7/02/2010

WHITESIDE MACHINE 1550 CARBIDE-TIP 2 FLUTE 60 DEGREE V-GROOVE ROUTER BIT 1/2 CD X 7/16" POINT

Cheap WHITESIDE MACHINE 1550 CARBIDE-TIP 2 FLUTE 60 DEGREE V-GROOVE ROUTER BIT 1/2 CD X 7/16" POINT Review





Porter-Cable 893PK 2-1/4-Horsepower Fixed- and Plunge-Base Kit

Cheap Porter-Cable 893PK 2-1/4-Horsepower Fixed- and Plunge-Base Kit Review




I purchased the Porter-Cable 893PK package here on Amazon.Com and couldn't be happier. My main project that I purchased it for was a rather complicated loudspeaker design involving lots of templates, MDF, solid cherry, veneer, etc. I can say that my expectations have been greatly exceeded. Combined with good bits, the PC has produced wonderful results. I have used both bases and I'm impressed by how smoothly and quickly the bases can be switched out. The soft-start feature is really nice because there is really no kick back, despite such a powerful motor. The clear base makes template work go very smoothly. I also used the unit for trimmning veneer edges with excellent and precise results. Recently, I used the router to trim sheathing on a shed project and was amazed at how quickly this unit and a 1/2 x 3" straight cutting bit could trim the edges on 8' ply and OSB panels, giving perfect edges on the shed cladding. Another feature that I think is really cool is the built-in dust extraction system on the plunge base. While cutting down a bunch of MDF using a template, I noted a huge amount of fine dust produced by the router. Then, I read the manual and discovered how to use the dust extractor with my ShopVac. This was very effective in eliminating most of the dust, although it required frequent cleaning of the ShopVac filter. MDF dust is probably the worst for clogging ShopVac filters. A true dust collection system would help here. Overall, I think this is a very capable router package and one that will likely serve me for years of wooodworking projects. Yes, this is a bit more expensive than other offerings, but the feeling of quality was evident the first time I opened up the package. I think the extra expense is well worth it.


6/29/2010

CMT 801.190.11 Mortising Router Bit 1/4-Inch Shank, 3/4-Inch Cutting Diameter, 3/4-Inch Cutting Length

Cheap CMT 801.190.11 Mortising Router Bit 1/4-Inch Shank, 3/4-Inch Cutting Diameter, 3/4-Inch Cutting Length Review





6/26/2010

CMT 800.512.11 3-Piece Standard Kitchen 1/2-Inch Router Bit Set

Cheap CMT 800.512.11 3-Piece Standard Kitchen 1/2-Inch Router Bit Set Review




I have always been a fan of Freud until using CMT. These bits never dull and produce extremely clean cuts wihout ever dulling. They also have bearings so you don't have to use a fence. The case is also very nice and will protect the bits for ages to come. I can't be happier!


6/23/2010

Whiteside 1/8" Cutting Diameter x 3/8" Cutting Length x 1/4" Shank 2 Flute Solid Carbide Straight Router Bit - SC09

Cheap Whiteside 1/8" Cutting Diameter x 3/8" Cutting Length x 1/4" Shank 2 Flute Solid Carbide Straight Router Bit - SC09 Review





6/21/2010

Bench Dog 40-094 ProTop Open Router Table Stand, Compatible with Bench Dog Tops 40-095, 40-098, 40-031, and 40-100

Cheap Bench Dog 40-094 ProTop Open Router Table Stand, Compatible with Bench Dog Tops 40-095, 40-098, 40-031, and 40-100 Review




I'm very pleased with this router table. I had been looking for a table appropriate for the Bench Dog cast iron TS extensions since I wanted to make it a stand alone. I happened upon this on Amazon's site and thought, what the hay, it was made for it. I was unsure that it was going to be worth the coin for plywood construction. I admit I was suprised as just how nicely made it is.

