Replies

1. 
   Crunk | Nov 04, 2004 08:25pm | #1

   I'd look into the CMT sets with backcutters.

2. 
   BArnold | Nov 04, 2004 09:26pm | #2

   JD,

   Another poster recommended CMT and you can't go wrong there.  Other top choices are Amana and Freud, of course.  I buy most of my bits from MLCS because they are less expensive and I have had no problem with them.  I have purchased two different sets of matched rail and stile bit and two styles of raised panel bits from them; all have worked just fine.  In addition, I purchased a back-cutter bit so I can use it with either of my raised panel bits or any others I might purchase.  A raised panel bit with the back cutter integrated into it might be a better way to go; I just wanted to save a few bucks and have the bit seperate.  If I were a full-time shop, I'd go for the higher-priced bits, but most of my work is for our own house.

   http://www.mlcswoodworking.com/

   Regards,

   Bill Arnold - Custom Woodcrafting

   Food for Thought: The Ark was built by amateurs; the Titanic by professionals.

   ---

3. 
   rplwood | Nov 04, 2004 10:51pm | #3

   I have mostly CMT and like them very much, but I have recently bought some Woodline bits and shaper cutters. Much cheaper and lifetime guarantee. Make 2-3 passes using a router bit with a lower speed for raised panels. You can use a piece of phenolic clamped to your fence for the first cut, take it off for the next, then have it worked out where your final cut is a small clean-up cut. End grain first and work yourself around.

   For the frame cut the long grain (machine WITH the grain)of the rails and stiles first , then the end grain for the cope cut. Be sure to back'em up.Please be careful.  Any questions you can write....

   Regards,

   Rick

4. 
   sawdustmaker | Nov 04, 2004 11:43pm | #4

   I've had great results with CMT, using the same PC router. I purchased mine as a set at a woodworking show in Detroit a few years ago. I don't recall the model, but the set had raised panel, cope and stick, miter lock, and a couple other bits.

5. 
   JeffHeath | Nov 05, 2004 02:16am | #5

   JD

   I have two sets of CMT bits (different profiles) and all three Whiteside sets, and have good luck with both.  The Whiteside bits stay sharper longer.  I guess that would be because of a higher quality carbide, but I'm not an expert on carbide, or anything else, for that matter.  I probably have a total of about 30 whiteside bits, and am very pleased with them.  I just started buying CMT bits, because Woodcraft has them, and they are frequently on sale there.  If you are not banging out doors and panels all day long, I think you'll be happy with either.

   JC

6. 
   art | Nov 05, 2004 02:22am | #6

   I recently did a kitchens worth of cherry doors & end panels using MLCS's katana bits with a backcuttter and had excellent results. You need to run the bits at a slower speed to avoid burning particularly in cherry.  Art

1. 
   BarryO | Nov 05, 2004 10:07pm | #7

   With any of these large-diameter bits, you need to run them at a low speed.  The reason being that, for a given rpm, the velocity of the outer edge of a large diameter bit will be higher than that of a smaller bit.  Running at too high a veloicty would be unsafe.

1. 
   Crunk | Nov 05, 2004 11:10pm | #8

   Horizontal panel raisers MUST be used on a variable speed router, usually set around 12,000 R.P.M.  follow instructions that come with the set to the letter...