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Does anyone make a 1/4" pattern cutting bit? 1/2" are easy to find, but I'd like a smaller diameter like 1/4". ...Like a flush cut but with the bearing on the other end. I can't seem to find one...
Thanks,
Steve

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Steve Sollod (pronounced sorta like "Solid")
www.swiftcreekguitars.com

Lee Valley

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Doug

Don't let fear or common sense stop you from trying to build something

Nice guess Doug, but I didn't see one on the Lee Valley website (unless I missed it...). I found a way to use my 1/4" flush cutting bit for my immediate need, but I'd sure like to find a 1/4" pattern cutting bit...

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Steve Sollod (pronounced sorta like "Solid")
www.swiftcreekguitars.com

Smallest I've seen is the 3/8" bit at stewmac, and Amana makes a similar one.

Not a guess.
http://www.leevalley.com/en/Wood/page.aspx?p=51851&cat=1,46168,69435,46171&ap=1

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Doug

Don't let fear or common sense stop you from trying to build something

That'll work. I didn't see it when I looked before. Thanks Doug. I'd prefer one without the bearing on the bottom for some applications, but this one will work for others. I just cut out an f-hole using my 1/4" flush cut bit, but I had to go at it from the back of the top (not attached yet). Would have liked to go at it from the front...

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Steve Sollod (pronounced sorta like "Solid")
www.swiftcreekguitars.com

Whiteside has a spiral flush cut bit in a 1/4" diameter cut and a bearing on the end. RFT2100 (up cut) RFTD2100 (down cut).

I do believe that while it is 1/4" shank, it is 1/2" or 3/4" cutter diameter...

Exactly what I came here to post. I just bought one to route a pickguard for an archtop with tight curves. Cool design. The bearing is pressed on. Your local Woodcraft will probably have it in stock.

That's also my understanding of the specs...

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Alain Moisan
Former full time builder of Acoustics, Classicals and Flamencos.
(Now building just for fun!)

I've got a 1/4" pattern bit with the bearing on the end (only way they will work of course) that I got at Woodworker's Source. Great for cutting pickguards to match neck pockets on electrics and stuff.

Steve,

What you are looking for sounds like a scary bit. 1/4" shank bits are not very stiff to begin with, relieving the shank to add the bearing would make it much worse. Adding the mass of the cutter below the relieved shank is a good recipie for vibration and failure -and that is assuming you can figure out how to manufacture a bit with the cutter and shank having the same OD while somehow fitting a bearing with the same OD between them (2 piece shank?)

You can top pattern cut with a standard 1/4 spiral bit, just be sure you have a hard surface on the template and guide using the shank of the bit.

-jd

Not gonna find it. JD makes good points.
Try a regular 1/4" bit & a collar (adjust pattern accordingly) or pin router.

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Dave
Milton, ON

Dave,
I had a feeling I wasn't going to find it, but you and JD have good points.
Thanks Guys.

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Steve Sollod (pronounced sorta like "Solid")
www.swiftcreekguitars.com

Uhm, not to belabor a point, but Whiteside makes such a bit, we gave you the part number for it, both up spiral and down spiral, and I have one that I use....and it works perfectly well. I'll even give you a link to where you can buy it.

http://www.woodcraft.com/product/200800 ... -3-ol.aspx

or if you want down spiral

http://www.woodcraft.com/product/200800 ... -3-ol.aspx

I even took the liberty of checking stock online at the Raleigh Woodcraft, and they have both bits in stock. You can go there right now and buy one


LOL. Took me a while to find them the first time too, and as far as I know Whiteside is the only one that makes such a bit. Now excuse me while I go run around outside. We're finally getting some nice weather here

John, flush trim bits exist and the Whiteside ones you linked are very good -this is a normal application for laminate trimmers.

I believe Steve is looking for a pattern trimming bit which has the bearing located between the cutter and the collet.

-jd

Well in that case never mind.

Now if you'll parden me, I think I'll go enjoy this beautiful spring evening and full moon by running around a bit more outside.

Nope. Smallest you'll find are 3/8" bits w/1/4" shank. I roll my own w/ 3/8"straight bits, and tubes of 1/4-3/8 bearings from ebay or a hobbyshop. I very strongly suggest using 2 bearings.

MLCS also has spiral flushtrims:http://www.mlcswoodworking.com/shopsite_sc/store/html/smarthtml/pages/bt_solid.html#spiral_flushtrim_anchor

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https://soundcloud.com/jeffreylsuits/he ... -runnin-13

I searched a lot a few years back for a 1/4" pattern bit. Came to the conclusion that they don't exist. (If they do exist, as a few have said they have one - that would be awesome if someone would point out a link to where one can be found online.) Even 3/8" is rare. Like others have said, stew mac has one of those.

Can i get a free unit if i direct you to where you can purchase one?

you guys could share and buy me a 1/4 template bit for helping you guys out LOL

amana Makes them, i asked a relative of mine to buy me one before, im sure it would be easier for you guys to obtain it, people from US and Europe

here you go chaps

http://www.amanatool.com/bits-fv/mini_b ... -bits.html

or you can get them here

http://www.toolstoday.com/p-6238-miniat ... guide.aspx

if thAT doesnt work im sure you can get them here

http://www.amazon.com/Flush-Plunge-Temp ... B00DWV86J6

Cheers and i hope i help direct you guys out, not bad for my 1st post been registered before but never got to post anything

Well, I'll be..... well done Alex... learn something every day!

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Dave
Milton, ON

MLCS
http://www.mlcswoodworking.com/shopsite ... flush.html

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Another day, another dollar.

be sure to read the note on the bottom of Amana's web page on these bits

"*Reduce RPM & Feed Rates (IPM) by 30-50% to prevent tool breakage due to extremely small diameter (D). Bits are not guaranteed due to extremely small diameter."

Does anyone use the 1/4 inch shaft of a 1/4 inch end mill or a 1/4 spiral flush cut bit. I usually use pattern Barings in my router with a oversized template to match. I did use the shaft to clean out head stock slot once with success.

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http://www.Harvestmoonguitars.com

i do that when i cut my f-holes, nothing wring with it you need a thicker template so you dont cut something too deep