Amazon.com Review

Are expensive router bits worth the cost? After testing Freud's 1/2-inch shank set, we think the answer is yes. The features found in these Freud bits--long-lasting micrograin carbide/titanium tips, tri-metal brazing, and an antikickback design--make them a better choice than less-expensive options. Each Freud bit is computer-balanced to run vibration- and chatter-free at speeds well in excess of the typical 22,000 rpm of most routers. These bits have a high shear angle that produces less tear-out and chatter marks, leaving a cross-grained cut that requires little or no sanding. Multiaxis grinding helps ensure the proper relief angle on cutting edges regardless of how the bit is oriented. The kit includes a variety of useful bits most frequently used by woodworkers and comes in a sturdy wooden case for maximum protection of the cutting edges. --Tim Block ... Read more

Features

• High shear angle for less tear-out and chatter marks
• Bits for V-grooving and flush trimming to chamfering and dovetailing
• All bits are solid carbide or carbide-tipped
• Anti-kickback design
• Perma-SHIELD-coated to reduce friction and heat build-up

Reviews (14)

The Best on Amazon.com
This is an excellent starter set for any woodworker. Once you use 1/2" shank bits , you'll never want to buy a bit with a 1/4 inch shank again. They really do cut smoother. The carbide is a little harder than the average bit. It will stay sharp a little longer than many other carbide bits . I find them very good with most hardwoods. They chip a little faster than some if you hit a misplaced brad nail or other hard object. Some will just keep on going. Not a Freud. This shouldn't be a problem most of the time. Freud was ranked in the top 5 in a fine woodworking bit test. It was far ahead of all other brands available at Amazon.com though. Jesada was ranked last out of 17 brands. I would stick with the Freud set. They are very good and reasonably priced to boot.

Versatility and quality
I am very pleased with the versatility and the quality of this set. It has allowed me to make a beautiful fireplace mantle out of solid maple. The cuts were clean with no tears, the bits I used stayed sharp throughout the routing. The bits in the set are varied enough to let you do almost any project you would like. I highly recommend this bit set to the novice woodworker or the experienced. It is great.

Excellent Quality
I have used this set of Freud bits in my shop for several years and I have not needed to have them sharpened yet. The cut is smooth and chatter free. These bits seem to cut through the hardest of wood effortlessly. I own many other brands of router bits, and I think that Freud has a far superior product. You may pay a little more for these bits than the cheaper bits from other manufacturers, but the money is well spent.

Can't fault this set
A very fine set of bits, I'm pleased. The only glitch is the plastic form inside the box; it allowed a bit to get loose and rattle around (and chip) during shipping. Amazon set it right, but I wish Freud would find a way of really locking the bits in during shipping. Other than that, a wonderful starter set.

Like butter
While I haven't routed any hardwood other than oak ply, these bits cruise through everything I've sent their way! The half inch shanks really stabalize them for super clean cuts. This set has a good selection of shapes to get you started if you don't have any or will upgrade some of your favorite shapes if you do. Worth the price.

Update: I've now used these to route plenty of harwood, including red oak and maple, these bits are still going strong! I've put a fair amount of use on them in the last year and haven't had a single problem with them. Keep them clean and dry and you won't either. ... Read more

Features

• Kickback reducing design for safe bit use
• Adjustability for stock from 1/2" to 1-1/4" thick
• Micro grain carbide for razor sharp cuts
• Compression designed cutters for chip free cuts
• Precision computer balanced bits for extreme accuracy

Features

• Carbide tipped for smooth routing and longer life
• Bits fit 1/4" shanks
• Cover a wide variety of router applications
• Storage case to keep them all organized

Reviews (1)

Great Product for a Great Price
I purchased the Columbian 33036 bit set with the intention of having professional percession bits while saving money, and that is exactly what happened. This set I recommend for those of you just starting out learning the many uses for a router, because of the versitility - and for those looking for a professional grade bit set. The only complaint I have is that the case could be made more durable, however, it does secure the bits firmly and displays them very clearly. Overall, this is the best deal for a router bit set. ... Read more

Features

• 24 piece carbide master set - 1/2" shank
• Includes a handy reusable case
• Set contains the most popular types and sizes of bits

Reviews (2)

A great set for medium-effort projects
I almost bought the Freud that's featured on this site, but after thinking about it, I really couldn't justify the huge expense. This set is much larger (24 pieces covers a lot of potential routing needs), the case is a little easier to manage and carry around, and the price is so much better. I needed to round the edges of some bi-fold doors to make them fit a space, and the 1/2" round over (with bearings) worked perfect in my Bosch router. I also needed to put a lot of shelf grooves in a wall panel and the 3/8" straight bit was just what I needed. They are solidly built, the bearings glide smoothly, the case is well organized, and the cuts were exactly what I hoped for.

I just feel that this set is an excellent choice if you do medium-effort projects and you don't want to spend a fortune on the bits.

