Help me pick a new raised panel bit set

[Paul Greathouse]

I'll soon be in the market for a new Raised panel/Rail & Stile set for cabinet doors. The set I am currently using does not have a backcutter on the raised panel blade so its up to the user to route the correct depth on the front and then in a second step route the backcut to allow the panel to sit flush with the rails & stiles.

I've been looking at some of the sets available with the backcutter equipped panel raisers but I don't see too much talk on this forum about different brands. I would rather purchase a panel raiser & matched rail/stile set togeather because my current set is nearing the end of its useful life and its time for a new toy...uhhh I mean tool, anyway.

So, for those of you that have a favorite set that easily gives a flush finish, please share the brand, what you like about it and approximate cost if you can remember.

Almost forgot to specify, the set will be for use on a router not a shaper. If some of you shaper owners would like to kick in information on your favorite shaper sets for the benefit of others who may be interested, feel free to do so.

[Jim Becker]

Personally, I don't like integral back-cutters. I don't think they are as flexible.

As for panel cutter design, I still like Freud's "2+2" design with the alternate shear angles for very clean cuts. I only use one panel raising set since I only do straight bevels, but that Freud cutter has been very pleasing to me for years. I also use it for beveling the underside of some small table tops rather than jigging up the table saw. I couldn't do that with a back-cutter.

But, of course, this is personal preference.

[scott spencer]

There are lots of good panel cutters, but Freud's 2+2 that Jim mentioned has quality and an advanced design going for it.

[Scot Ferraro]

I love Whiteside bits and especially the 3-wing bits offered -- smooth cutting bits -- I just completed a entire kitchen set with it and had excellent results. The rail & stile bit set works great too. Whiteside offers a back-cutter option, but as Jim mentioned I do not think this is a great advantage and you do lose flexibility. Whiteside sells a separate back-cutting bit (similar to a cove cutter or mini-raised panel) if you want to relieve the back of the panel for a flush fit.

Scot

[Jim O'Dell]

I can't tell you which specific bit will work well for what you are asking, but you might look at the Infinity sale that is 25% off through tomorrow night.
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Hope it is ok to post this. Jim. (I've ordered the Incra 1/2 dovetail bit set, plus 2 other bits to get back to the 100.00 level for free shipping.)

[James Waters]

I have two of the Infinity raised panel bits and I have been very happy with them. I also have one of the Freud bits that has been mentioned earlier. You can't go wrong with either one IMOP.

[Scott Hubl]

I have a KATANA set that you can get from MLCS , Amazon carries it also.
Kitchen Door & Drawer 5 Piece Sets
NEW! Mix & Match Katana Router Bit Sets!
Choose the Rail & Stile and the Raised Panel Profile you want!
NEW Mix & Match option allows you to create a custom 1/2" shank set with carbide tipped Katana® router bits. Make raised panel doors, table tops, and drawers for fine furniture and custom kitchen cabinetry.
1. The Raised Panel router bit puts a classic edge on the floating central panel in your door. Choose Ogee, Cove or 18˚ Bevel.
2. Our Matched Rail and Stile router bit sets create precisely mated rails and stiles that form the frame of your door. Use with 3/4" to 7/8" stock. Choose Ogee or Round Over.
3. When the central panel needs to be wider than your stock, use the Reverse Glue Joint router bit to mill two or more pieces of stock with reverse cut edge joints to reach the required width. Assemble and glue up the stock, and your panel is ready to be raised. Use with stock up to 1-1/4" thick.
4. Drawer construction is easy with the Katana® Drawer Lock router bit. Create a strong, long lasting joint that fits precisely because one bit makes the cut in the drawer front, as well as the side of the drawer, so both pieces fit together perfectly.
I have the set at the top right > http://http://www.mlcswoodworking.com/shopsite_sc/store/html/smarthtml/pages/katset1.htm
without the undercutter. With the Ogee profile.
You can also get them with the undercutter as seen if you scroll down the page a bit.
Mix & Match and a Lifetime Guarantee.

[John Grossi]

I bought the Whiteside raised panel set at a tool show this past Nov. for an upcoming project. A week later, on this forum, I read of a guy named Marc Sommerfeld and his expertise in using router tables. I read his ideas concerning raised panel sets, as far as height matching the different bits. Sounded like a great idea. I called Whiteside and asked if their bits were height matched and they said no. They also said it was a great idea, but too costly to change their tooling. I took back the unused Whiteside bits and ordered the Sommerfeld bits. They work exactly as described on his website, in his catalog, and on his dvd's. I highly recommend them. His site is www.marcsommerfeldtools.com (http://www.marcsommerfeldtools.com) John

[Steve Clardy]

I use the matched set that Whiteside sells.


I use a shaper for my panels.

My panels are 5/8" thick, so I don't have to do a back cut/relief.

[Don Stutsman]

I bought a set from Sommerfeld and have been very happy with them. They are easy to set up initially and the cut requires very little sanding.

[Paul Greathouse]

Thanks for all the replies, luckily I have a little time to think it over before I build my next set. I'll take all of your suggestions into consideration. I like your 5/8" panel idea Steve, I'll have to give that a try.

[Charles McCracken]

Thanks for all the replies, luckily I have a little time to think it over before I build my next set. I'll take all of your suggestions into consideration. I like your 5/8" panel idea Steve, I'll have to give that a try.

Paul,

If you opt for using 5/8" panels be aware that it is best to get cutters specific to the task in order to get the proper profile. Some manufacturers offer only one bit in each profile and intend its use in all thicknesses. The only profile that this actually works for without severely compromising the profile is the cove. Raised panel bits specifically for either 3/4" or 5/8" stock have profiles shaped to optimize for the intended thickness.