Woodworking Talk banner

Router bits

8K views 12 replies 10 participants last post by  DrRobert 
#1 ·
I do freehand router inlays into maple and oak. I've been using Freud bits because for years I used their blades and was impressed by how long the edge would last. I'm finding the bits don't last for long. Which brand of router bit holds it's edge for the longest?
 
#3 ·
for router bits, the reality is.....


any of the made in China stuff is very probably from the same vendor.
different color paint, same box, same inserts, same clasps, same product, different label.


multiple USA vendors. I personally cannot vouch for longevity "quality" from any of them - I'm just a bumbling hobby wood hacker who will likely never "wear out" a carbide router bit.....
 
#4 ·
First and foremost, do you clean your router bits? Router bits get gunky just like table saw blades; a cleaning can make a big difference. Remember to remove the bearing before you clean the bit.

With care, you can re-sharpen router bits to extend the useful life of the bit. Use a diamond stone on the flat side of the carbide only. If the router bit has more than one cutter (most do), be careful to sharpen each one the same amount to maintain the match between them. Re-sharpening may not be as good as new bits, but it may get you a little more use from them.

Rockler has an unconditional guarantee on their router bits. They will say that it doesn't mean buy one and they will replace the router bit for life, but "unconditional" means "no conditions" to me. If you feel that it does not deliver a satisfactory amount of useful life, they should replace it, right? (In my opinion, Rockler-branded router bits are better than the average cheap bit, but slightly inferior to Freud.)

I met the Freud representative when I was shopping at a woodworking store one day. Of course he was enthusiastic about his company's products over the competition. One claim I heard is that Freud makes its own carbide. He said that Freud's carbide is superior to the third-party carbide that others buy and use. My own experience with Freud bits is that they are neither worse nor better than other common brands.

Whiteside and Amana router bits have a reputation for being better quality and more durable. Certainly they are priced higher than the competition. I admit it, I buy Whiteside bits when I am working on a "special" project and want the best, or for common bits that get a lot of use.

Some things to think about, anyway. I hope it helps.
 
#5 ·
I've used Amana router bits for a long time, I like them personally. Frued is fine, I'll state I've not used too many of them before but what I have used worked well.



I'd suggest looking into getting them sharpened rather than just getting a new bit. Oak and maple can dull a bit pretty well and pretty fast.



T-
 
#6 · (Edited)
It's the grade of carbide!

https://www.precisionbits.com/beginners-router-bit-buyer-guide-old.html

The cheaper bits use a lower grade of carbide, C2. The better ones use C3 or even C4, a more durable grade of carbide and more expensive.
http://blog.carbideprocessors.com/saw-blades/carbide-tips/testing-the-hardness-of-carbide/


Scroll down to find How to Buy Best Router Bit Sets:
https://woodworkingtoolkit.com/best-router-bit/


I use Freud, Whiteside and Yonico most often in my shop, but never have used any to the point where a clean up with a diamond hone wouldn't bring back a sharp edge. HSS steel bits can be made sharper, but carbide tips will last longer before it dulls. I may have an Amana bit or two and they are very well regarded:
https://www.amanatool.com/products/router-bits.html
:vs_cool:
 
  • Like
Reactions: Mark Cabral
#9 · (Edited)
This is an older thread, you may not receive a response, and could be reviving an old thread. Please consider creating a new thread.
Top