Editorial Review

Are expensive router bits worth the cost? After testing Freud's 1/2-inch shank set, we think the answer is yes. The features found in these Freud bits--long-lasting micrograin carbide/titanium tips, tri-metal brazing, and an antikickback design--make them a better choice than less-expensive options. Each Freud bit is computer-balanced to run vibration- and chatter-free at speeds well in excess of the typical 22,000 rpm of most routers. These bits have a high shear angle that produces less tear-out and chatter marks, leaving a cross-grained cut that requires little or no sanding. Multiaxis grinding helps ensure the proper relief angle on cutting edges regardless of how the bit is oriented. The kit includes a variety of useful bits most frequently used by woodworkers and comes in a sturdy wooden case for maximum protection of the cutting edges. --Tim Block ... Read more

Features

• High shear angle for less tear-out and chatter marks
• Bits for V-grooving and flush trimming to chamfering and dovetailing
• All bits are solid carbide or carbide-tipped
• Anti-kickback design
• Perma-SHIELD-coated to reduce friction and heat build-up

Reviews (15)

Close To Perfection
What can one really say about router bits? This is a great set; a fine selection of commonly used bits and enough for just about any hand-held routing application. 1/2" shank is the way to go and I'd only use a quarter inch in a pinch. The case the bits come in is substantial as well. My only gripe is that the straight bits seem to be a tad undersized; maybe they're gauged for plywood? In any case, this is a great value and I'm pleased as punch.

Excellent Quality
I have used this set of Freud bits in my shop for several years and I have not needed to have them sharpened yet.The cut is smooth and chatter free.These bits seem to cut through the hardest of wood effortlessly.I own many other brands of router bits, and I think that Freud has a far superior product.You may pay a little more for these bits than the cheaper bits from other manufacturers, but the money is well spent.

Can't fault this set
A very fine set of bits, I'm pleased. The only glitch is the plastic form inside the box; it allowed a bit to get loose and rattle around (and chip) during shipping. Amazon set it right, but I wish Freud would find a way of really locking the bits in during shipping. Other than that, a wonderful starter set. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Freud    2. (Frued)    3. Routers    4. Router Bits   

Features

• Kickback reducing design for safe bit use
• Adjustability for stock from 1/2" to 1-1/4" thick
• Micro grain carbide for razor sharp cuts
• Compression designed cutters for chip free cuts
• Precision computer balanced bits for extreme accuracy

Reviews (4)

Poor packaging caused damage
I did not take other reviews seriously and had to experience on my own. Very poor packaging, both original item and replacement came badly damaged. Router carbide tips were all chipped off due to seperation from original merchandise box, found them loose in the shipping package. One would think that after many returns shipping department does something to avoid sending packages back and forth, no such luck yet. I have to give customer service credit, they make returns as painless as possible, no hassle at all, except I am still waiting for my router bits.

Poor packing caused extensive damage.
INSPECT YOURS CLOSELY BEFORE YOU USE IT!!!
Mine were badly damaged due to an amazingly bad packaging job. The 2 bits arrived completely separate from their product packaging, which was completely closed, leading me to believe that they were thrown into shipping box like that. When I put them back in their package to return them, I shook it really hard, and cannot conceive that they could have shaken loose. Nearly every tooth suffered at least one chip, most of them very large, and 2 were cracked all the way through the tooth. If I used these bits, I'm confident they would have shattered, and thrown shrapnel. 100 % amazon's responsibility. I read another review mentioning the same problem. LOOK CLOSELY AT YOURS BEFORE YOU USE IT!

Freud Did It Again
At first I thought how could Freud have created an adjustable groove bit, with the seemingly single cutter, and make it adjustable. Then I discovered that it really was two cutters that were sandwiched together. Their carbide tip is a lot wider than the plates that hold them. Additionally they are offset, so when they are sandwiched without any spacers, they are just like having the one bit. With the included spacers, you can adjust that groove cutter to a nice range of sizes.
Additionally the two large cutters that make up the tongue bit are adjustable with the spacers that are provided. They are stacked on the bit so you don't have to go looking for them when you want to make a change.
I have a lot of Freud bits, and I have bought all of them from Amazon. The price and convenience can't be beat. The one complaint that I have is that Freud does not wrap these bits in a way that protects them from a UPS shipment. Do you know what UPS stands for? Unbelievably Pulverized Shipments. :-) With carbide tipped bits, which are super brittle, rolling around in the box, after they come loose from the snap together plastic carrying enclosure, they are left to do battle with one another. Consequently, check your faces for defects when you get them. Amazon has the greatest customer service.
All in all a great set of bits, highly recommended. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Routers    2. Router Bits   

Features

• Wooden storage box
• Ideal for 1/4- to 3/4-inch plywood
• Cuts composition materials, plywood, and hard and softwoods
• Can be used on hand-held and table-mounted portable routers
• 1/4-inch shank

Reviews (3)

Wonderful Fit
If your doing some plywood joinery, these bits won't let you down. Incredibly smooth cuts with no tearout. These frued bits just "sing" through the material. Definitely worth the money.

