Freud recently introduced a new line of uniquely designed router bits called Quadra-Cut. Unlike typical bits, which have two cutters, Quadra-Cut bits have four.

Two of the cutters work like those on any other bit, skewed forward to slice downward while cutting the profile. The extra pair, however, are shorter and cut only along the lower edge of the profile. And they skew backward to cut upward.

Effectively, the two pairs work as a team; with two cutting down from the top surface of the stock, and two cutting up from the bottom. The idea is to reduce tearout on both the top and bottom faces.

To find out if the concept worked, I used a router table to test a Quadra-Cut 1/2-in.-radius roundover bit against Freud’s regular 1/2-in.-radius roundover bit. Both bits were brand new and had 1/2-in.-dia. shanks. To use the entire profile, I cut a stepped roundover. I used poplar and walnut, making both long-grain and end-grain cuts in each.

On long grain, both cutters made very good cuts. Tearout was nonexistent. Washboarding (chatter) was minimal and only visible when a bright light was raked across the surface. I judged the Quadra-Cut bit as the better of the two by only the slightest of margins.

However, on end grain, the Quadra-Cut bit really showed its advantage. While the standard bit made very good cuts, the Quadra-Cut made better ones. Indeed, along the entire surface of the 1/2-in.-radius curve, the Quadra-Cut showed no significant tearout or washboarding. At the step, when compared to the standard bit, the Quadra-Cut made an exceptionally clean cut.

You may still need to do some sanding to get perfectly smooth moldings. But a Quadra-Cut bit can reduce sanding time to a minimum.

Currently Freud offers Quadra-Cut bits in about a dozen profiles, with more to come. To get more information, go to www.freudtools.com or call 800-334-4107.

Photo: Staff

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