So far I have felt all the BD products were worth the money even if they were a little more than alternatives. The fit and finish is something that will make them last. You will definitely get a lot of use out of their products. Their instructions are also intelligible, imagine that?


6/19/2010

Crown Moulding Router Bit 1/2" x 1"- Used for Routing, carving, rounding over, milling, moulding, beading, coving, dove tailing, plunge cutting and flush trimming., with Hand Held or Table Router

Cheap Crown Moulding Router Bit 1/2" x 1"- Used for Routing, carving, rounding over, milling, moulding, beading, coving, dove tailing, plunge cutting and flush trimming., with Hand Held or Table Router Review





6/17/2010

MILWAUKEE Router Bit CBD 2"x1/4" SLOT 3 WING Part # 48-23-8145

Cheap MILWAUKEE Router Bit CBD 2"x1/4" SLOT 3 WING Part # 48-23-8145 Review





WHITESIDE MACHINE #1959 CARBIDE-TIP 2 FLUTE RABBETING ROUTER BIT W/BB 1-7/8 DIA X 1" CUT LENGTH

Cheap WHITESIDE MACHINE #1959 CARBIDE-TIP 2 FLUTE RABBETING ROUTER BIT W/BB 1-7/8 DIA X 1" CUT LENGTH Review




I bought this to rebate for 24mm glazing units in my oak framed conservatory. I couldn't find anything nearly big enough before and nearly did myself a mischief trying to grip a smaller bit by the tip of the shaft - not clever.

The new bit seems well balanced and I am using a 1900W router which slices through the oak with ease. I am taking appx 6mm cuts to a final rebate of 40mm.

Not being experianced with this kind of cut I have experimented with speeds and direction of cut, but I am getting a great clean finish. The bit has been used a fair bit now and has discoloured due to heat, but still working great.

The only problem is the amount of shavings being produced, I have invested in a disposable headcover and face shield (3M) to go over my safety glasses - stops most of it going dowm my neck! I have also attached a small plastic shield on the underside of the router plate to try to deflectmost of the shavings away.


6/15/2010

Magnate 2603 Palace Pattern Router Bits - 3/4" Cutting Length; 1/4" Cutting Depth

Cheap Magnate 2603 Palace Pattern Router Bits - 3/4" Cutting Length; 1/4" Cutting Depth Review





6/14/2010

Makita 733254-A 1/2-Inch Straight, 2 Cutting Flutes Router Bit

Cheap Makita 733254-A 1/2-Inch Straight, 2 Cutting Flutes Router Bit Review





6/12/2010

JessEm 02102 Mast-R-Lift (small) - 8 1/4-Inch x 11 3/4-Inch - fits Bench Dog Router Tables

Cheap JessEm 02102 Mast-R-Lift (small) - 8 1/4-Inch x 11 3/4-Inch - fits Bench Dog Router Tables Review




This is a high quality router lift, no doubt about it. It is heavy, sturdy, solidly built piece of equipment. The only problem is it is missing a major feature that can be found on at least one other router lift.

The 8.25 x 11.25 inch lift is designed to fit in bench dog router tables. Mounting and leveling the lift in such a table is a breeze. There are sungger bars on the side and back that make sure the lift does not move around in the opening in the table. Loading a Porter Cable 7518 router into the lift is also as easy as can be.

The action of the crank handle is solid, and it is possible to make very fine adjustments the height of the bit (1 full turn = 1/16th of an inch in bit height). There is a bit of backlash when changing directions on the crank, but this is going to be true of any router lift. The inserts are easy to install and fit snug and flush to the top.

With a Porter Cable 7518 installed in the lift, it is possible to change the bit from above the table. This is one of the main reasons for investing in a router lift to begin with. The only problem is that any time you want to change the bit you have to crank the router all the way to the top, and at 1/16th inch per turn, that's a lot of cranking - don't forget it's not just the bit, but also the collet and chuck that need to be above the table in order to get the wrenches on them.