Nicely made router bits
These carbide cutters are very well finished and so far have been very durable. Each one fits securely into a labeled holder to prevent contact with other cutter edges (which would dull them). They are made in China. ... Read more

Features

• Wooden carrying case
• 3-1/2-inch raised panel bit
• Includes 99-518 & 99-260 rail and stile
• 1/2-inch shank, individually balanced
• Use with table mounted router, 3/4-inch stock

Reviews (4)

Three and one half inch panel bits are the most popular
The 5 piece set is what I initially bought. It includes the glue up joint bit, which is nice for gettting a lot of panels to line up properly while gluing. It also includes the door lock bit, which will turn your raised panel, into a drawer front by removing the material around the edge of the back of the door face.
I bought this set as well. Why? Because when making kitchen cabinets, the raised panel bit that they provide with the 5 piece set is too small for a large cabinet. (Unless you prefer that look) So I bought this set, to pick up the 3 1/2" panel raising bit. That requires a large opening of at least 3 5/8" on the bottom of your router, and the opening on your router table as well. The Bosch 1619EVS is even larger than that. The Fein RT-1800 allows for the the use of a 3 1/2" bit, but the casting prevents you from plunging a bit that size. Not really recommended, because you might accidently adjust it into the base. Their are others also, but most fixed base 2 HP routers won't accept such a large bit. So measure first.
Overall this is a great set of bits. They do a great job, and last a long time. Highly recommended.

99-218 Problem?
For those reading the review of the 99-218 panel raiser, try using a 1/8" backcut on your panel and your alignment problems dissapear.

Nice performance but.....
I found the Freud 97-102 an excellent product. However,I found to get the maximum profile(1-1/4")and keep the panel & rails flush in the front,I had to use 3/4" stock for the panel, and at least 13/16" stock for the rails/stiles.(The panel cutter has a 5/8" depth of cut) A better choise is the Freud 97-100 set. It has the same rail/stile bits, but the panel bit included can take as little as 3/8" depth of cut and still get the full profile! This means you can use thinner stock if needed,and end up with a much better proportioned door.

Freud Recommendation
After try the the 3-piece cabinet set, I was please with the outcome of the raised door panels that was for a china cabinet that I just built. I did not burn the wood that some other bits would have done and in turn gave me a nice result. People have complimented me on my cabinet work and I probably would have not done without this product. I own several Freud products and I recommend them to any woodworking enthusiast. ... Read more

Features

• 10 year warranty
• 3-1/2-inch raised panel bit
• Includes 99-515 & 99-260 rail and stile
• 1-1/8 stroke length
• 16.75 in and 6.5 lbs

Reviews (2)

This set with a 3 1/2" panel bit is great for kitchen cabs
The popular 5 piece set is what I initially bought. It includes the glue up joint bit, which is nice for gettting a lot of panels to line up properly while gluing. It also includes the door lock bit, which will turn your raised panel, into a drawer front by removing the material around the edge of the back of the door face.
I bought this set as well. Why? Because when making kitchen cabinets, the raised panel bit that they provide with the set is too small for a large cabinet. (Unless you prefer that look) So I bought this set, to pick up the 3 1/2" panel raising bit. That requires a large opening of at least 3 5/8" on the bottom of your router, and the opening on your router table as well. The Bosch 1619EVS is even larger than that. The Fein RT-1800 allows for the the use of a 3 1/2" bit, but the casting prevents you from plunging a bit that size. Not really recommended, because you might accidently adjust it into the base. Their are others also, but most fixed base 2 HP routers won't accept such a large bit. So measure first.
Overall this is a great set of bits. They do a great job, and last a long time. Highly recommended.

very nice and sharp set
I just purchased the 3 piece cab. bit set from freud and I am very excited. The set came within a few days of ordering- thanks Amazon. The bits are extremely sharp and the finish is excellent. The box that comes with the set is well constructed to keep the bits safe and free from dust, which is nice. The only concern that I initially had was whether or not the 3 1/2" bit would fit in my router base opening. I have a 7539 p.c. router and the opening is 3 1/2". I had to file the opening just a little to make the bit fit. I am sure that you will find this most acceptable. The cuts with the bits are very clean, just like the ads say, and there are no pieces of fuzz on the top of the profile on the end grain. This will save some valuable time. All in all, very good product and the price was extremely good. In fact, the cheapest I could find. ... Read more

Amazon.com

Route, edge, mortise or inlay with this versatile set of bits made just the right size for rotary tools. They’re made of high-speed steel, a step down from the preferable carbide tips, but they’re plenty tough enough to do the job. You’ll find endless uses for the straight bits, and the piloted edge bits with add that extra class to any wood project. It’s a nice assortment, we think, and only lacks a nice, classic Roman ogee. How about it, Dremel?--Kris Jensen-Van Heste ... Read more