We all know that a 2x4 isn't really 2" x 4", and plywood is the same way. These bits are undersized to compensate for the sanding process of plywood. These bits will provide a great fit without any slop.
Don't use this set for making Dado's for MDF because 3/4" MDF is really 3/4", 1/2" is really 1/2" and so on.
I hope this helps

False Advertising
This "IS NOT" a 1/2" shank router bit set. Please correct the product description. It is a 1/4" shank set.

Stop making sloppy dados
Tired of your dados being too lose when using plywood?These bits assure tight fits for undersized plywood joints and always, the Freud products work great.You can't go wrong with these bits. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Freud    2. (Frued)    3. Routers    4. .25-inch Shank Bits    5. (1/4)    6. Router Bits   

Features

• 10 year warranty
• 3-1/2-inch raised panel bit
• Includes 99-515 & 99-260 rail and stile
• 1-1/8 stroke length
• 16.75 in and 6.5 lbs

Reviews (3)

Excellent even for a rookie
I bought this 3 piece set as my first set.It has worked great.It is easy to set.It cuts cleanly.I am very pleased. Make sure you have a router with a 1/2" collet and a router table.
If I had it to do over I would have spent the extra money for a set with the back cutter.
Excellent product.

This set with a 3 1/2" panel bit is great for kitchen cabs
The popular 5 piece set is what I initially bought. It includes the glue up joint bit, which is nice for gettting a lot of panels to line up properly while gluing. It also includes the door lock bit, which will turn your raised panel, into a drawer front by removing the material around the edge of the back of the door face.
I bought this set as well. Why? Because when making kitchen cabinets, the raised panel bit that they provide with the set is too small for a large cabinet. (Unless you prefer that look) So I bought this set, to pick up the 3 1/2" panel raising bit. That requires a large opening of at least 3 5/8" on the bottom of your router, and the opening on your router table as well. The Bosch 1619EVS is even larger than that. The Fein RT-1800 allows for the the use of a 3 1/2" bit, but the casting prevents you from plunging a bit that size. Not really recommended, because you might accidently adjust it into the base. Their are others also, but most fixed base 2 HP routers won't accept such a large bit. So measure first.
Overall this is a great set of bits. They do a great job, and last a long time. Highly recommended.

very nice and sharp set
I just purchased the 3 piece cab. bit set from freud and I am very excited.The set came within a few days of ordering- thanks Amazon.The bits are extremely sharp and the finish is excellent.The box that comes with the set is well constructed to keep the bits safe and free from dust, which is nice.The only concern that I initially had was whether or not the 3 1/2" bit would fit in my router base opening.I have a 7539 p.c. router and the opening is 3 1/2".I had to file the opening just a little to make the bit fit.I am sure that you will find this most acceptable. The cuts with the bits are very clean, just like the ads say, and there are no pieces of fuzz on the top of the profile on the end grain.This will save some valuable time. All in all, very good product and the price was extremely good.In fact, the cheapest I could find. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Freud    2. (Frued)    3. Routers    4. Router Bits   

Features

• Six bearings
• For various depths
• For flush trimming
• Combine with your bits

Reviews (9)

Obviously Improved And Now Flawless!!
I found this in a local store and was able to check it before ordering. The bearings are now all sized to fit the bit without the reducers and associated parts mentioned by earlier reviewers so it is definitely improved. The package has locations to hold each bearing when not in use and the cut is excellent. I have now made hundreds of cuts at various depths and it still cuts beautifully.

I think it has improved!
I read all the review in Amazon.com about this bit and hesitated to order it. I've had good luck with all the Freud blades in the past so I gave it a try despite all the bad reviews. I put the bit to test as soon as it arrived. Everything fit perfectly. Cut was very good and it is all made in Italy. There is nothing written on the bearing as one reader mentioned that it was made in China. I think may be because of the bad reviews Freud might have made improvement. One thing I still don't know it how long it will last. But looking at fit and finish it looks like a good product.

