Freud99-516: 3-1/2" (dia.) Raised Panel Bit with 1/2" shank, 1/2" carbide height

I was worried about using a 3 1/2 bit after reading several reviews that compare such usage to running a jet engine, etc. I personally found that this bit was rock solid, cut MDF and pine very easily, and produced beautiful raised panels for some cabinet doors I made.Obviously you have to have a variable speed router and configure that router's RPMs down to an acceptable level (I believe in my DeWalt router the dial setting is "2"You also will need to make multiple passes; for me this was because I kept tripping the breaker when I tried to cut away too much at one time. You can also remove quite a bit of the stock with a table saw, but for me it was quicker to just run all 4 sides through, raise the bit a little, and then repeat. I ended up with really clean panels.Probably the biggest challenge I faced was keeping the panel flush with the fence of the router table. Because this is such a large bit you have to open up the face of the router table's fence quite a bit, and keeping it flush as it passes on the 2nd side of the fence was a little challenging. Make sure your fence is properly aligned to the bit's bearing, which will help.For my money this is easier and safer than using a vertical bit, which requires you orient your panel vertically on your fence (as opposed to laying the panel down flat on the surface of your router table).Keep it clean, I simply spray the cutting edges with some WD-40 and scrub with an old toothbrush.

Just what I needed for 1 3/8 interior door so I could make raised panel on both sides. Never made a full size entry door before. Pretty happy with the results. Very sharp bits, cut through white oak like butter.

The router bit works great. It cuts cleanly and smoothly leaving a near perfect raised panel. The only disappointment if there is one is that the tongue of the raised panel is thicker than 1/4 inch thick requiring removing wood from the back side of the panel in order to fit the style and rail groove (1/4 in) created by most style and router bits.

What a difference a quality bit makes! Need I say more?

Great cut, but really for a variable speed router. I bet if used on a single speed wood burning would be unavoidable. So if used on MDF getting painted not an issue. But if exposed wood, get a variable speed router. Great finish left behind though as advertised.

The Freud Qudra cutter worked great it was like cutting butter. I used it on two old wide boards of mahogany to give it a raised panel look as the center piece on a wall above an old metal table.

I bought this as a bit set with the stile and rail to make some oak cabinets for the kitchen; these bits are worth every dollar. I did follow the suggestion to remove 1/3 of the material with each pass. There was no burn spots, and the cuts are absolutely perfect. Combined with the stile and rail bits for a perfect fitting raised panel. The stile and rail bits are incredibly precise, the joints fit absolutely perfect.

What a cutter this is! shapes my panels smoother than my bosses 3 phase shaper! i would purchase more and i am looking forward to doing so.

Fidèle à sa réputation coupe nette !

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