Warning: cheap T-molding router bit cost me a full day of rework

I was trimming T-molding on a laminate countertop job in Denver last Wednesday and my cheap bit started chattering on the third pass. It left a jagged edge that looked like a beaver chewed it. I spent 4 hours sanding and filling that one counter before I gave up and drove to a real tool supplier. The replacement bit was $38 and cut through the next three countertops like butter. No chatter, no burn marks, and I finished the whole job in the time I wasted on that first one. Has anyone else had a cheap bit ruin a whole day of work?

2 comments

2 Comments

alice_reed473d ago

Man, that stinks. What brand was the cheap bit? I've had good luck with Whiteside bits for trim work, they're pricier but worth it for clean edges.

the_anna3d ago

Oh man, I kinda disagree actually. I've had a couple Whiteside bits snap on me, and honestly the cheap no-name ones from Amazon have held up way better in my experience.