Replies

1. 
   Ricks503 | Jul 14, 2005 05:51pm | #1

   I have used some of their router bits and am real happy with them. Their dado blade has received some good reviews. I do not own a shaper and so cannot comment on them, but if they are up to the quality of the router bits you will be happy.

   Edit: Here is an Online review of their router bits

   http://www.onlinetoolreviews.com/reviews/infinityrouterbits.htm

   I forgot that they offer a lifetime warranty on them and - OH YES - they are completely made in the USA if that tweaks your whiskers.

   1 - measure the board twice, 2 - cut it once, 3 - measure the space where it is supposed to go        4 - get a new board and go back to step 1

   
   

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   Edited 7/14/2005 10:55 am ET by Rick503

2. 
   JohnJohn | Jul 14, 2005 09:01pm | #2

   Don' know about shaper cutters, but I bought their dado set and am a happy camper. Very smooth bottom to it.

3. 
   FitandCut | Jul 15, 2005 03:58am | #3

   I am like the others who have replied.  I have bought their router bits and am very pleased with them.  I do have a shaper and bought the Amana shaper cutter with the interchangeable steel inserts.  It works very well for me and the steel inserts only cost about $15.  If I used one shape a lot, I would buy carbide for that.

1. 
   TJB | Jul 15, 2005 04:14am | #4

   Well I decided to bite the bullet and bought a Freud door making kit.

   My reasoning was since I invested so much time and energy into getting a used machine & hooking up a rotary phase converter why take a chance with less expensive (cheap) cutters. The last thing I need to happen is getting hurt with a cutter that flies apart, or gives me a rough finish on the end grain. In short the machine is only as good as the tooling.

   I had forgotten how much cutters were, this set cost almost as much as my machine!

    

    

1. 
   philip | Jul 16, 2005 08:43am | #5

   You can't go wrong with Freud tooling, and when you see how long it lasts you will think nothing of the price paid initially. If you are not a full on industrial user it will be good for the rest of your life, I'd wager.
   Correct maintenance and operation are ofcourse critical. I have wooden boxes specially made to store this type of tooling.
   I suggest you get onto Freud and get all theur information on maintenance.Them's my thoughts.

1. 
   TJB | Jul 16, 2005 06:22pm | #6

   Thanks for the information, I'll check out the website.

2. 
   WillGeorge | Jul 16, 2005 09:13pm | #11

   I had forgotten how much cutters were, this set cost almost as much as my machine!

   Yep.. You do NOT want to throw them in that drawer of files and monkey wrenches!

2. 
   FitandCut | Jul 16, 2005 06:29pm | #7

   Those things scare me.  Be extra cautious.  Sounds like you have a big one if it uses three phase power.

   Madison

1. 
   TJB | Jul 16, 2005 06:41pm | #8

   Its a 3 HP machine, I got it at an auction. My brother has the single phase 3 HP machine so I figured it was the same thing.

   I share your concern on shaper saftey, I have damaged parts of my fingers on my right hand when I first used my 3HP Table Saw. (Things can happen so fast) Now I use a lot more caution. It took me a year to get back to using the saw and feeling comfortable with it.

1. 
   FitandCut | Jul 16, 2005 08:22pm | #9

   Right, 3 hp is 3 hp whether it is single or 3-phase.  Mine is 2 hp and I think a 3 hp size would be better because it is a bit larger machine, not because it has 3 hp.  Good luck.  I think is should be a lot better for raised panels than a router table.

2. 
   philip | Jul 17, 2005 01:43am | #12

   Tj,
   Is your machine fitted with a reversing switch? I ask this because if you can reverse then you will always be able to run the cutter below the work eg when doing moulded panels-much safer.
   Also, any way that you can minimise the space around the cutter and fence is the way to go.
   Ofcourse you can always get a power feeder.
   The right attitude is respect, and some thought and checking prior to turn on.

3. 
   TJB | Jul 17, 2005 03:39pm | #13

   Yes I have a reverse switch and thanks for the tip. The power feeder is a great idea but I need to generate some parts first! I have about $1,300 invested without making a chip. From my experience in metalcutting I know that climb cutting would be the best way to go and I can't/won't do that without a power feeder. The one that I would want 1/4 - 1/2hp would bust my budget. I am looking for a used unit even a 3 phase since I have a rotary converter. From what I have been reading you need to buy new wheels as the standard ones won't last or work very well.

3. 
   WillGeorge | Jul 16, 2005 09:11pm | #10

   I had forgotten how much cutters were, this set cost almost as much as my machine!

   That OLD saying... You get what you pay for!  I by 'L' cheepos and save my 'good' bits for the 'final cut'... Works OK if ya have a setup block from the last cut ya made...