Template/flush trim router bit suggestions

[rj_mccall]

Hey guys,

    About to start a project that will require me to flush trim a bunch of walnut using 3/4” MDF templates I’ve created. At this time I do not own any template style router bits with bearings. I will be using an OF 1400 and do not own a router table. Any suggestions on bits you have used that you find work well and give a nice clean cut? Keep in mind, I will only be routing the long grain material and leave the edge grain to cut on various table saw jigs.

Thanks!

 

[TSO_Products]

[member=67057]rj_mccall[/member] - I have found spiral cutters to be a great help. I bet you'll get more posts to that effect. Choose "up-cut" or "down-cut" to suit the application.

Hans

 

[RKA]

Yup, 1/2” carbide spirals bits in the appropriate length.  They have a nice shearing cut that will leave a smooth finish.  Any of the good bit manufacturers should be fine. Freud, Whiteside, CMT, etc.  It will cost you though, but you’ll use it for a long time.  $60-90 depending on the cutting length IIRC, vs. $20-25 for a straight bladed bit.

 

[Erich]

Whiteside makes one called "The Ultimate Flush Trim Bit" UDC9112 that I have used with awesome results. It is a spiral compression cut bit. The one catch is the cutter height is 1 1/8".

The other template bit of theirs that I use is the 3018. It is a top bearing straight cut with a cutter height of 1 1/2".

Hope this helps!

 

[GoingMyWay]

Jonathan Katz-Moses has a good video about template routing tips and tricks:

I believe he's sponsored by Bits & Bits.  Bits & Bits sells Whiteside bits, including their Astra Coated bits:https://bitsbits.com/index.php?main_page=index&cPath=102_148.  I have no experience or affiliation with them or Jonathan Katz-Moses, but I have considered buying an Astra Coated bit in the past.  I just checked and Jonathan's 15% off coupon code, "JKATZMOSES15" still works.

 

[elfick]

I was just on my way to the FOG to ask this very question...

I was looking at this bit and was hoping for comments:
https://www.amazon.com/Whiteside-Router-Bits-RFT5125-Diameter/dp/B0012JF0DA/

TIA,
Lee

 

[rvieceli]

Lee I don’t have that b particular bit but I have other Whitedude carbide spirals and are great bits. That bit is an up cut so in theory the top of your workpiece would need to be against the template to get the cleanest cut.

Ron

 

[mschmidt10k]

Whiteside makes one called "The Ultimate Flush Trim Bit" UDC9112 that I have used with awesome results. It is a spiral compression cut bit. The one catch is the cutter height is 1 1/8".

I have that one too - it's my favorite templating bit. Not cheap, though.

 

[JSlovic]

RJ
Ive used 2 bits
the Whiteside ultimate combo bit is really nice and if your routing thin stock tape the template to the bottom to minimize cut It's my first choice
Note Whiteside will resharpen and grind the bearings on these
I've also used an infinity 2" trim bit its very good for thick stock 

 

[waho6o9]

View attachment 1

From  GoingMyWay, Whiteside offers single and dual bearing router bits that leave a clean finish. 

I have used them with great results. 

 

[nclemmons]

Pattern routing works well, but be VERY careful as you approach end grain.  It's easy for the bit to grab the work and ruin your piece.  Handheld going around an end-grain can be risky. 

- Route one side and then the other and leave the end grain till last
- Come back and 'sneak up' on the end grain portion
- consider sanding it out on a disk or drum sander to get to the piece matched to your template if you are concerned.

This is really where a router table makes a big difference, using a fence or a standoff-pin similar to the brass pin in the video referenced above.

 

[etds4u]

Just a note of caution to please avoid using pattern bits in a router table. I was routing a curved shelf-support with a pattern bit in my router table (pattern below workpiece and against table surface), when a change in grain direction grabbed the workpiece/pattern and launched it across my shop. The push-blocks I was using each made contact with the exposed top portion of the bit when the workpiece was launched. I am very lucky that it was the push-blocks that made contact and not my hands, but extremely scary how quickly this happened. Since this incident, I always use a flush trim bit (bearing on top, template on top of workpiece) when pattern routing with my router table. This limits the amount of exposed bit cutter length to match workpiece thickness and at least covers the top surface of the bit with the bearing.