SM

"SBH"

01/01/2011 9:27 AM

Porter Cable router bits

Are they any good?

Is this a good deal?
http://www.rockler.com/product.cfm?page=30012&utm_source=NL&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=V1928



This topic has 10 replies

DM

"Denis M"

in reply to "SBH" on 01/01/2011 9:27 AM

01/01/2011 10:50 AM


"SBH" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
> Are they any good?
>
> Is this a good deal?
> http://www.rockler.com/product.cfm?page=30012&utm_source=NL&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=V1928
>
Yes its a good deal. If you need that type 3 Piece Porter Cable Cove Router
Bit Set you do not have much to loose at $14.99 for three pieces set. I
have used the Porter Cable bits and so far they have performed well.
If you have a need for it, the Freud Quadra-Cut Classical Cove & Round Bits
at $19.99 each, in my view is a better buy. I have used Freud router bits
with good results.

DM

"Denis M"

in reply to "SBH" on 01/01/2011 9:27 AM

01/01/2011 11:26 AM


"SBH" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
>
> "Denis M" <[email protected]> wrote in message
> news:[email protected]...
>>
>> "SBH" <[email protected]> wrote in message
>> news:[email protected]...
>>> Are they any good?
>>>
>>> Is this a good deal?
>>> http://www.rockler.com/product.cfm?page=30012&utm_source=NL&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=V1928
>>>
>> Yes its a good deal. If you need that type 3 Piece Porter Cable Cove
>> Router Bit Set you do not have much to loose at $14.99 for three pieces
>> set. I have used the Porter Cable bits and so far they have performed
>> well.
>> If you have a need for it, the Freud Quadra-Cut Classical Cove & Round
>> Bits at $19.99 each, in my view is a better buy. I have used Freud
>> router bits with good results.
>>
> I agree, Freuds are great bits and I have a few, but never used PC bits
> and wondered about the quality. I am apprehensive about the shank size,
> but for that price, as long as they are quality bits, I'll take a chance.

The 1/2" shank size is far better. Freud claimed that they are using a
dropped forged casting instead of a machined mandrel to house the carbide
inserts.

Carbide is made with power metal and baked to specific procedures. The
quality is difficult to verify before using it. When working on 24 hours
shift mast production we learned who had the best carbide. Replacing a
carbide insert on a production line is expensive. We soon found out that it
was worth it to paid a little more. But for the hobbyists regular carbide
grade may be good enough. Porter Cable claimed that their sub fabricator in
China is using grade C 4?

As for me when I make raised panel doors I like a better carbide grade and
mandrel.



DM

"Denis M"

in reply to "SBH" on 01/01/2011 9:27 AM

02/01/2011 6:24 AM

Thanks for the information.

When asking Tools King they quickly replied

that Porter Cable sub-fabricators in China was using C4.

Lee Valley replied that their router bits were made in China and the grading
was made

as per their specifications? Lee Valley was unable to provide further
information.

I purchased a Lee Valley Shaker raised panel bit and it performs well, so
far.

On sale ($9.95) at Tools King I bought a Porter Cable 1" core bit with a
1/4" shank.

At first I was very doubtful about the 1/4" shank. I used it with pine,
maple and oak and

It performs well. The question is for how long will this bit keep its
precision and last.

Sharpening of carbide bits could be tricky and costly. At time it could be
cheaper to replace the bit with a new one.



