I have a similar brand X bit. Mine is not spiral, but straight and one of the bearings failed and partially disappeared. At $35 it's attractive though and I may give it a try. Based on your recommendation I am guessing this is a better bit that the one I have.

I was sorting though what passed for a collection of router bits and found one I may be able to make work with a guide collar. The possibilities are emerging as I get into this.

(I found a company selling the remnants of Harper Hardware. I bought about fifty various bits for $2 Each. They did not know what they had. Now I not sure I know what I have.)

Re: Anyone have a flush trim bit they like?

Barry Irby

Hank, I have been staring at that very bit on line, but was suffering from sticker shock. I don't mind paying for good tooling, but at $174 I was struggling. Holbren's price is a little better, but still shocking. By the way, some of the on line reviews indicate it is really "grabby", so be careful and don't let it take your stuff away from you.

I mentioned to David I found a bit I may be able to use with a guide collar.

Let me know what you think of that bit if you use it. I would feel better buying it if I had a first hand review.

Yes, several...

John in NM

The trick to making them last is to saw to a line and the finish with the pattern - basically keep the flush trimming light, under 1/16".

I have one part I make routinely that requires flush trimming 1 3/4" of endgrain walnut. By keeping the cuts super light, I've gotten up to 80 cuts, maybe 4.5" each out of a bit. Tearout is less of a problem with a light cut too.

I've rarely had a bearing wear out, but then my cuts do tend to be pretty short and then the router is turned off while I put the next part in the pattern. Bearings are cheap though, those are just standard bearings that don't cost much. Look for a number on the metal dust shield and find replacements at VXB.com or similar supplier. Stick with metal shields they are rated for more rpm than are rubber shields.

I like Magnate Carbide for bits, they sell a good quality product and have unusual bits I've not found elsewhere, and they ship fast. I also like toolstoday.com, though they don't always have the unusual stuff I've bought at Magnate.

Freud 50-138 *LINK*

Dick Coers

I use the 1 1/4" diameter version of this pattern bit, and it's far superior to a standard 1/2" diameter flush trim. You have to go to 2" diameter to get your 2" length. I saw a couple places sell it for less than $75


https://www.routerbitworld.com/Freud-50-126-1-1-4-Diameter-Top-Bearing-Flush-Tr-p/freud%2050-126.htm

Re: Freud 50-138

Barry Irby

Thanks Dick, I just may order that. I'm still designing on the fly.

Re: Anyone have a flush trim bit they like?

David Yoho

My experience with this bit is it cuts very smooth. Like already mentioned - keep the amount to trim at a minimum. I've used Infinity bits for many years without an issue. I like their price point for the quality.

Re: Anyone have a flush trim bit they like?

Michael van pelt

the Whiteside bit works wonderful! expensive yes! works great! used mine a lot! figured grain and cross end grain no problem! highly recommended!

Re: Anyone have a flush trim bit they like?

Jim Dillon

Gosh Berry, I can't offer any more advice than I have had good experience with Whiteside upcut and down cut spiral trim bits. Since the advent of spiral bits, I haven't used a straight cut bit in years. I lust for the newer upcut/downcut bits but cannot justify the cost given my hobbyist usage. I also agree with others that cutting away enough wood to only leave a 1/16 inch (0.16 cm) or less to rout off makes a big difference in obtaining a clean cut. Jim

Thanks for all the advice.....

Barry Irby

I am lusting after one of the Whiteside bits, except for the cost, Going to see if I can cobble up a solution out of what I have. I'd say keep your fingers crossed, but I am not sure which way I am leaning.

I like to buy things that solve the problem and last along time.