Recommendations on raised panel bit sets

[James Carmichael]

I'm soliciting recommendations for a good raised panel router bit set. I'd like to find a quality set in a cove or 25* profile that includes either a reversible or matched rail & stile (traditional edge), glue joint, drawer lock, and door lip.

Thanks!

[Seth Bollinger]

I bought my set from MCLS it is more of a shker style cut {wife's prefrence} but they have others. The main reason I went with thier bit is that at this time I only have a 1/4 collet. But I have found the bits to cut very well and have lasted nicely even through all the pitch and knots in the pine doors I've made.

[Donnie Raines]

I am rather fond of the Amana cutters. They will lean toward the more expensive side of the scale...but have been very good to me.

[John Gregory]

They usually do not recommend 1/4 inch shafts for raised panel bits due to the size of the bit. If you can always buy the 1/2 inch bits.

[James Carmichael]

They usually do not recommend 1/4 inch shafts for raised panel bits due to the size of the bit. If you can always buy the 1/2 inch bits.

Yeah, I sure wouldn't want to try that, I go 1/2" whenever possible.

Speaking of which, my current table-mounted router is a Makita RF1101 (11 amp). I figure it'll do the job at slow speed in multiple passes, but would upgrading to an Hitachi M12v be worthwhile, from the perspective of getting the work done quicker?

[Mathew Nedeljko]

I went with the 5 piece set from Woodline USA. The quality of the carbide is excellent, and I've had great success with it.

[John Gregory]

James

I have the Hitachi M12v in my table and I love it. No complaints. I don't know how it would compare to your current set up, but the 12v is a good value for the money.

[Jim Becker]

I prefer and use the Freud panel bits with the "2+2" design. The opposing shear angles give a very clean cut and they also have a nice safety design. There is good variety in profiles available, too.

[Chris Padilla]

Check out the sets at www.sommerfeldtools.com (http://www.sommerfeldtools.com) for CMT. I have nothing but CMT bits in my shop. Always go for 1/2" shanks where possible. I think www.woodpeck.com (http://www.woodpeck.com) is also carrying CMT's line.

[Aaron Montgomery]

I've also got nothing but CMT bits in my shop. I've got the 7 bit CMT panel set. Not that other bits are inferior, but I've had good luck with the CMT bits, so I've stuck with them.

[James Carmichael]

I prefer and use the Freud panel bits with the "2+2" design. The opposing shear angles give a very clean cut and they also have a nice safety design. There is good variety in profiles available, too.

Where do you get your's, Jim? I'd like to find one of their 5-piece cabinet sets as that looks to be the most economical way to get everything I'll want. Amazon has a few, but none in the cove or 25-degree profile I want.

[Denny Lawson]

Another vote here for the Freud 2+2, matching R&S bits also available.


You can also buy in sets and save $$
I bought mine at Woodworkers Supply

http://woodworker.com/cgi-bin/FULLPRES.exe?PARTNUM=97-100

Denny

[Chuck Fischer]

Do any of you guys use the Hickory bits that they sell at HD? I've gotten a few of them at the WWing shows and they work really well. I was thinking of grabbing a set from them for doing raised panels.

Chuck

[Steve Clardy]

I vote Whiteside.

Steve

[Kent Cori]

Another vote for the Freud 2+2 bits.

[Charlie Plesums]

My hickory bits went dull pretty fast, so I won't buy them any more

My woodline bits are good, especially for profiles I only use occasionally (like my door set and the crown moulding bit). However, if you use a lower power router and make 3-4 cuts, remember that the bits will wear 3-4 times as fast.

For the heavily used bits like roundover and rabbet, the Whitesides last far longer.

Woodcraft store brands go on $5 sale periodically, which is cheaper than sharpening a bit, so I use them some.

[David LaRue]

Yet another vote here for the Freud 2+2, matching rail and stile bits

[James Carmichael]

Thanks for all the input, folks. I ordered the Freud 94-100-511 5-piece set from Amazon.

[mike lucas]

I say go with CMT, Freud, Amana, or Whiteside. I have many hundred dollars worth of CMT and have had nothing but great success with them. Freud and CMT are very much alike.

I would add Jesada to the list, but it looks like they disapaired into CMT As they were once one company, had a falling out, and split. Now in the newest CMT catalog there are many of Jesada`s items as new items for CMT.

[Chuck Fischer]

Ok, so if the Hickory bits go dull fast... (I haven't done a lot of router work to know yet) I guess I better start thinking about a different brand then. CMT and Freud look good, but everyone keeps talking about Whiteside. Where do you guys purchase these whiteside bits anyway?

Chuck

[Steve Clardy]

Ok, so if the Hickory bits go dull fast... (I haven't done a lot of router work to know yet) I guess I better start thinking about a different brand then. CMT and Freud look good, but everyone keeps talking about Whiteside. Where do you guys purchase these whiteside bits anyway?

Chuck
Routerbits.com or Ballewtools.com

Steve

[Byron Trantham]

I have the earlier Freud panel set - no 2+2 feature. :mad: I have made quite a few doors with them I really like the Freud line of bits.