WhitesideRouter Bits RU5200T Three Flute with Spiral Bit, Up Cut Solid Carbide 1/2-Inch Cutting Diameter and 2-Inch Cutting Length

I recently used this to cut out a 21” diameter lazy Susan from 1” thick walnut, ash, and blood wood. The edge was absolutely clean and never bogged the router down once. All of my Whiteside bits outperform the Freud bits I own. Just be careful because this thing is razor sharp.

At a guess, I have something like 50 router bits, but well over half of what I payed for them in total was for just two of those bits. Both were Whiteside bits. The other was an up and down 7/8" flush trim with bearings at both ends which is a joy to use. This is the second 1/2 spiral bit. The other shattered when a brass Porter Cable type guide bushing came loose and jammed the bit in the tenon it was cutting. These carbidw bits will certainly shatter if they get into situations like that. But they make up for it by cutting _way_ more cleanly than run of the mill bits with straight flutes. As I said above, they are a joy to use. Just don't drop them on a concrete floor.

I purchased this VERY NICE 1/2" bit in 12/2015, it has performed exceptionally well, in many different species from Hard Maple, Purpleheart, Bubinga, Zebrawood, EVEN twisted grain Rustic Knotty Hickory- every project I use this bit on, comes out with almost "NO" strands of grain hanging in the cut, I have been building "Heirloom Quality" Custom Woodwork for 35+ years and when I can find a well cutting router bit such as this, I "baby" it- never "Hog" into any cuts, keep it clean and sharp- the fact that it has "3" flutes is partially why it out performs all other 1/2" bits, the "secret" behind this is a very tight microstructure of carbide AND proper "Heat Treatment"- when hardening and tempering a very complex matrix that lends to the ability for this bit to stay sharp- it requires a very lengthy time and proper internal tension relief (I worked as a Metalsmith for 3 years) and the shop that has the ability to perform the processes (and the "Person" to Q.A. the processes) is VERY costly, I will be buying more of this type of bit as soon as I can find a good price (this is a very good price) I would like some different sizes, I have $5,000.00 invested in my Router Table (not including the bits, the JessEm hold downs) - if you take care of good equipment, it will last for generations- Thanks Amazon for the reviews, the folks who take time to write them, and to "Whiteside" for such a wonderful bit- Happy Wood Shavings !

Don't get me wrong, this is NOT a negative review. Well packed and super sharp (as always). Just be careful when opening B-)

I purchased the same bit including bearings and straight (three flutes): Whiteside model #RFTD5200 and #RU5200T.They are for medium and heavy work like (typically found at) Carpentry and some heavier furniture making. It is psychologically comfortable to use a such heavy duty bit as you will feel it is very improbable it breaks even at difficult situations. You can feel the bit is very solid.After a couple of months I did not have a chance to use it in a real job but I made a pair of very successful tests routing some slots in very hard wood (ipe) and I am convinced it will not frustrate me when at actual use. Recommended.

This bit performs really well. I used it to cut dados into oak and maple and it produces a very nice cut and goes through it like butter. It is a bit on the expensive side but I have several Whiteside bits and they are nice.

Cuts cleanly for box joints though backing is necessary to prevent blowout, but this is true for any bit.

The diameter was as close as I could measure with digital calipers to .500 inches as specified.The cuts in veneered plywood are clean and without chips both across and with the grain. The bottom of the cut was flat and smooth.The bit exceeded my expectations and needs in all parameters.This is an UPDATE- I have used this bit several times since first reviewed and felt compelled to add to it's praises.This bit has exceeded my expectations with every use. It is the sharpest bit I own (be careful - I cut myself installing it ) . It leaves a smooth flat bottom and clean edges - even in plywood. It melts away material when cleaning out a pocket and leaves feathery thin chips like a well tuned and sharpened hand plane.