Need source for long shank pattern bit
user-2449436
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I’ve built a finger joint jig that requires a longer shanked top bearing pattern bit. My current bit(s) have one inch shanks. I need at least two inches to seat the bit properly. Any idea who I should contact?
Thanks
Replies
Check out klingspor Woodworking. They have great pattern bits- pretty large sizes too. Otherwise, check whiteside and amana.
Most of Klingspor’s are made by Whiteside so you will find duplicates there. What is causing the excessive length requirement? Is this used on the router table? The one pictured is a smear between a ShopNotes article and David O. Wade's method for variable fingers. Even with 1/2" tall guides a typical template bit is long enough.
For longer shanks, I have acquired Whiteside bits of extra length for an out-of-production mortising jig that I use. A phone call would get you a price or a recommendation. If a stock Whiteside will do Hartville Tool has offered free shipping on Whiteside bits for some time.
A Whiteside 3021 for example has a cutting length of 1-1/4" but an overall length of 3". Some of the overall is taken up by the bearing but, this sort of bit may meet your criteria.
That is the finger joint jig in question. The problem is that with an ordinary 1" length shank, the bearing barely clears the base of the router and therefore you can't change the depth of cut unless you change the thickness of the finger templates. Thanks to the first suggestion I did find an Amana bit with a long shaft, part #47228 (seems to be similar to your Whiteside 3021). When I get it I'll post results.
"the bearing barely clears the base of the router"
Is this a limitation of your router? Without a bit installed, if you set your router on the bench plate down, it sounds like you are saying that you cannot lower the motor to the point that the collet hits the bench(?). This is certainly possible but, unusual.
Router bits are not inexpensive and you will buy more as time goes on. If you were going to have to go to custom bits I would think about looking for a more versatile router first. If the stock bits solve the problem, you're golden.
I find I use a trim router and 1/4" shaft bits since I can get them in smaller diameters for this jig. Certainly full width bits would work but, for a jig like this you really want the smallest diameter bit you can reasonable run as it gets tighter into the corners, yes?
For comparison I run Whiteside 3000, 3001, 3002 and 3004 bits. The balance is between a long enough cutting length for the material in use versus not being so long that the bearing doesn't ride against the finger guide. I didn't buy them all at once. I found I needed an array of lengths over time.
<<"the bearing barely clears the base of the router"
Is this a limitation of your router? Without a bit installed, if you set your router on the bench plate down, it sounds like you are saying that you cannot lower the motor to the point that the collet hits the bench(?). This is certainly possible but, unusual.>>
It's a Bosch with plunge base and yes, fully extended the collet just touches the bench. Gotta have a longer shaft.
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