Raised panel : cove vs 'traditional' ?

[radhak]

The latest email from Holbren has a great deal on a 3 Piece Cove Raised Panel Set - $27.95 (more than 50% off) ( Brian, that's a sweet deal, thanks). But I notice that the site lists another similar set - a '3 Piece Traditional Raised Panel Set'.

As I am just beginning to think of planning ( ) for a raised-panel cabinet doors, I have a basic question : what is a 'traditional' raised compared to a cove raised? Is either of them better than the other?

[LarryG]

A traditional raised panel has a flat bevel where it transitions from the thin edge to the full-thickness center. On a coved panel, this area has a gentle curve to it.

Traditional panels can be cut on a table saw, by setting the blade to a shallow angle and standing the panel up on edge to make the cut. Other than that, the difference is purely one of aesthetics. (There are other profiles, too.)

[LCHIEN]

This page has a set of common profiles illustrated in the lower right
http://www.mlcswoodworking.com/shops.../setrais1.html


Not to disparage Hobrens products, but for illustrations and descriptions, I don't think anybody has MLCS beat. Go to the www.mlcswoodworking.com page, and ask them to send you the printed catalog. And then use their web pages for on-line illustrations. They also will send you their free manual (with an order) that tells you how to use everyone of their comprehensive bit line! (including raised panel bits and the reversible raised panel combo bits). The free manual is downloadable in PDF format from their website if you don't want to wait or place an order. Here's the link to the download page for the manual:
http://www.mlcswoodworking.com/shops.../instruct.html
The manual is applicable to most every one else's bits, so even if you don't buy from MLCS I would recoommend this manual.

I buy quite a bit of stuff from MLCS, its a small comapny that primarily sells router bits, but also some other router accessories and woodwrking related stuff. Prices are quite reasonable (esp for sets) but not rockbottom

I have always found their quick, free shipping makes it worthwhile to buy one bit when I need it. Won't cost $5 to ship a $15 bit. And they will gladly answer any question by phone or e-mail and have great customer service if you have any problems with products.

No affiliation with them, just a customer. The MLCS is an invaluable resource for us router users; they deserve a little business now and then.

[Larry David]

I thought that was a great deal on the coved set from Holbren. I just placed an order for a set. I have been very happy with my Holbren bits. Thanks Brian.

[Holbren]

Not to disparage Hobrens products, but for illustrations and descriptions, I don't think anybody has MLCS beat.

True, I send customers there too for illustrative help. I hired a few people to make illustrations and nobody can seem to get past the "look what I can do stage". The cart program I use isn't the best either for showing stuff off but I am working on some mods as we speak for individual router bits.

[radhak]

Thanks everybody for the help. Loring, the help on MLCS is really good, and their bits look good too.

Having used some cheap bits (not MLCS) and then using Holbren, I am totally satisfied with its high quality (even before considering its low cost). It's now my only stop for bits for my 'wish list' or for recommending to friends

But still, its nice to have more choices, at least for browsing, thanks.

As for the current deal, I can't think of anything to beat $28, with free shipping. Go Holbren!

[JackAZ]

Holbren and the Triple wing option

True, I send customers there too for illustrative help. I hired a few people to make illustrations and nobody can seem to get past the "look what I can do stage". The cart program I use isn't the best either for showing stuff off but I am working on some mods as we speak for individual router bits.

Just curious, Brian, Is there anything to the triple wing debate or is it just hype? There is a sort of visceral logic to the extra cutter...Would like to hear from you on the subject.

[Holbren]

I personally think it's hype and marketing. I guess you can say more cuts per minute the better but how much is enough. For a jointer where you are spinning at 6,000 RPM 3 cutterheads vs. 2 makes sense but for a router bit spinning at 22,000 RPM, I think 44,000 cuts per minute is quite enough for a clean cut.

The other thing is by adding that third cutter, they are removing material from the body. I would image having less mass would result in more heat which is the one thing you don't want.

[Larry David]

The 3 piece coved raised panel set is fantastic, thanks for the great price. I just ordered your 7 piece dovetail set. Thanks Brian.