All,
I am in the market for a Lock Miter bit. Based on my experiences thus far, I am most likely to buy one of the Whiteside offerings.My question is, which of the two sizes would make the most sense?
Whiteside offers one that is 2" diameter and cuts the joint in 1/2" - 3/4" stock (Model #3362). They also offer one that is 3 1/8" diameter and cuts the joint in 1/2" to 1 1/4" stock (Model #3360).
I will most likely be using this primarily for boxes with nominal 3/4" stock - sometimes 1/2", so the 3362 bit would most likely work; however, buying the 3360 bit would allow me to do thicker stock if the need were to arise.
Seems like a no-brainer to go with the one that will work with 1/2" - 1 1/4" stock, but I wanted to poll the Sawmill Creek population to see what your experience is. Are there drawbacks to the larger bit that I am not thinking about? I realize I couldn't use it on stock <1/2", but I don't think that will be an issue.
In case anyone wonders, because of the difference in bit size/mass - I will be using this on a table-mounted 3 1/4 HP router.
Also, have any of you used the Lock Miter Master jigs? Are they really helpful in the setup (which seems to be the major drawback to these bits/joints). I don't mind spending the money for the jig if they're really helpful.
Thanks,
Dean