Features

• Rout, inlay and mortise in wood
• Rout other soft materials
• Do not run in excess of 30,000 RPM

Reviews (1)

Router 6 Pc. Set
I use these router bits and the two styles of routers for building minuature wild west buildings and doll house furniture
With these bits I can make very percise cuts and with the finished product I've sold them for as much as 250-300 dollars each. My only regret is that dremel would make some other types of router bits just like the big boys. ... Read more

Features

• Wood case
• Five piece cabinet door set
• 1/2-inch shank
• Use with table mounted router
• Includes 99-513 panel bit

Reviews (2)

Professional results from your home shop
Whether you are making one or twenty cabinet doors, these bits from Freud will give you the results you are looking for. Red and white oak is no match for the sharpness of these bits. My one and a half horsepower shaper is enough power to turn the raised panel bit through oak with minimal drag. More power is better but less will do. The design of the bits prevents you from taking too much bite causing kickback and dangerous flying objects. The included instruction booklet provides step-by-step detailed instructions on constructing raised panel doors. I found this very helpful. The finished edges require no sanding and the fit, if time is taken for proper set up, is unmatched by competitors sets. I am currently replacing my entire bit collection with Freud products. Two words "they work".

Freud 94-100-513 5-Piece Cabinet Door Set
This cabinet door set does an outstanding job of producing a smooth finish surface. Setups are easily accomplished and the finished styles and rails match perfectly. The panel bit produces a profile that requires no finish sanding. ... Read more

Features

• Impervious to chemical attack
• 1-11/16 inch diameter, convex style, 1/2-inch shank
• Ground carbide with titanium for long life
• Anti-kickback
• Computer balanced for vibration free operation speeds over 18,000 RPM

Features

• Impervious to chemical attack
• 1 11/16 inch diameter, ogee style, 1/2 inch shank
• Ground carbide with titanium for long life
• Anti-kickback
• Computer balanced for vibration free operation speeds over 18,000 rpm

Features

• Sheer angle design for clean cutting
• Micro grain carbide for clean cut and durability
• Anti-kickback design for increased safety
• Perma shield coating keeps bit running cool
• Precision balanced for smooth chatter free cuts

Amazon.com Review

Are expensive router bits worth the cost? After testing Freud's 1/2-inch shank set, we think the answer is yes. The features found in these Freud bits--long-lasting micrograin carbide/titanium tips, tri-metal brazing, and an antikickback design--make them a better choice than less-expensive options. Each Freud bit is computer-balanced to run vibration- and chatter-free at speeds well in excess of the typical 22,000 rpm of most routers. These bits have a high shear angle that produces less tear-out and chatter marks, leaving a cross-grained cut that requires little or no sanding. Multiaxis grinding helps ensure the proper relief angle on cutting edges regardless of how the bit is oriented. The kit includes a variety of useful bits most frequently used by woodworkers and comes in a sturdy wooden case for maximum protection of the cutting edges. --Tim Block ... Read more

Features

• Six piece profile set
• 1/2-inch shank
• Carbide tipped
• Wood case

Reviews (1)

Freud 91-104 6-Piece Starter Set 1/2" Shank
THIS IS THE BEST BIT SET THAT I HAVE EVER USED ... Read more

Features

• Includes attractive wooden storage box
• 15-piece set with 1/4 inch shank
• Cuts all composition materials, plywood, hardwood, and soft wood
• Solid carbide or carbide tipped
• Offers a variety of useful bits from V grooving to flush trimming to chamfering and dovetailing

Features

• Kickback reducing design
• Individually computer balanced
• Precision ground for the smoothest cuts
• Covered by Freud's limited lifetime warranty

Features

• Multi-profile bit & 99-511 panel bit, wood case
• Five piece set with perfecta bit
• 39 molding patterns
• Use with1/2-inch shank table mounted router 3/4-inch stock
• Includes reversible glue joint bit, raised panel bit, rail & stile set,

Product Description

Classic Greco-Roman styling makes this two-piece Stile and Rail Set an outstanding choice for traditional raised panel designs. Scaled for 3/4" to 1" thick door frames. We recommend using a 3 HP router with these bits. Order G3845 replacement bearing. ... Read more

Features

• Cutter Dia.: 1-3/4"
• Cutting Length: 1-1/8"
• Overall Length: 3-1/8"

Product Description

Amana Tool 49524 R: 1-1/4" D: 3" B: 1-1/2" d: 1/2" L: 3-1/4" Max 10,000 RPM. Not guaranteed due to extreme dia. and radius. For best results it is recommended to use a smaller radius bit or chamfer the material prior to using these large radius tools. Tool life will be prolonged and a smoother finish will result. ... Read more

Features

• 600-grit finish micrograin carbide tips
• chip-limiter (anti-kickback) geometry
• high precision CNC machined tool body and tip profile
• 10,000 recommended max RPM