"Martin Eastburn" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
> Having a friend that is a Carbide expert - owns company - he sent me
> a couple of booklets. Copy these down for future reference:
>
> C grades classification (not all companies make the same chem mix.)
> C1-4 are general for cast iron, non-ferrous and non-metallic materials
> C-1 Roughing
> C-2 General Purpose typical wood
> C-3 Finishing
> C-4 Precision
>
> 5-7 steel and steel alloys - resist pitting
>
> C-5 Roughing
> C-6 General purpose
> C-7 Finishing
> C-8 Precision
>
> Wear surface:
> C-9 No shock
> C-10 Light Shock
> C-11 Heavy Shock
>
> Impact
> C-12 Light
> C-13 Medium
> C-14 heavy
>
> C15-c19 Misc - mostly very special...
>
> Martin
>
> On 1/1/2011 9:26 AM, Denis M wrote:
>> "SBH"<[email protected]> wrote in message
>> news:[email protected]...
>>>
>>> "Denis M"<[email protected]> wrote in message
>>> news:[email protected]...
>>>>
>>>> "SBH"<[email protected]> wrote in message
>>>> news:[email protected]...
>>>>> Are they any good?
>>>>>
>>>>> Is this a good deal?
>>>>> http://www.rockler.com/product.cfm?page=30012&utm_source=NL&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=V1928
>>>>>
>>>> Yes its a good deal. If you need that type 3 Piece Porter Cable Cove
>>>> Router Bit Set you do not have much to loose at $14.99 for three pieces
>>>> set. I have used the Porter Cable bits and so far they have performed
>>>> well.
>>>> If you have a need for it, the Freud Quadra-Cut Classical Cove& Round
>>>> Bits at $19.99 each, in my view is a better buy. I have used Freud
>>>> router bits with good results.
>>>>
>>> I agree, Freuds are great bits and I have a few, but never used PC bits
>>> and wondered about the quality. I am apprehensive about the shank size,
>>> but for that price, as long as they are quality bits, I'll take a
>>> chance.
>>
>> The 1/2" shank size is far better. Freud claimed that they are using a
>> dropped forged casting instead of a machined mandrel to house the carbide
>> inserts.
>>
>> Carbide is made with power metal and baked to specific procedures. The
>> quality is difficult to verify before using it. When working on 24 hours
>> shift mast production we learned who had the best carbide. Replacing a
>> carbide insert on a production line is expensive. We soon found out that
>> it
>> was worth it to paid a little more. But for the hobbyists regular
>> carbide
>> grade may be good enough. Porter Cable claimed that their sub fabricator
>> in
>> China is using grade C 4?
>>
>> As for me when I make raised panel doors I like a better carbide grade
>> and
>> mandrel.
>>
>>
>>
>>
>

DM

"Denis M"

in reply to "SBH" on 01/01/2011 9:27 AM

02/01/2011 3:59 PM


"Larry Blanchard" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
> On Sun, 02 Jan 2011 06:24:42 -0400, Denis M wrote:
>
>> Sharpening of carbide bits could be tricky and costly. At time it could
>> be cheaper to replace the bit with a new one.
>
> Every time I use a bit I give it a few swipes with a diamond hone before
> I put it away. Seems to extend lifespan quite a bit but of course that's
> a subjective judgment.
>
> --
> Intelligence is an experiment that failed - G. B. Shaw
>
I like the idea of using a diamond hone before storing the bit.

ME

Martin Eastburn

in reply to "SBH" on 01/01/2011 9:27 AM

01/01/2011 8:09 PM

Having a friend that is a Carbide expert - owns company - he sent me
a couple of booklets. Copy these down for future reference:

C grades classification (not all companies make the same chem mix.)
C1-4 are general for cast iron, non-ferrous and non-metallic materials
C-1 Roughing
C-2 General Purpose typical wood
C-3 Finishing
C-4 Precision

5-7 steel and steel alloys - resist pitting

C-5 Roughing
C-6 General purpose
C-7 Finishing
C-8 Precision

Wear surface:
C-9 No shock
C-10 Light Shock
C-11 Heavy Shock

Impact
C-12 Light
C-13 Medium
C-14 heavy

C15-c19 Misc - mostly very special...

