rail and stile bits

[Salty]

Hey all, I'd just like to get some opinions from those who have had experience with these bits. I am looking at a reversible bit as opposed to a set for about the same money, and they are not the high end ones. If I decide to redo the entire kitchen then I'll go with a more expensive set. For now, either of these is about $30.
What do you people prefer, a set or the reversible one bit set.
The reversible is from MLCS and is $27.95 plus freight and the set is from Holbren and they are shipping for free at the moment.

TIA

Salty

[onedash]

This is the set I just bought.
http://www.freud-tools.com/fr97ograparo.html
Not cheap but they are awsome. If you get all the pieces cut first you only gotta change the bit once make a test cut on some scrap and finish them all up. Since this was my first im sure I will use two piece sets for the rest of my life. Not cause its better but because I know it works and wouldn't want to try the other one. Im sure someone will say the same abou the other ones.

[DUD]

The set I have came from Blades n Bits, several years ago. I have the 2 piece set, I also made a set of blocks that I use to set up, so I never have to guess. All my set ups are the same. Bill

[L. D. Jeffries]

I've used a "double" set from MCLS for years. Have run many feet of stile/rail section with no problems. Great help is the "set up" blocks they sell, saves a h*ll of a lot of fidling. "Double set meaning both bits on one shaft.

[Pappy]

I went with the Katana line from MLCS. A little more expensive but better and thicker carbide.

http://www.mlcswoodworking.com/shops...&_stile_anchor

[John Hunter]

I just cut some raised panels with this HF set http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/cta...temnumber=2775 I caught it on sale at my local HF store for $29 last year and took the chance. I was pleasantly surprised.

[JimD]

I have a reversible set I bought years ago from Grizzley. More recently I bought a stacked set from MLCS. The reversible set works fine but is a bit messy to get set up right. It has washers to adjust the cut but it seems to work best without any of them. I used it enough that it is now a bit dull and burnt. It has made several dozen doors so far.

The stacked set is how I will probably go from now on. When I cut the cope cut on my sled with a 1/2 baltic birch base, I only have to adjust about 1/16 inch on the height for the moulding cut. That is much quicker (especially since I have a lift for the router) than switching bits. I've made at least 28 doors so far with this bit.

I know nothing of Holbren bits but I recommend MLCS. I think they are a very good buy for most bits including raised panel bits.

Jim

[Tequila]

I have a paired set from MLCS (their standard line, not the Katana.) I've only built a handful of doors with them, but they were easy to work with and made nice profiles that barely needed sanding.

[drumpriest]

I have a blades n bits set, part of a 5 piece door makers set. I've also used the Rockler set. I like the blades n bits better. It was inexpensive, and they work like a charm. I also made a setup block, which makes it fairly brainless setup.

[gmack5]

Free shipping!

MLCS has a free shipping policy in the 48 contiguous States (Don't know about Canada).

This is their NORMAL way of doing business.

[Salty]

MLCS has a free shipping policy in the 48 contiguous States (Don't know about Canada).

This is their NORMAL way of doing business.

Thanks gmack5, I completely missed that!
So, I don't see any negitive in using the reversible bit over the 2-bit set. Maybe just a little more work changing the blades.

Thanks all.

[Rob R]

Thanks gmack5, I completely missed that!
So, I don't see any negitive in using the reversible bit over the 2-bit set. Maybe just a little more work changing the blades.

Thanks all.

it's actually kind of a pain. i have the reversable set from MLCS and it works well, but you have to track the shims and what not to get a good snug fit. i just purchased the holbren 2 piece set so i wont have to fiddle anymore. if there is a good side i would say with the mlcs bits you can change the profile by changing one of the cutters. i think when i bought it you could get an extra profile for free. that part is nice.

rob

[scorrpio]

Some observations...
1. On a typical panel door, the stile bit is used on the entire length of both stiles and rails. The rail bit, however, is used only for coping the ends of rails. So, if your panel door is 18"x24" and stile width is 3", the stile bit will need to cut 24+24+12+12 = 72", while rail bit will be used only on 3x4 = 12". Stile bit will see a lot more wear and will be replaced sooner. Unless you can buy one separate, you'll eventually have a collection of perfectly good extra rail bits. Seems like a waste.

2. Reversible bit seems to be the most economical option. You use same cutters to do everything, and wear them out equally, and can replace entire bit. as needed. But the profile has to be

3. Stacked bit looks like a most convenient option. Set the bit height to cut stiles, and just use a proper thickness backerboard to do the rails. No bit swapping or reassembly needed. Looks like the most attractive option in my book.

Those Katana bits from MLCS have a 'lifetime warranty'. Does it mean they'll replace/resharpen for free any cutters that get worn out?

[jziegler]

I have a Rockler 2 piece set that works well, but I would not even consider buying it again. In fact, I doubt that I'll ever buy router bits from Rockler again. The price was far too high, and the quality seems about the same as the Holbren and Woodcraft bits that I have bought since then. Setup is not too bad, I don't have setup blocks, but I use pieces that I have already cut to set the other bit. I'm a good part of the way through new kitchen cabinets, and the bits are still working just fine.

Some good points about price and bit wear. I had never really considered the difference in bit wear before.

I think that you should get a good bit or set from either MLCS or Holbren, for much less money than the Rockler set that I got.

-Jim

[LarryG]

The individual bits will wear unevenly, but NBD because replacements are available separately -- or at least they are from the major mfrs like CMT (what I have), Whiteside, Amana, and Freud. The sets just match up the various bits for marketing convenience (and will usually save you a few bucks over buying the included bits separately).