Whiteside Router Bits 3000 Template Bit with Ball Bearing

Nice router bit and cuts well but the set screw comes loose and falls out and by the time you realize its missing its hard to find in the waste on the floor, if it hasnt been flung off to the far reaches of the workshop.

This thing is basically perfect and I cant really think of how itd be better.

Its nice to have a small pattern bit available, lets you take smaller bites at a time.

I purchased this bit to route (28) 2 diameter X 3/16 deep holes in oak. The bit worked fine for the first 10 holes. Then it began to wear. It became difficult to push thru the wood and started to burn the wood. It took several hours of tedious sanding to remove the burn marks. The reason I gave it two stars instead of one is that the bit cut well at first and did a good job of removing chips into my vacuum attachment. By the way, I let the bit cool for 5 minutes after every 4 holes.

I’m building cabinets from 3/4 plywood so I cut the case sides a little oversized then put a straightedge along the finish cut line and this bit trims to the exact line. After I make the first 1/4 in pass the work piece is the guide for the rest. Using it in a plunge router so it is easy to make successive passes.

I have other bits but these are by far the best I’ve used and continue to use. I get them direct or from bitsbits with astra coating which is amazing.

Ive had two instances where the hex screw on the bearing lock collar falls off during normal use. Luckily, Ive been able to retrieve the screw, but its unclear whether the problem is with the screw or the lock collar (e.g., a hairline fracture). Very disappointed!

I used this for 1.5 hours before the bearing disintegrated. So my project was put on hold while I sourced more bearings. At $8/each theyre not cheap and neither is this bit. Other reviews have reported the same. Next time Ill go with a CMT bit. If you need bearings, search for whiteside b9 bearing.

I purchased the same bit at three different cut depth: Whiteside model #3000, #3001 and #3004. Be aware they are not for heavy work like (typically found at) Carpentry but they have place for furniture and cabinet making. I love to have all of them as it is easy to work with quite similar bits with interchanged bearings. I just work with the smaller of them, the #3000 model and as expected it performed spotless even for very heavy ipe wood. I expect the other two bits are at the same quality level. Strongly recommended.

This bit did exactly what I bought it for (bought it for cleaning out the pins on dovetails). Whiteside bits are very high quality and this was no exception. Not the cheapest, but I think definitely worth it long term.