Vortex vs. Whiteside Router Bits

[Kent Adams]

I have a number of Whiteside router bits I'm very happy with. I'm looking to purchase a slot cutter and came across this one from Carbide Processors:

http://www.carbideprocessors.com/3-wing-slot-cutter-075-kerf-1-2-shank-vortex-6600/?gclid=CLqinp3gu8gCFQmPHwodkZ0NmA

Its a pretty expensive bit for a slot cutter. I don't have any experience with Vortex bits. If you've used their bits before as well as Whiteside, what is your opinion on the Vortex?

Thanks in advance.

[Gerry Grzadzinski]

You won't find higher quality bits than Vortex.
But, if all you're doing is cutting slots, then you'll get similar results from any $30-$40 slot cutter from any major manufacturer.
What makes The Vortex so expensive is that it's a one piece bit with no bearing, which allows you to cut slots in places a normal bottom bearing slot cutter could never reach. If not using ity in a CNC, you'll need to use it in a router table, or with a template and guide bushing.
I use one just like it to surface the spoilboard on my CNC.

[Kent Adams]

Thanks Jerry for the feedback. I plan on using on my router table to cut slots for acrylic panels on my cabinet shop doors.

[Gerry Grzadzinski]

For that application, I would just buy Bosch or Amana Slot cutters. Much cheaper. Or Whiteside, if they make them.

[Ben Rivel]

Whiteside has lots of options for much less if you dont need the fixed, no bearing type: LINK (http://www.carbideprocessors.com/search.php?search_query=whiteside+slot+cutter+bit)

[Tom M King]

Whiteside makes the high end bits for Eagle America, which has a bit different line-up than Whiteside. Might be worth a look.

[Brian Gumpper]

Kent,

What's the width of the cut you're looking at?

Whiteside arbors with info on which bearing to use for different depths of cut. I personally do not see the value in that Vortex bit I don't care if it's for CNC, way overpriced IMO.

https://www.routerbits.com/slotting-cutter-arbors-with-bearing/

slot cutters to match those arbors

https://www.routerbits.com/slotting-cutters/

And the bearings

https://www.routerbits.com/bearings/

[Kent Adams]

Hi Brian,

I'd like cuts to be about 1/4" width. The bit I linked to here was much wider, although I did find the one that was 1/4. I think I'll go the white side route this time. Now I just need to choose the 3 or 4 wing cutter :confused:

[Tom Walz]

We sell both. We think of Vortex as more an industrial line because that is where they tend to position themselves.

We can put you in touch with an engineer at Vortex who can answer any questions you might have. Actually we can do the same with Whiteside.

Both are made by American companies; founded, owned and run by people who are uncompromising on quality.


Tom Walz