Whiteside Router Bits 3000 Template Bit with Ball Bearing

This thing is basically perfect and I cant really think of how itd be better.

I purchased this bit to route (28) 2 diameter X 3/16 deep holes in oak. The bit worked fine for the first 10 holes. Then it began to wear. It became difficult to push thru the wood and started to burn the wood. It took several hours of tedious sanding to remove the burn marks. The reason I gave it two stars instead of one is that the bit cut well at first and did a good job of removing chips into my vacuum attachment. By the way, I let the bit cool for 5 minutes after every 4 holes.

I paid more for this single bit than I did for a whole set of cheapo imported bits. However, I use this bit a lot, and its a joy. The cheap bits are only used occasionally, so I dont have elevated expectations for them. They do work, however. This bit is beautiful to look at, and very satisfying to use. No chattering, and cuts wood like its butter.

Im sure the bit works well, but I cant speak on that just yet, since I havent been able to use it. I want to make cuts using a template, but since the allen key necessary to adjust the bearing doesnt come with it, I now need to go and get one. It cant cost that much to include the Allen key with the bit.

I’m building cabinets from 3/4 plywood so I cut the case sides a little oversized then put a straightedge along the finish cut line and this bit trims to the exact line. After I make the first 1/4 in pass the work piece is the guide for the rest. Using it in a plunge router so it is easy to make successive passes.

Good quality bit. I needed to swap out the bit on my Ryobi hinge jig and this bit has performed better that the original. I have done 20+ doors and bit is still sharp.

Cuts nice. Bearing is smooth. Bearing same size as cutter so I could use with pattern to cut out latch mortises. Still sharp after a couple dozen doors. Expect it to last years.

Ive had two instances where the hex screw on the bearing lock collar falls off during normal use. Luckily, Ive been able to retrieve the screw, but its unclear whether the problem is with the screw or the lock collar (e.g., a hairline fracture). Very disappointed!

I bought this bit to route using guitar templates, both on the neck and body. Since it only removes 1/4 inch at a time, you wont get any tear-out and it leaves a very smooth edge on your work piece. After you use this to route the top 1/4 inch, you can remove your template and use your top routed layer as your template, which removes the risk of wearing your template by running a bearing on it repeatedly. I use this on my hand-held 1/4 shank Makita palm router and it works flawlessly. Go slowly and it will get the job done. For the price, its an amazing little bit.

This bit did exactly what I bought it for (bought it for cleaning out the pins on dovetails). Whiteside bits are very high quality and this was no exception. Not the cheapest, but I think definitely worth it long term.