Freud 12-118: 1/2" (Dia.) Double Flute Straight Bit (Eclipse Grind)

The first thing that impresses you about this bit, is the size. It is really large. The cutters are huge and as such, require more care than usual, especially if you are using it in a hand held router.I've been using the bit in a 2 1/4 HP router, with a D handle installed. I jointed and squared 2 large boards 8ft x 12" x 3", hand held. I butted the router base against long straight edges and took cuts of about 1/16" to 1/8". The bit performed flawlessly, giving me very smooth edges on the boards, which were laminated 3/4" cabinet grade plywood (3) with a 3/4" layer of solid red oak. Of course, the 2 1/2" cutting length wasn't long enough to do the whole board. After making about a 2 1/4" cut with this bit, I turned the boards over and used a 1/2" trim bit, bearing on the bottom, to finish off the cuts. The job turned out great, only requiring light passes with a smoothing plane to finish off the job. I'm very pleased with the speed and ease that this bit jointed and squared these large pieces. Nothing else in my shop worked as well or as quickly.Now to the bad part. I got a little careless on the second board, while cutting one of the 8ft sides. I didn't keep the router dead flat on the surface and dipped into the cut. In a split second, that long cutter took a big bite out of the side and then climbed up and out of the cut, twisting me to the left. Fortunately, the D handle base is a very secure base, that allows you to have a very good hold on the router, so nothing happened other than scaring me half to death. But, if someone had been standing close to me on the left, the router would have been in their face in an instant. I've been using routers for over 30 years and never had a router do that to me before. Of course, I usually use a router table when possible, which is the sensible thing to do with such large bits.I've got other projects planned, where I'll be using this bit and router configuration again as a hand held jointer. But, the next time, I'll make and install a much larger router base plate that will keep the router flat on the work surface. That should make things idiot proof....

Works outstanding for Plunge Cutting.Read several reviews that stated you could use this for plunge cutting. THEY WERE WRONG.You can. I just used it to plunge cut mortises in White Oak end grain. Smooth and easy.Also if you go to Freud's website, they specifically state it's a plunge cutting bit.Lastly I called Freud's technical help line and their technician specifically told me it's made/designed for plunge cutting.So there you have it.

Freud bits are designed and precision machined in Italy - and they really are works of art. They plunge quickly, clear chips effortlessly and run through hardwood with ease. I'm sure there are other fine bits out there, but for the value and at this price, I believe it's no contest. If you're cutting dados, planing or jointing, you will be thrilled with these bits.Pros:• Sharp and removes chips fast• Designed for quick plunges• Delivers crisp clean edges• Hardened steel stays sharp longer than competition• 1/2" shanks nearly eliminate chatterCons:• Expensive - but worth every penny• They are nearly impossible to remove from the packagingTips To Remove From Packaging:• Wear Gloves! I mean it - these are as sharp as an ER scalpel.• Firmly grasp the flat (non-sharp) sides and "wiggle" the bit back and forth while pulling upward• Do not use pliers, channel locks or your vise. You will scratch the heck out of your beautiful bit• When storing in the packaging, only insert about 1/4" to make it simple to remove in the future!Usage Tip:• To avoid 'burning' the wood when using the larger diameter bits, keep your router speed in the medium range or about 16,000rpm

This bit cut as expected, and I have high expectations. Freud products continue to impress me. I use their saw blades almost exclusively. This is a great bit at a very fair price. Also, on one other note, the first bit received was the incorrect bit. The packaging wrap around the bit had the correct number and description, but the actual bit in the Freud container was not the bit I ordered (Freud package was correct, just not the bubble wrap label around the bit). After many (100's) Amazon orders, this was the first "real" issue I have had (small shipment damage on a few orders but nothing that damaged the product to a return level). So, I contacted Amazon inside my account, and checked the issue that I had received an incorrect item. I was contacted by email, before I could get over to my email account. They had the info to ship the wrong bit back,with free shipping label to print and attach, and stated that a replacement bit was being shipped that day. Now listen to this folks, I received the replacement the next day by FedEx, and the next day was Saturday. I repeat, a Saturday. For a $20 router bit. I haven't received customer service like this since the 80's. Wow! Knowing this type support is backing up my orders, gives me a real piece of mind (and I have no stock in Amazon, just a satisfied customer). And yes, since this is what this review was mainly about, I like the bit too. Go Freud!