1.4: mortise compression bits

[dlcw]

I am just taking a poll to find out where people are getting their 1/4" mortise compression bits from. I'm not looking for standard compression but mortise compression.

I've run through all the 1/4" diamond-like coated bits (10) I bought a 1.5 years ago. The guy who sold these is no longer selling them so I have to find a new source of MC bits.

I know there is Centurian, Onsrud, and some eBay/Amazon sellers. I'm looking for a bit that can stand up to use on composites (MDF, melamine), Baltic Birch and prefinished plywood both regular ply and classic-core ply (1/8" layer of MDF under veneer). I'm not cutting any Chinese ply so I don't need metal cutting bits. :eek:

I regularly cut 1/4", 3/8", 1/2", 5/8" and 3/4" material. I cut 1" MDF occasionally.

Thanks in advance.

[Brady Watson]

I've found these to be the best bang for the buck: Centurion Tools (https://www.centuriontools.com/router-bits-toolcase/solid-carbide-wood-router-bits.html?pcn=Compression%20Routers&pid=734)

-B

[dlcw]

Thanks Brady.

That's kinda what I was leaning towards. But I wanted to find out if other folks had found a comparable bit from another source. Maybe out west on the same time zone as me... :D

[wberminio]

I'm with Brady with this one

[sawkerf]

I've used both centurion and these guys www.rbtoolsupply.com/
I really, really like the R&B better because, believe it or not, I can drill through holes with their bit. And they stay sharp much longer and the price is about the same as centurion. I've never had any luck ordering off of the website so I always call them.

[erniek]

I've been getting mine from www.rbtoolsupply.com/ (http://www.rbtoolsupply.com/) as well. Last time I called them they said they had a harder version that's supposed to last twice as long as their standard carbide. I do find they last a lot longer.
I prefer their single cutter over the double cutter. It makes less noise
and with the PRT, I can cut faster. The double cutter requires a higher cutting force.

[dlcw]

I tried contacting Centurian about some bulk ordering of down spiral bits that would cut a dado the size of a biscuit slot and never heard from them.

I will try RBTools tomorrow and see what pricing they have.

Thank you guys. I appreciate the feedback.

[Bob Eustace]

Centurian work fine and we too do a lot of through holes without a fire yet. Very, very happy doing 5/16 thru holes.

[gene]

Bob
When doing a 5/16 thru hole are you using a 1/4 bit with a area clear toolpath or a 5/16 bit with a drill toolpath?

[sawkerf]

Gene, I know your question wasn't for me but I will clarify that I can drill 1/4" through holes with a 1/4" compression bit (from R&B) with no fire, but the holes are a little "toasted". In the early days, I learned the hard way about drilling with a standard compression bit!

[Bob Eustace]

Bob
When doing a 5/16 thru hole are you using a 1/4 bit with a area clear toolpath or a 5/16 bit with a drill toolpath?


Gene, 1/4 and always in 18mm mdf. Cant afford an ATC or drill!

[tomwillis]

Don - I've had good luck with these regular compression - but they offer the mortise too. http://www.vortextool.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=category.display&category_id=59
Tom

[Bob Eustace]

Gene, I know your question wasn't for me but I will clarify that I can drill 1/4" through holes with a 1/4" compression bit (from R&B) with no fire, but the holes are a little "toasted". In the early days, I learned the hard way about drilling with a standard compression bit!

Kip I love the little explosion you get! Scared the socks off me first time!