question about rail and stile bits

[Sawatzky]

What is better to use, stacked rail and stile bits, reversilbe rail and stile bits, or individual rail and stile bits? I am thinking about getting some, and I want to know what is the best. Also, how are the rail and stile bits from MLSC? They are sure a lot cheaper than Freud of Amana, but will they hold their edge long?

[ragswl4]

Whiteside for Me

I use individual stile and rail bits from Whiteside. Expensive, yes. Quality of cut, great. Stiles and rails fit together perfectly. Used in 2 1/4 hp router with 4 passes. Router never slows down. Carbide on the tip is C4 and very thick so can be sharpened many times. Doubt they will ever wear out. Whiteside bits were rated at the top, above all others, by Fine WoodWorking. Check out reviews on the Internet before buying and whatever you purchase make sure you follow the router speed directions for the bits.


Edit: Purchased my bits from Holbren.com. Best price I could find.

[Black wallnut]

I've only used MLCS reversible ones in two differing profiles. I got many feet of red oak and pine from them with no discernable wear. They did a fine job. I think the better brands are probabaly better quality carbide plus overall but temper price with how much you think you may be using it. If I were planning on re-facing a complete kitchen with hardwood I'd think about buying Amana, CMT, or Freud.

As far as the differing systems I think it's a matter of personal preference. One not being much superior to the others but this is only my opinion.

[Ken Massingale]

I prefer individual, much less setup time. I buy the best I can afford. I agree with checking Holbren before buying anywhere else.

[Tequila]

I have a set of individual rail & stile bits from MLCS. They've held up for the 100+ feet of maple that I've run through them. Probably not the best bits out there, but I couldn't convince myself to shell out the money for top name bits at the time.

I also strongly recommend getting a setup block matched to your bits. MLCS sells them for around $10, and it was worth every penny to not have to keep tweaking the router to get the pieces to fit properly.

[John Hunter]

I prefer the individual.

[Jeffrey Schronce]

I only have individual. 2 sets from Freud and 1 from Makita (HDT special). I suggest the first set being a full set from Freud. It comes with a DVD for your computer along with excellent instructions. After you make a few R&S it is easy to do, but for a beginner the DVD helps alot in explaining the process.

[JimD]

I have a reversable (grizzley) and a stacked (MLCS). I like the stacked better but I did at least as many doors with the reversable (dozens). I have not tried the two individual bits. I bet they work fine but I like not having to switch bits. With my sled, my height adjustment going form coping to sticking is minimal (maybe 1/32, depends on the wood thickness). I have a lift so that is pretty simple to do. Changing out bits would take significantly longer.

Jim