Router Bit Upgrade for Fussion Installs

General Discussion
1

If anybody else has bit faillures here is a solution that I found that works like a charm.

The bit that FCS provides with their Jig is could for a couple of installs then can chip out.

Not to wave the Flag or compare USA made with Exports however I prefere Case Harden Steel for my router bits.

I know a few people have had this same issue.

Too keep the cost down I just take off the bearing off the failed FCS bit and fit it to the new bit.

You can find them at Woodcraft Wood Working stores:

Here is a photo of the bit replacement for the FCS Fussion Setup:

 

2

Ding,

Is Case Hardened better than Carbide?

regards,

Dave

3

Carbide always cuts better and holds its edge compared to case hardened. High speed steel will get you there but carbide will keep you in the game longer. As far as the fluting, a spiral cutter is much more efficient. If there is some “chip out” it may be the cutter is moving too fast. A speed controller is very handy and at times crucial, as long as the cutter is sharp. There are a number of bits and bearings and rub collars to use, it’s a matter of taste. Router bits are expensive, but end mill cutters are cheaper and just as easy. Check out the catalog at: grizzly.com for a variety of all types. You can use a shank of the bit as your rub on the template, it doesn’t always take a bearing in a pinch but pilot bearings are better. 1/2" shanks are way better than the 1/4" ones but they will do in such soft material. With a top template, an “upcut” spiral is my choice. The flutes help to remove the offcut out of your mortise. As with life, it is “whatever floats your boat”, or your wallet. Hello to S’Ding, Howzit?

4

We wasted 3 router bits from FCS complete junk. so ifn a pinch I found this $15.00 bit that just plows out the fin boxes with no hesistation. I like spiral bits and normally have them custom made. However no time this season as we are very busy right now, so I thought I would share my findings. If we can do 100's of boards with this bit then it's a cheap investment.

I don't know if it's case hardend or carbide ane don't really care at the moment. When I recommend something it's because it works. If you knew me I don't like to hack! Plus I'm a tool junkie.

tblank upcut spirals are really the ticket however I have them custom made here in the USA instead of a cheap import. All my cutter heads are custom made for my cnc machine. For a high quality off the shelf solution during our seasonal rush the Whiteside bits offered at Woodcraft.

5

We have a Woodcraft store in town here and I get stuff there all the time, they have good deals on router bits occasionally.I scored replacement dovetail bits (carbide) for 10 bucks each. Case hardening is heat treated steel. Carbide is a much stronger(but more brittle) steel braised onto a steel shank. It stays sharper longer and can be used at a slower speed to mortise aluminum, brass and other softer materials. If the 15 dollar bit works, all the better. That bit is carbide and at $15 it is a great deal. Some bits don’t pay to get them sharpened any more, cheaper to replace them.

6

Thanks!