Shear-cutting trim bits leave silky surfaces

When I first saw Whiteside’s Ultimate line of trim bits, I couldn’t wait to get my hands on them. These 1⁄2-in. shank, solid-carbide router bits utilize a high-angle, shear-cutting action with a compression effect that pulls material toward the center of the cut, reducing tearout on both edges at once. There are three versions: flush, with the bearing on top; pattern, with the bearing on the bottom; and combination, with bearings on top and bottom. I used the bits on a variety of materials, from hardwoods to Baltic-birch plywood, and even superdense solid surface material. The results were spectacular! The bits leave a crisp, clean surface with no fuzz. The bits are only 1-1⁄8 in. long, which is fine for most projects. But for thicker parts you’ll have to make additional passes at a different depth. It would be incredibly handy to have a bit length of 1-1⁄2 in. to 2 in. Also, the 7⁄8 in.-dia. bits have to be run slowly (Whiteside recommends no faster than 18,000 rpm.) These bits are expensive about double the price of other 1⁄2-in.-shank solid-carbide spiral flush-trimming bits. But for me, the results are worth it, as the bits save me the time and labor needed to smooth routed edges. Whiteside’s Ultimate Trim Bits have earned a spot in my must-have router bit category.