This month’s product profile focus is on router and boring bits. If you see something that interests you on the following pages, please feel free to circle the reader service number on the reader service card that corresponds with the number beneath the item. Then, send the card in and we will put you in touch with someone that can answer your questions and give you more information.
As explained in the preceding article by Sandy Stewart, many things contribute to the wear of a router bit. There are a few things a manufacturer can do to help lengthen the life of these tools.
“The condition of the collets within the machine plays a large role in router bit wear,” explains Gary Dyer, president of Herco & 3D Diamond Tooling, Inc. “Generally speaking, most routers are cutting with two teeth. If the collets are not in good condition, more pressure will be placed on one of the tips than the other, which significantly will affect not only the quality of the cut but the life of the tool.
Dyer says that a dial indicator set-up is needed to test a machine’s collets. “You can place a guide shank in the tool and check the total indicator runout (TIR). The reading should not exceed .0005.”
Tools wear faster if they have not been balanced correctly by the manufacturer. “Dynamically balanced tooling should be a requirement of the tool manufacturer, and the user should only purchase tooling from a manufacturer that can provide this service,” Dyer says. “Tooling should be balanced in a running mode as opposed to a static balance.”
Finally, when using the router, make sure to machine using a healthy feed rate. “End users should always try to run the router at the fastest feed rate possible, while still getting an acceptable cut and not moving the part out of place. Too many times users are afraid they are going to hurt the router, so they slow the feed rates down, which generates small chips that in turn generate more heat, which definitely affects the life of the tool,” says Dyer.
Anti-Kickback Router Shaper Bits for Table Routers
The first selected offering of router shaper bits from the CO-ST CUTTER DIVISION of L.R.H. Enterprises is the “Cabinet Door Series,” which consists of fourteen assorted bits used in the making of various cabinet doors and frames. These carbide tipped bits are to be used on table routers with multiple-speed routers. All bits are designed with chip-limiting Anti-Kickback body style, and male and female bits match the L.R.H. shaper cutter profiles with a 7/16” deep tongue-and-groove for a stronger joint. Only available with 1/2” shanks, all bits are electronically spun-balanced for vibration-free and chatter-free performance, says the company. The male and female sets will do both raised panel and glass panel doors. Click here for more information.
Solid Carbide Dowel Drills CMT USA, Inc. says it has a line of Solid Carbide Dowel Drills designed to meet the demands of today’s high-speed production machinery. The bits are made of a tough new super-micrograin carbide formula developed for high-speed industrial applications. The carbide holds a sharp edge longer, yet remains flexible enough to withstand prolonged high-speed production runs, says the company. The solid carbide body construction allows multiple resharpening and no tips to twist off during production runs. Click here for more information.
Router Bits Ridge Carbide Tool says its Liberty Line of router bits is top rated. Ridge Carbide Tool is also a major factory-direct manufacturer and supplier of custom made-to-order profile and CNC router bits. Customers’ special one-of-a-kind tool requirements can be met very quickly, says the company. Its 100-page catalog displays its extensive line of router bits and other cutting tools. Click here for more information.
Router Bits
MLCS Woodworking has KATANA router bits. The bits feature the Euro Anti-Kickback safety design. A solid steel body with premium micro-grain carbide allows longer cutting life, says the company. Bits are precision-ground to a tolerance of +/- .005”. High hook and shear angles give a cleaner cut, and a non-stick coating prevents residue buildup. Click here for more information.
Boring Bits
Bull Sharpening says it stocks a complete line of boring bits, including hinge, brad point and through bore for fast delivery. Also available is a complete range of adapters for solid carbide drills and thread adapters for boring machines. Click here for more information.
5-Axis CNC Router Tooling
Onsrud Cutter has a new brochure about 5-axis CNC Router Tooling. The publication concerns four new lines of routing tools with extended lengths for 5-axis routing, trimming and contouring of complex parts or mold making. The brochure also features tool extenders and collets for long reach routing. Click here for more information.
Bit and Blade Cleaner
CMT USA says its Formula 2050 cleaning solution for cutting tools used in woodworking is completely non-toxic, non-flammable and certified biodegradable. The cleaner easily removes pitch, tar and wood residues from router bits, saw blades and other woodworking tools, says the company. Formula 2050 also removes glue and adhesives from tooling and clamps, has lubricating properties and provides protection from rust and corrosion. Click here for more information.
Drill Bits
DeWalt says its Pilot Point drill bits are specially designed to maximize drill performance and to solve the problems encountered when drilling with portable drills into metal and wood — walking, spinning and breaking. The Pilot Point bits start holes on contact, preventing the bit from walking across the workpiece. The recessed cutting wings drill clean, round holes and eliminate the burrs that cause lock-up on breakthrough. The No-Spin™ shank overcomes the professional’s number one frustration with keyless chucks — spinning bits, says the company. Click here for more information.
