Whiteside Router Bits RFTD2100 1/4-Inch Cutting Diameter and Spiral Flush Trim Bit with Down Cut

Absolutely amazing router bit. Well worth the cost.

I am a huge Freud fan but thought that I would give Whiteside a try since I’ve heard a lot of good about them. This bit is second to none, hands down. It is quieter, smoother abs way faster than any straight fluted but I’ve ever used.

This bit is absolutely incredible--the sharpest, cleanest cutting bit Ive ever used. There isnt much to say other than that this is the most well-machined and smooth-cutting bit Ive ever used (and I think I already said that in my last sentence). It blew through cuts removing 3/16 of endgrain of 3/4 bloodwood (which is really, really a bear to work with) with my little 1HP Bosch trim router. Not a hint of dust--only the most beautiful spiral shavings. After a fair bit of use, no sign of dulling, although I expect every bit has its day... Whiteside is an incredible company, manufacturing high-quality bits here in NC. If you need a good flush-trim bit for a 1/4 router, get this one. You should also do some research as to whether an upcutting or downcutting spiral bit is more suitable to your needs, and whether a top or bottom bearing bit is what you want. For me, this was perfect.

So idk, after reading some of the other reviews stating this bit to be super sharp and cuts like butter, maybe mine just didn’t get that edge. I bought this to cut some tight inside corners on a project I’m making, it’s fairly a small job, somewhat a biggish bandsaw box. But it’s only cutting 3/8 walnut, really shy of 3/8 but close enough. And If I turned up RPMs it wants to smoke and burn and that’s barely with the router at half speed. So I turn it down slow and can really only shave a pass at a time. Keep in mind I only have a 1/8-1/4 to trim off, but if a shave and move slow it doesn’t get hot and smoke. I really don’t see this bit being able too be used for long cutting times. I’d imagine it would get hot and break pretty quick. But I got this for special areas, not for running stock or anything heavy duty. I think either I got a dull one but it doesn’t feel like it or the cut angle is off. Either way $40 is a bit expensive but I couldn’t really find any other bits like this. It’s gonna get the job done for me tho and I like whiteside bits I have a few. I prefer CMT tho.

Cuts fast and clean

Not sure if it was user error but whenever I use this it would leave scratch marks on the template wood that I was running the ball bearing part over. So I would have to go back and sand and smooth those areas out. I never had this problem with the Freud trim bit.

Used this for a speaker build that required veneer/panel edge flush cutting work. Very sharp even after trial cuts/all cuts and routes required for a set of Devore o/96 clones. Excellent bit and super price.

I bought this bit after getting tearout with another brands flush trim bit. I used it to trim some ash, a wood notorious for tearout, edge banding down even with the plywood surface and had a glass smooth finish. This bit is the typical, excellent whiteside quality. Worth every penny.

This is the best router bit that I have ever used. I have never seen its equal. It cuts like a hot knife through warm compliant butter. Ive paid $20 for bits not 1/10 of this bits quality. I purchased 2 of these because I have a large project that I am working on, and I anticipated needing a backup. I am now done with this phase of my project and only needed 1 of the bits. I will be keeping the 2nd one as a backup. If there are better bits than this, please enlighten me, because I cannot even imagine it.

Cant recommend high enough. Quality is leaps and bounds over the cheaper alternatives.