If one of the benefits you are looking for in a router lift is the ability to change bits quickly and easily, I would suggest looking for a lift with an easier way to raise the router all the way to the top. At the time of this review the only lift I am aware of that accomplishes this is the Woodpecker Quicklift, but I am sure others will be adding this feature to their lifts in due time. I own the woodpecker lift and I recommend it highly, the quality is as good as the Jessem and the quick lift feature makes all the difference.

If you are not concerned with changing bits that often, or you don't mind a lot of cranking, the Jessem lift is a great lift to own.


6/10/2010

WHITESIDE #1020 CARBIDE-TIP 2 FLUTE STRAIGHT ROUTER BIT 5/16 DIA X 1" CL X 1/4" SHANK X 2-3/4" OAL

Cheap WHITESIDE #1020 CARBIDE-TIP 2 FLUTE STRAIGHT ROUTER BIT 5/16 DIA X 1" CL X 1/4" SHANK X 2-3/4" OAL Review





6/09/2010

Freud 99-006 1-1/4-Inch Diameter Ogee Router Bit with 1/2-Inch Shank

Cheap Freud 99-006 1-1/4-Inch Diameter Ogee Router Bit with 1/2-Inch Shank Review





6/07/2010

Freud 85-017 1/4-Inch x 1/8-Inch Inlay Router Bit with 1/2-Inch Shank

Cheap Freud 85-017 1/4-Inch x 1/8-Inch Inlay Router Bit with 1/2-Inch Shank Review





6/04/2010

6/03/2010

Magnate S5806 Edge Beading Router Bits - 5/8" Bead Diameter; 1/2" Shank Diameter; 1" Cutting Length

Cheap Magnate S5806 Edge Beading Router Bits - 5/8" Bead Diameter; 1/2" Shank Diameter; 1" Cutting Length Review





6/02/2010

Porter-Cable 43540 Reverse Curve Ogee and Bead Router Bit, 1/2-Inch Shank, Carbide-Tipped

Cheap Porter-Cable 43540 Reverse Curve Ogee and Bead Router Bit, 1/2-Inch Shank, Carbide-Tipped Review





5/31/2010

BOSCH 85917M Solid Carbide 1/2-Inch x 1-1/2-Inch Up Spiral Double Flute 1/2-Inch Shank Router Bit

Cheap BOSCH 85917M Solid Carbide 1/2-Inch x 1-1/2-Inch Up Spiral Double Flute 1/2-Inch Shank Router Bit Review





5/28/2010

CMT 796.001.00 Router Collet Extension 1/2-Inch

Cheap CMT 796.001.00 Router Collet Extension 1/2-Inch Review




I have a table mounted plunge router, with a lift. It is a pain to change bits. The extension made it possible to make above table changes. The problem for me was it was too long down the shafts. The router vibrated badly, then it seized up on the plunge shafts ?. The collet was running true, i ran a dial indicator on it. It just moves the router too far down the shafts. Took it off and the lift quit jamming and no vibration. The router is an Hitachi 12MV and i notice the shaft guides are shorter than some brands ??.


5/24/2010

CMT 811.191.11 Straight Router Bit 1/4-Inch Shank, 3/4-Inch Cutting Diameter, 3/4-Inch Cutting Length

Cheap CMT 811.191.11 Straight Router Bit 1/4-Inch Shank, 3/4-Inch Cutting Diameter, 3/4-Inch Cutting Length Review





5/23/2010

Milwaukee 48-23-7200 1-1/2 by 2-3/16-Inch Chamfer Router Bit with 1/4-Inch Shank

Cheap Milwaukee 48-23-7200 1-1/2 by 2-3/16-Inch Chamfer Router Bit with 1/4-Inch Shank Review





5/20/2010

MLCS 16368 Katana 1/4-Inch Shank Rabbeting Kit, 9-Piece

Cheap MLCS 16368 Katana 1/4-Inch Shank Rabbeting Kit, 9-Piece Review