Hi All,
I have just finished building a mortising jig that was featured in a past issue of Fine Woodworking magazine (don’t have the article on me at this time but can find it). The article was by Jeff Miller and it uses a 3 1/2″ block of solid wood, about 3′ long (I used 3 pieces of maple glued and jointed) with a track running in the back of the block. A plunge router is used with a fence attached to the router guide. The fence runs in the track and makes for easily plunging the mortises into a workpiece that is clamped to the block. Anyway, I will attach a picture after I go home and take one, if anyone is interested.
The question I have is that I want to buy some good carbide spiral upcut bits in varying dimensions so that I can create different size mortises. Can anyone recommend what type of bits to buy? I have a Rockler near me but I’m not sure of the quality of their bits. Anyone have a suggested retailer and could you supply a link? Price matters but I’m more interested in quality bits…
Regards,
Buzzsaw
“Don’t ask yourself what the world needs. Ask yourself what makes you come alive, and go do that, because what the world needs is people who have come alive.” Gil Bailie
Replies
Onsrud is (or at least was) the big name in spiral carbide bits. You can get Onsrud bits from several vendors, including Rockler. Other manufacturers of quality spiral carbide bits are Amana, CMT, Freud, Whiteside, ...
-Steve
I like my Whiteside bits, smooth cuts, no tearout, but have really only used them on hardwood- you can get them from Woodcraft. They get consistently good ratings from magazine reviews. I also have a Lee Valley bit that seems good but don't know who actually makes it.
Jeff
I bought some from MLCS and they seem to work fine. I made a set of 6 dining chairs and experienced no burning and the bit cut as good on the last mortise as the first.
Jim Diedrich
I have CMT's 1/2 x 4" bit and it works great.
Troy
Thanks guys for your input...Regards,
Buzzsaw
"Don't ask yourself what the world needs. Ask yourself what makes you come alive, and go do that, because what the world needs is people who have come alive." Gil Bailie
Overall, I have had my best results with Whiteside carbide.
Dear Buzz,
I have used "Eagle America" for years with very good results:
http://eagleamerica.com/search.asp?ss=spiral&x=0&y=0
As per my reputation, I am not exactly "nice" to machinery and I have used and abused these over the years and I have been extremely happy with them.
Best,
John
Thanks All,
I have heard a bit about Eagle America being recommended. Thanks for the posts.Regards,
Buzzsaw
"Don't ask yourself what the world needs. Ask yourself what makes you come alive, and go do that, because what the world needs is people who have come alive." Gil Bailie
This past Sunday I ordered a 1/2" by 2" cutting length, carbide bit from PriceCutter. It arrived at my home at 10:00 AM on Tuesday! I used it all the balance of the day with excellent results.
You can order directly from Onsrud. Check Google. They also sell HSS and carbide.
Frosty
"I sometimes think we consider the good fortune of the early bird and overlook the bad fortune of the early worm." FDR - 1922
There was a recent review of router bits in either FWW or Popular Woodworking--can't seem to lay my hands on the article--but Whiteside bits came out on top. I've purchased way too many router bits, many of them moderate priced ones, which I lay aside and order a Whiteside after a couple of uses. Really pleased with the Whiteside. I've bought 'em at Woodcraft and from http://www.routerbits.com. Been pleased with either but the prices are better at Routerbits.com and service is great. My suggestion is to bite the bullet and buy the good bits--cheaper in the long run, if you buy only the bits you need for a specific project.
Good luck with your jig.
Bob
Highland Hardware sells ons that are recommended for use in the multi-router. I've been using them for years, and I think they are great.
Also, you can't go wrong with anything from Whiteside.
Jeff
PS Does your mortising jig look like this??
Yes Jeff. You even sent me those pictures or posted them previously. I really appreciate your help and I will take a picture of mine and post sometime soon.Regards,
Buzzsaw
"Don't ask yourself what the world needs. Ask yourself what makes you come alive, and go do that, because what the world needs is people who have come alive." Gil Bailie
Hatrville Tool has router bits 20% off right now and there regular prices are very competive. And free shipping over $75. They mainly stock Whiteside. And Freud.
use code ws1x8 at checkout.
http://www.hartvilletool.com/index.php
Go for the Eagle America bits, Not just saying that because I work there. I use them all the time and love Em!
Work Safe, Count to 10 when your done for the day !!
Bruce S.
Hey Guy's,
Vortex is the finest in terms of geometry, carbide grade, edge quality, and availability.They are leaders in the CNC nesting industry or Nested Based Manufacturing.Onsrud has the name for 2 reasons, they were associated with CR Onsrud in the beginning. Then a few years back Leitz of Germany bought them. They are still made in Libertyville IL if my memory serves me right.However after my 16 years in the tooling industry almost every company that I knew of that used to use Onsrud upgraded to Vortex and never went back.Vortex is based in WI and are family run, a VERY tight ship.
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