Martin

On 1/1/2011 9:26 AM, Denis M wrote:
> "SBH"<[email protected]> wrote in message
> news:[email protected]...
>>
>> "Denis M"<[email protected]> wrote in message
>> news:[email protected]...
>>>
>>> "SBH"<[email protected]> wrote in message
>>> news:[email protected]...
>>>> Are they any good?
>>>>
>>>> Is this a good deal?
>>>> http://www.rockler.com/product.cfm?page=30012&utm_source=NL&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=V1928
>>>>
>>> Yes its a good deal. If you need that type 3 Piece Porter Cable Cove
>>> Router Bit Set you do not have much to loose at $14.99 for three pieces
>>> set. I have used the Porter Cable bits and so far they have performed
>>> well.
>>> If you have a need for it, the Freud Quadra-Cut Classical Cove& Round
>>> Bits at $19.99 each, in my view is a better buy. I have used Freud
>>> router bits with good results.
>>>
>> I agree, Freuds are great bits and I have a few, but never used PC bits
>> and wondered about the quality. I am apprehensive about the shank size,
>> but for that price, as long as they are quality bits, I'll take a chance.
>
> The 1/2" shank size is far better. Freud claimed that they are using a
> dropped forged casting instead of a machined mandrel to house the carbide
> inserts.
>
> Carbide is made with power metal and baked to specific procedures. The
> quality is difficult to verify before using it. When working on 24 hours
> shift mast production we learned who had the best carbide. Replacing a
> carbide insert on a production line is expensive. We soon found out that it
> was worth it to paid a little more. But for the hobbyists regular carbide
> grade may be good enough. Porter Cable claimed that their sub fabricator in
> China is using grade C 4?
>
> As for me when I make raised panel doors I like a better carbide grade and
> mandrel.
>
>
>
>

SM

"SBH"

in reply to "SBH" on 01/01/2011 9:27 AM

01/01/2011 9:54 AM


"Denis M" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
>
> "SBH" <[email protected]> wrote in message
> news:[email protected]...
>> Are they any good?
>>
>> Is this a good deal?
>> http://www.rockler.com/product.cfm?page=30012&utm_source=NL&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=V1928
>>
> Yes its a good deal. If you need that type 3 Piece Porter Cable Cove
> Router Bit Set you do not have much to loose at $14.99 for three pieces
> set. I have used the Porter Cable bits and so far they have performed
> well.
> If you have a need for it, the Freud Quadra-Cut Classical Cove & Round
> Bits at $19.99 each, in my view is a better buy. I have used Freud router
> bits with good results.
>
I agree, Freuds are great bits and I have a few, but never used PC bits and
wondered about the quality. I am apprehensive about the shank size, but for
that price, as long as they are quality bits, I'll take a chance.

ME

Martin Eastburn

in reply to "SBH" on 01/01/2011 9:27 AM

02/01/2011 10:19 PM

I'd say as long as you kept the bit on pine and maple and oak.

The 'rose' woods will eat it alive - massive amounts of silicon
in the wood. The sand will dull edges.

If you must, have a rough one to mill out small amounts at a time
and a newer one to to the last fine cut. - Use depth of cut for
small cleaner cuts. Work downwards to finally depth.

Keep one for quality work like you tried.

