Window sash router bits

[Gary Viggers]

I'm building some replacement windows for my house. I've done this before using the set from Rockler (http://www.rockler.com/product.cfm?page=5711). The set works fine, but the profiles don't match the existing windows from my 1920s house (the new profiles are flatter - the ogee is not as "dramatic"). Has anybody compared the profile of the Rockler bit with the bit made by Whiteside (http://www.holbren.com/whiteside-window-sash-set-1-3-8-cd-x-7-8-1-5-8-cl-x-3-5-8-ol-1-2-shank.html)?

One more question regarding making window sashes: Rockler and Whiteside both claim that this is all you need to make windows, whereas other instructions say to also use M/T joinery. The windows I already completed were made with the bit only and seem to be holding up fine. Am I asking for trouble down the line?

Thanks,

Gary

[Jerrimy Snook]

222202

Gary, I took the web images from the pages you linked in your post and placed the Whiteside drawing over the Rockler bit. They look very close to me. One thing I really like about Whiteside catalogs is that there is usually an actual size drawing for the profile bits.

Jerrimy

[Jeff Duncan]

Mortise and tenon joinery is the traditional way, and quite honestly much, much stronger than just the cope joint the router bits will provide. It's also significantly more work so you'll have to decide if your up to the task. I have made several fixed windows this way over the years and they're OK, but I never felt quite comfortable with it. Being in a very mild climate your odds are certainly improved.

good luck,
JeffD