PATTERN BIT SET

Router Woodworking

The experimental joint the pattern bits are displayed on, is a lock/lap of my design. The joint is a stylized round dovetail with substantial pull strength; it can be glued or simply held together with a single screw. The process requires 5 templets (or more) depending on what you have on hand. The procedure can be expedited with the templet cutter set. I did not have the luxury when I made the connection. This joint and many like it inspired the TR SET design parameters.

Pattern bits are straight bits with shank bearings. They are used to waste and trim the work to the shape of the template. The work in this case is clamped beneath the template.

Since the bits in this set are end and side fluted they can bottom and edge cut simultaneously. This has advantage in fractional thickness cuts like mortices, rabbets, dados, tenons and so on. These cuttings are not permissable with ordinary trim bits as the bearings on the end of these tools cover up the end of the bit.

I designed this set of 5 cutters for maximum cutter life and facility with a broad range of template and work thicknesses. Moreover, the cutters are sized for minimum deflection and extension and maximum safety and cut quality.

The 3 flush bits are sized for three ranges of work piece thicknesses; 0-1/2", 1/2"-1", and 1" to 1-1/2". The other 2 bits are offset by 1/16" for work to 1" and from 1" to 1-1/2". The offset trimmers do the first stage dirty work leaving a 1/16" for the 3 flush trimmers to clean up. This tactic extends the cutter life of the flush trimmers by at least a factor of 3 or 4.

All 5 cutters have bearings locked on their 1/2" x 2" shanks with collars. All cutters are straight 2 fluted carbide, ground for bottom and side cutting. The flush trimmers are slightly less in diamter than their bearings, (.002 to .003" in radius). This is to insure against an accidental cut of the template.

This is the only set of cutters designed as a system to manage single or 2-stage template cuts in 3 thickness ranges for templates to 3/4". The flush cutters have flute lengths of 5/8", 1", and 1-5/8". The offset trimmers are 1" and 1-5/8" long.

Price: 194$, includes the 5 cutters, bearings, lock collars, plastic storage box, shipping (UPS Ground), packaging etc.

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