Wrong parts included - Warning: you could be next!
I wish I had read the reviews first, then I would have known to check for parts that don't fit.But I've had good luck in the past with Freud bits and thought I was getting a quality product.I discovered tonight (like many others) that the 5/16 reducers don't fit the 7/8 bearing.

Not only do they lack quality control at the plant, but how many of these are still sitting on shelves waiting to suprise the next unfortunate buyer?Ever heard of a recall or Service Bulletin?How did I happen upon one 2 years and 8 months after they knew about the problem?(See other reviews.) Or was this the fault of the retailer or distributor?

The irony of it all is I happened to "luck-up" and find it in-stock at the local lumber yard, thus avoiding the added delay and expense of ordering on-line.This particular lumber yard is14.5 miles up the road from Freud's USA Corporate office in High Point NC.I'm considering driving the extra distance and returning it directly to the manufacturer in person in addition to writing a letter. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Freud    2. (Frued)    3. Routers    4. .50-inch Shank Bits    5. (1/2)    6. Router Bits   

Features

• Wooden storage box
• 1/2-inch shank
• 3/8-inch bearing included in this set will convert all five bits to beading bits
• Can be used on hand-held and table-mounted routers
• Cut through a variety of materials including composition, plywood, hardwood, and softwood

Subjects:  1. Freud    2. (Frued)    3. Routers    4. Router Bits   

Features

• Wood case
• Five piece cabinet door set
• 1/2-inch shank
• Use with table mounted router
• Includes 99-513 panel bit

Reviews (2)

Professional results from your home shop
Whether you are making one or twenty cabinet doors, these bits from Freud will give you the results you are looking for. Red and white oak is no match for the sharpness of these bits. My one and a half horsepower shaper is enough power to turn the raised panel bit through oak with minimal drag. More power is better but less will do. The design of the bits prevents you from taking too much bite causing kickback and dangerous flying objects. The included instruction booklet provides step-by-step detailed instructions on constructing raised panel doors. I found this very helpful. The finished edges require no sanding and the fit, if time is taken for proper set up, is unmatched by competitors sets. I am currently replacing my entire bit collection with Freud products. Two words "they work".

Freud 94-100-513 5-Piece Cabinet Door Set
This cabinet door set does an outstanding job of producing a smooth finish surface.Setups are easily accomplished and the finished styles and rails match perfectly.The panel bit produces a profile that requires no finishsanding. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Freud    2. (Frued)    3. Routers    4. Router Bits   

Features

• Limited Lifetime Warranty
• Thick micrograin carbide tips
• Kickback reducing design
• Individually computer balanced
• Precision ground for the smoothest cuts

Subjects:  1. Freud    2. (Frued)    3. Routers    4. .25-inch Shank Bits    5. (1/4)    6. Router Bits   

Features

• Multi-rabbet bits
• 1/4-inch shank
• Bearing sizes= 3/8,1/2, 5/8, 3/4, 7/8, 1-1/8, and 1-3/8-inch

Reviews (9)

Obviously Improved And Now Flawless!!
I found this in a local store and was able to check it before ordering. The bearings are now all sized to fit the bit without the reducers and associated parts mentioned by earlier reviewers so it is definitely improved. The package has locations to hold each bearing when not in use and the cut is excellent. I have now made hundreds of cuts at various depths and it still cuts beautifully.

I think it has improved!
I read all the review in Amazon.com about this bit and hesitated to order it. I've had good luck with all the Freud blades in the past so I gave it a try despite all the bad reviews. I put the bit to test as soon as it arrived. Everything fit perfectly. Cut was very good and it is all made in Italy. There is nothing written on the bearing as one reader mentioned that it was made in China. I think may be because of the bad reviews Freud might have made improvement. One thing I still don't know it how long it will last. But looking at fit and finish it looks like a good product.

Wrong parts included - Warning: you could be next!
I wish I had read the reviews first, then I would have known to check for parts that don't fit.But I've had good luck in the past with Freud bits and thought I was getting a quality product.I discovered tonight (like many others) that the 5/16 reducers don't fit the 7/8 bearing.

Not only do they lack quality control at the plant, but how many of these are still sitting on shelves waiting to suprise the next unfortunate buyer?Ever heard of a recall or Service Bulletin?How did I happen upon one 2 years and 8 months after they knew about the problem?(See other reviews.) Or was this the fault of the retailer or distributor?

