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.

 

[HOJ]

Try Axi, and I think they are still doing free P&P Cheap Bit

 

[Spectric]

There appears to be a considerable price difference between the ones to which you link and the ones to which the OP links.

Yes I cannot influence the price but can advise on quality and help ensure the OP buys something that will deliver. We all know decent tools do not come cheap but we can make it cheaper by not buying brands like Trvoxviq that I doubt many have even heard of. The bearings supplied by Wealdons are good, I have not had any issues with them and they do a good range.

 

[Kayen]

Something like this is off exceptional quality and price

https://uk-m.banggood.com/6mm-or-6_...580374&site=uk-m.banggood.com&position_type=2

 

[Essex Barn Workshop]

Thank you. Final question then, the two I linked to look very different to each other. What are the differences for, and which one would then be the better cutter?

 

[Phil Pascoe]

One is an up and down cutter - in theory it leaves a cleaner edge top and bottom, and better for laminates (less likely to chip). It also has a bearing at both ends with is useful. Whether one at that price is any good, who knows.

 

[Spectric]

It is not easy to understand the difference in the quality of these cutters until you have used a variety of brands and learned first hand. It is possible that your £20 cutter is as good as a £40 one on day one but when you compare them a week later having done some cutting with both you will find the cheaper one has dulled and no longer cuts crisp and clean. Also you need to compare the specifications so you are comparing like for like, the Wealdon 8020 is 19mm diameter with a 55mm cut for £25 and the Freud one is 12.7mm diameter and a cutting length of 26mm for £19.

When doing the cuts I would do some and then adjust the cutter height so you are now using a different part of it so you spread out the wear. If you get to see something like the Infinity mega trim cutter at work it is really impressive, fast and clean with its up/down cutting and 1 1/2 diameter but you still get the issue with the thickness it can trim which is where a spindle moulder comes into it's own. Most trim cutters seem to be about 50mm and sometimes you want just that bit more.

 

[Fergie 307]

The other issue is the bearings. On some cheap ones they don't last long at all, and if it lets go mid pass it will ruin the job.