Carbide Router Bits
Charles G. G. Schmidt & Co. says its solid carbide spiral router bits are precision ground to high tolerances to produce an excellent cutting edge for a longer lasting tool life. Bits are offered in upcut, downcut and compression style. Solid carbide bits for template cutting machines also are available. Click here for more information.
Wood Boring Bits
Lenox says its Wood Boring Bits leave a professional finish and are easy-to-use, especially in “tight spots.” Cutter blades are welded to the 1/2” (13 mm) shank so there is no separation when backing out. The bits are self-feeding and fast cutting, and with just two cutters, they re-sharpen quickly and easily, says the company. The black oxide finish inhibits rust. With a 1/2” (13 mm) shank on all sizes, Lenox Wood Boring Bits are available in 10 diameters from 1” (25 mm) to 29/16” (65 mm). Three shank extensions are available. Click here for more information.
Carbide Tipped Round Hole Cutter and Arbor
Outwater Plastics says its Carbide Tipped Round Hole Cutter and Arbor are designed to specifically work in conjunction with one another with ordinary hand-held power drills, drill presses and lathes for making quick and easy precision holes up to 13/4” deep (on one side) through the hardest of surfaces. Because the cutting edges are carbide tipped through an advanced electronic fusion process, not only does it stay sharper much longer than regular steel tipped hole cutters to provide years of maintenance-free hole cutting, this hole cutter has a life span that is expected to outlast 10 regular saws, says the company. Click here for more information.
Dedicated Carbide Insert Raised Panel Router Bit
North American Products Corporation says its two- and four-flute dedicated insert raised panel router bit for CNC router machines offers infinite profile capabilities. The insert is positioned with a double positive tool geometry for superior finishes and tool life, says the company. By machining the router bit body to the profile, tool strength is increased and simplicity in maintenance and tool changes is added. Click here for more information.
Solid Carbide Spiral Router Bits
Leuco Tool Corporation’s solid carbide spiral bits are designed for routing, grooving and slotting wood and other nonferrous materials. The fine grain carbide and spiral design provides cleaner cuts and faster chip removal than is possible with straight flute bits, says the company, and the bits increase production through higher feed rates and produce excellent finish. Click here for more information.
High Velocity Router Bit
Onsrud Cutter says its High Velocity Router Bit is the highest production router bit available today. Its chipbreaker-finisher four-flute design provides the fastest feed rates, an excellent finish, lower horsepower requirements and reduced pressure in fixturing, says the company Click here for more information.
Automatic Feed Wood Bits Outide diameter threads self-feed Lenox® Leader® Automatic Feed Wood Bits, so drilling clean holes is quick and effortless, says Lenox. The replaceable lead screws are easy to change and last longer. The 41/2”/114 mm shank saves time and cuts deep, says the company. They cut 4 x 4s without an extension. Three extensions are available for extremely deep cuts. Sizes range from 1”/25 mm to 45/8”/118 mm. Click here for more information.
Carbide Bits
Eagle International Carbide has a new line of dowel, thru-hole boring and hinge bits with carbide tips. The bits are precision made, field tested and made with tolerances to order. They are available in 57 or 70 mm threaded shanks, and are color coded for right and left hand operation. Click here for more information.
CMT USA, Inc. says it has a line of Solid Carbide Dowel Drills designed to meet the demands of today’s high-speed production machinery. The bits are made of a tough new super-micrograin carbide formula developed for high-speed industrial applications. The carbide holds a sharp edge longer, yet remains flexible enough to withstand prolonged high-speed production runs, says the company. The solid carbide body construction allows multiple resharpening and no tips to twist off during production runs.
Ridge Carbide Tool says its Liberty Line of router bits is top rated. Ridge Carbide Tool is also a major factory-direct manufacturer and supplier of custom made-to-order profile and CNC router bits. Customers’ special one-of-a-kind tool requirements can be met very quickly, says the company. Its 100-page catalog displays its extensive line of router bits and other cutting tools.
5-Axis CNC Router Tooling
Drill Bits
Carbide Router Bits
Wood Boring Bits
Carbide Tipped Round Hole Cutter and Arbor
Solid Carbide Spiral Router Bits
Outide diameter threads self-feed Lenox® Leader® Automatic Feed Wood Bits, so drilling clean holes is quick and effortless, says Lenox. The replaceable lead screws are easy to change and last longer. The 41/2”/114 mm shank saves time and cuts deep, says the company. They cut 4 x 4s without an extension. Three extensions are available for extremely deep cuts. Sizes range from 1”/25 mm to 45/8”/118 mm.
Carbide Bits