The irony of it all is I happened to "luck-up" and find it in-stock at the local lumber yard, thus avoiding the added delay and expense of ordering on-line.This particular lumber yard is14.5 miles up the road from Freud's USA Corporate office in High Point NC.I'm considering driving the extra distance and returning it directly to the manufacturer in person in addition to writing a letter. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Freud    2. (Frued)    3. Routers    4. .25-inch Shank Bits    5. (1/4)    6. Router Bits   

Features

• Wooden carrying case
• 3-1/2-inch raised panel bit
• Includes 99-518 & 99-260 rail and stile
• 1/2-inch shank, individually balanced
• Use with table mounted router, 3/4-inch stock

Reviews (4)

Three and one half inch panel bits are the most popular
The 5 piece set is what I initially bought. It includes the glue up joint bit, which is nice for gettting a lot of panels to line up properly while gluing. It also includes the door lock bit, which will turn your raised panel, into a drawer front by removing the material around the edge of the back of the door face.
I bought this set as well. Why? Because when making kitchen cabinets, the raised panel bit that they provide with the 5 piece set is too small for a large cabinet. (Unless you prefer that look) So I bought this set, to pick up the 3 1/2" panel raising bit. That requires a large opening of at least 3 5/8" on the bottom of your router, and the opening on your router table as well. The Bosch 1619EVS is even larger than that. The Fein RT-1800 allows for the the use of a 3 1/2" bit, but the casting prevents you from plunging a bit that size. Not really recommended, because you might accidently adjust it into the base. Their are others also, but most fixed base 2 HP routers won't accept such a large bit. So measure first.
Overall this is a great set of bits. They do a great job, and last a long time. Highly recommended.

99-218 Problem?
For those reading the review of the 99-218 panel raiser, try using a 1/8" backcut on your panel and your alignment problems dissapear.

Nice performance but.....
I found the Freud 97-102 an excellent product. However,I found to get the maximum profile(1-1/4")and keep the panel & rails flush in the front,I had to use 3/4" stock for the panel, and at least 13/16" stock for the rails/stiles.(The panel cutter has a 5/8" depth of cut) A better choise is the Freud 97-100 set. It has the same rail/stile bits, but the panel bit included can take as little as 3/8" depth of cut and still get the full profile! This means you can use thinner stock if needed,and end up with a much better proportioned door. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Freud    2. (Frued)    3. Routers    4. Router Bits   

Features

• Impervious to chemical attack
• 1 11/16 inch diameter, ogee style, 1/2 inch shank
• Ground carbide with titanium for long life
• Anti-kickback
• Computer balanced for vibration free operation speeds over 18,000 rpm

Subjects:  1. Freud    2. (Frued)    3. Routers    4. .50-inch Shank Bits    5. (1/2)   

Features

• Kickback reducing design
• Individually computer balanced
• Includes: rail and stile, reversible glue joint, drawer lock joint and raised panel bits and wooden storage box
• Covered by Freud's limited lifetime warranty

Subjects:  1. Freud    2. (Frued)    3. Routers    4. .50-inch Shank Bits    5. (1/2)    6. Router Bits   

Editorial Review

Are expensive router bits worth the cost? After testing Freud's 1/2-inch shank set, we think the answer is yes. The features found in these Freud bits--long-lasting micrograin carbide/titanium tips, tri-metal brazing, and an antikickback design--make them a better choice than less-expensive options. Each Freud bit is computer-balanced to run vibration- and chatter-free at speeds well in excess of the typical 22,000 rpm of most routers. These bits have a high shear angle that produces less tear-out and chatter marks, leaving a cross-grained cut that requires little or no sanding. Multiaxis grinding helps ensure the proper relief angle on cutting edges regardless of how the bit is oriented. The kit includes a variety of useful bits most frequently used by woodworkers and comes in a sturdy wooden case for maximum protection of the cutting edges. --Tim Block ... Read more

Features

• Six piece profile set
• 1/2-inch shank
• Carbide tipped
• Wood case

Reviews (1)

Freud 91-104 6-Piece Starter Set 1/2" Shank
THIS IS THE BESTBIT SETTHAT I HAVE EVER USED ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Freud    2. (Frued)    3. Routers    4. Router Bits   

