Does anyone know wher I can find a spiral down-cut template bit with a top bearing? I've found them for flush trim applications but nothing for template applications.

thanks.

Please explain? Wouldn't you want a flush-trim bit for this?

Whiteside makes a great top-double-bearing spiral bit for this. Woodcraft sells them
http://www.woodcraft.com/family.aspx?familyid=8004.

Please explain? Wouldn't you want a flush-trim bit for this?

Whiteside makes a great top-double-bearing spiral bit for this. Woodcraft sells them
http://www.woodcraft.com/family.aspx?familyid=8004.

Grumpy uses the Zip spiral flush trim bits that you can get at the BORG.

I do all my template work with a rub collar and straight (or the occasional dovetail for neck joints) bits. The bits are cheaper, abundant and it's easier to adjust depth of cut.

-C

"chipping" should not be a function of where the reference (collar or bearing) is. When I say "straight" I mean a cutter that does not have a contour. I use straight spiral bits for template work.
I sense a need for a template tutorial....
-C

Try this link to a previous thread...

http://www.luthiersforum.com/forum/view ... router+bit

If it doesn't work, search for my name and "spiral bit".

I ended up buying the Oemco bit. It's a monster but it works great.

edit: I just saw that you are thinking hand-held. The Oemco bit is way to big for that. The other one mentioned might work.

By the way, thanks for that info, Charles.

Yes, chipping has nothing to do with where the bearing is. However, my template is stationary and the material is only accessible from the top (the template is part of a larger fixture). So, the router is handheld and follows the template. Therefore, the bearing has to be on the collet side of the bit. That's why I am looking for a spiral or shear cutting template bit as opposed to a flush trim bit. I know what bits to use where and why. I am just looking for the bit I know will suit my needs.