What 1/2" flush trim routing bit?

[Essex Barn Workshop]

Advice sought as to which bit to buy. My router table has a 1/2" shank.

I'll admit to not being a master of the routing table, but need to follow a template jig to make repeats of a item in larch wood at about 15mm deep, so not too hard.

I don't want to spend a fortune on this bit, but will accept that I may need to later on.

I found these very different looking two online, both at about my budget point for this bit. What are the major differences in each, which one would you buy, or is there another at about the same price? Pointing me towards much more expensive bits will be a waste of your valuable time! Thank you all.

https://www.cwberry.com/freud-flush-trim-bit-635mm-shank

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Cutting-Be...-lpcontext&ref_=fplfs&smid=A75X54797S7NL&th=1

 

[Spectric]

You want a decent bit with a replacable bearing, I have used the T2080 B from Wealdons and with a range of larger bearings as well. These allow you to start off oversize if the edge is a little irregular and work down to final size.

These are the wealdon bearings that fit the 8020 and give the oversize shown in bold.

There are now others such as the four flute cutter T8166B and specials aimed at faced laminate boards such as these

https://www.wealdentool.com/cgi-bin...Up_Down_Shear_Trim_871.html#aTPD8179B_2d1_2f2

but the one with polycrystalline diamond cutters is not cheap.

The others I have used are also very good and come from Infinity tools, the Mega flush range

https://www.infinitytools.co.uk/router-bits/mega-flush-trim-bit/

 

[ChaiLatte]

I have used...

There appears to be a considerable price difference between the ones to which you link and the ones to which the OP links. Perhaps you could comment on how the suggestions fall within the spirit of his stated requirements: "pointing me towards much more expensive bits will be a waste of your valuable time".

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With these bits, the condition of the bearing is as important as the condition of the cutting edges. My advice would be to identify what bearing is on the cutter on the day you receive it and organise two or three replacements before you start the work. The Freud one will use a standard imperial bearing, which are available but less easy to find (because most popular bearings are metric). The Amazon one could use anything at all so is risky. Trend will make an equivalent to the Freud one at a similar price level. Axminster's own brand might also be an option. CMT (Scott & Sargeant) is a little more than these. Your best option overall might depend on how much a company wants for P&P.

 

[Phil Pascoe]

My advice would be to identify what bearing is on the cutter on the day you receive it and organise two or three replacements before you start the work.

Yes, but order them at the same time or you'll pay P&P again.