Features

• Kickback reducing design for safe bit use
• Bit design makes glass doors look as good from the back as the front
• Micro grain carbide for razor sharp cuts
• Non-stick Perma-SHIELD coating reduces gumming, rusting and corrosion
• Precision computer balanced bits for extreme accuracy

Reviews (1)

Frustration
Freud 99-280 Recoverable Bead Glass Door Bit Set, do a beautiful job once you have zeroed in on the right settings. However doing that is a VERYdifficult job, and is reallyfrustrating. The problem is exacerbated by the fact that Freud mysteriously provides no instructions , diagrams or even any recommendations for their use. I have tons of Freud blades and router bits, and my biggest complaint is they almost never have any instructions. The biggest problem with this bit set is when you remove the glass bead. If you are of a 32nd of an inch the tenons will be either to short or to long, and in the earlier case there is no way to correct it. I will still buy Freud products, but I wish they would spend a few bucks and create an instruction manual. Many of their competitors have already done so. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Routers    2. Router Bits   

Features

• Impervious to chemical attack
• 1/2-inch diameter, 1-1/2-inch height, 1/2-inch shank
• Ground carbide with titanium for long life
• Anti-kickback
• Computer balanced for vibration free operation speeds over 22,000 RPM

Reviews (2)

Its the real deal
As the previous reviewer said, this bit comes sharp and stays sharp.I have enjoyed super smooth cuts in flat sawn red oak, quarter sawn white oak, poplar, pine, and walnut.I can't say enough how good this bit is for flush trimming both free hand and in a table.

I highly recommend it!

Keeps going, and going, and going........
And still doesn't need sharpening!!I have used this bit a lot and it is still sharp and doesn't seem like it will ever die!!Fabulous!!5 Stars! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Freud    2. (Frued)    3. Routers    4. .50-inch Shank Bits    5. (1/2)   

Features

• Impervious to chemical attack
• 1/2-inch diameter, 14-degree angle, 1/2-inch shank
• Ground carbide with titanium for long life
• Anti-kickback
• Computer balanced for vibration free operation speeds over 22,000 RPM

Reviews (2)

This is a great bit
I used this bit in a 2.25hp router (and Porter-Cable guide bushing) to make some dovetails with a jig.Cuts in quartersawn white oak were super smooth, with hardly any tear-out.I also used this bit in a router table setup, again with a 2.25hp router, and the cuts were just as impressive.

Overall this is a very high quality bit at a very good price.I highly recommend it!

Freud dovetail bit, 1/2" shank
What can I say?? Fantastic bit, extremely sharp, cut through redquartersawn oak with no chip out at the ends - One of the nicest bits I'veused. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Freud    2. (Frued)    3. Routers    4. .50-inch Shank Bits    5. (1/2)   

Features

• Kickback reducing design
• Individually computer balanced
• Precision ground for the smoothest cuts
• Covered by Freud's limited lifetime warranty

Subjects:  1. Freud    2. (Frued)    3. Routers    4. .25-inch Shank Bits    5. (1/4)   

Features

• Multi-profile bit & 99-511 panel bit, wood case
• Five piece set with perfecta bit
• 39 molding patterns
• Use with1/2-inch shank table mounted router 3/4-inch stock
• Includes reversible glue joint bit, raised panel bit, rail & stile set,

Subjects:  1. Freud    2. (Frued)    3. Routers    4. Router Bits   

Features

• Impervious to chemical attack
• 1/2-inch diameter,14-degree angle 1/4-inch shank
• Ground carbide with titanium for long life
• Anti-kickback
• Computer balanced for vibration free operation at speeds over 22,000 RPM

Reviews (2)

This is a great bit
I used this bit in a 2.25hp router (and Porter-Cable guide bushing) to make some dovetails with a jig.Cuts in quartersawn white oak were super smooth, with hardly any tear-out.I also used this bit in a router table setup, again with a 2.25hp router, and the cuts were just as impressive.

Overall this is a very high quality bit at a very good price.I highly recommend it!

Freud dovetail bit, 1/2" shank
What can I say?? Fantastic bit, extremely sharp, cut through redquartersawn oak with no chip out at the ends - One of the nicest bits I'veused. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Freud    2. (Frued)    3. Routers    4. .25-inch Shank Bits    5. (1/4)   

Features

• Kickback reducing design
• Individually computer balanced
• Precision ground for the smoothest cuts
• Covered by Freud's limited lifetime warranty

Subjects:  1. Freud    2. (Frued)    3. Routers    4. .50-inch Shank Bits    5. (1/2)