Martin

On 1/2/2011 4:24 AM, Denis M wrote:
> Thanks for the information.
>
> When asking Tools King they quickly replied
>
> that Porter Cable sub-fabricators in China was using C4.
>
> Lee Valley replied that their router bits were made in China and the grading
> was made
>
> as per their specifications? Lee Valley was unable to provide further
> information.
>
> I purchased a Lee Valley Shaker raised panel bit and it performs well, so
> far.
>
> On sale ($9.95) at Tools King I bought a Porter Cable 1" core bit with a
> 1/4" shank.
>
> At first I was very doubtful about the 1/4" shank. I used it with pine,
> maple and oak and
>
> It performs well. The question is for how long will this bit keep its
> precision and last.
>
> Sharpening of carbide bits could be tricky and costly. At time it could be
> cheaper to replace the bit with a new one.
>
>
>
> "Martin Eastburn"<[email protected]> wrote in message
> news:[email protected]...
>> Having a friend that is a Carbide expert - owns company - he sent me
>> a couple of booklets. Copy these down for future reference:
>>
>> C grades classification (not all companies make the same chem mix.)
>> C1-4 are general for cast iron, non-ferrous and non-metallic materials
>> C-1 Roughing
>> C-2 General Purpose typical wood
>> C-3 Finishing
>> C-4 Precision
>>
>> 5-7 steel and steel alloys - resist pitting
>>
>> C-5 Roughing
>> C-6 General purpose
>> C-7 Finishing
>> C-8 Precision
>>
>> Wear surface:
>> C-9 No shock
>> C-10 Light Shock
>> C-11 Heavy Shock
>>
>> Impact
>> C-12 Light
>> C-13 Medium
>> C-14 heavy
>>
>> C15-c19 Misc - mostly very special...
>>
>> Martin
>>
>> On 1/1/2011 9:26 AM, Denis M wrote:
>>> "SBH"<[email protected]> wrote in message
>>> news:[email protected]...
>>>>
>>>> "Denis M"<[email protected]> wrote in message
>>>> news:[email protected]...
>>>>>
>>>>> "SBH"<[email protected]> wrote in message
>>>>> news:[email protected]...
>>>>>> Are they any good?
>>>>>>
>>>>>> Is this a good deal?
>>>>>> http://www.rockler.com/product.cfm?page=30012&utm_source=NL&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=V1928
>>>>>>
>>>>> Yes its a good deal. If you need that type 3 Piece Porter Cable Cove
>>>>> Router Bit Set you do not have much to loose at $14.99 for three pieces
>>>>> set. I have used the Porter Cable bits and so far they have performed
>>>>> well.
>>>>> If you have a need for it, the Freud Quadra-Cut Classical Cove& Round
>>>>> Bits at $19.99 each, in my view is a better buy. I have used Freud
>>>>> router bits with good results.
>>>>>
>>>> I agree, Freuds are great bits and I have a few, but never used PC bits
>>>> and wondered about the quality. I am apprehensive about the shank size,
>>>> but for that price, as long as they are quality bits, I'll take a
>>>> chance.
>>>
>>> The 1/2" shank size is far better. Freud claimed that they are using a
>>> dropped forged casting instead of a machined mandrel to house the carbide
>>> inserts.
>>>
>>> Carbide is made with power metal and baked to specific procedures. The
>>> quality is difficult to verify before using it. When working on 24 hours
>>> shift mast production we learned who had the best carbide. Replacing a
>>> carbide insert on a production line is expensive. We soon found out that
>>> it
>>> was worth it to paid a little more. But for the hobbyists regular
>>> carbide
>>> grade may be good enough. Porter Cable claimed that their sub fabricator
>>> in
>>> China is using grade C 4?
>>>
>>> As for me when I make raised panel doors I like a better carbide grade
>>> and
>>> mandrel.
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>
>
>

Rr

RP

in reply to "SBH" on 01/01/2011 9:27 AM

01/01/2011 6:45 AM

On Jan 1, 9:27=A0am, "SBH" <[email protected]> wrote:
> Are they any good?
>
> Is this a good deal?http://www.rockler.com/product.cfm?page=3D30012&utm_s=
ource=3DNL&utm_mediu...

That is a great deal. Too bad they're not 1/2" shank instead of 1/4"
especially for the 1/2 cove bit.

RP

LB

Larry Blanchard

in reply to "SBH" on 01/01/2011 9:27 AM

02/01/2011 5:28 PM

On Sun, 02 Jan 2011 06:24:42 -0400, Denis M wrote:

> Sharpening of carbide bits could be tricky and costly. At time it could
> be cheaper to replace the bit with a new one.

Every time I use a bit I give it a few swipes with a diamond hone before
I put it away. Seems to extend lifespan quite a bit but of course that's
a subjective judgment.

--
Intelligence is an experiment that failed - G. B. Shaw

LJ

Larry Jaques

in reply to "SBH" on 01/01/2011 9:27 AM

02/01/2011 9:42 PM

On Sun, 2 Jan 2011 15:59:28 -0400, "Denis M"
<[email protected]> wrote:

>
>"Larry Blanchard" <[email protected]> wrote in message
>news:[email protected]...
>> On Sun, 02 Jan 2011 06:24:42 -0400, Denis M wrote:
>>
>>> Sharpening of carbide bits could be tricky and costly. At time it could
>>> be cheaper to replace the bit with a new one.
>>
>> Every time I use a bit I give it a few swipes with a diamond hone before
>> I put it away. Seems to extend lifespan quite a bit but of course that's
>> a subjective judgment.
>>
>>
>I like the idea of using a diamond hone before storing the bit.

This is a very handy and inexpensive monocrystaline set:
http://tinyurl.com/34egbt2 I keep mine in the truck.

EzeLaps are polycrystalline, and a tiny bit cheaper, but I prefer the
DMTs. (I own both in 600 grit 2x6" plates.)
http://tinyurl.com/34txw74

--
Not merely an absence of noise, Real Silence begins
when a reasonable being withdraws from the noise in
order to find peace and order in his inner sanctuary.
-- Peter Minard


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