Thread: Timbecon spiral router bits

The 'C' classification system is the American system. C4 is a grade that is very suitable for wood, amongst other things. Have a look at this link and you will see that there is nothing simple or sensible about carbide grades - Tungsten Carbide Grades. As long as you're only working with wood there is no point in specifying grades that can handle materials beyond HRC45 and coatings are totally unnecessary. Coatings can even be detrimental because they reduce the sharpness of the bit because they are deposited after machining.

I don't think you should have any qualms about trying the Timbecon bit. In my experience they make an effort to source quality products.

What depth of cut do you need for the guitar bodies? Whiteside make a compression template/pattern bit that would be the duck's guts if it's suitable - https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/Whitesid...QAAOSwKnFaXN0p. It comes as a top, bottom or top and bottom bearing model. Is there any chance that you could reduce the size of your template so that you could use a suitable template guide bush to follow the template? This would allow you to use a high quality compression bit. You can't get a better finish than compression bits provide.

You would be doing some edge finishing on the bodies after cutting them, wouldn't you? So the finish off the router on the top and bottom of the cut probably doesn't have to be perfect anyway.

Thanks for the info mate.
I looked at those compression bits, they don't make one with a long enough cutting length.
The bodies need to be a minimum of 40 mm to accommodate the potentiometers/wiring beneath the control plate.
Bodies get a roundover top and bottom so your correct that the edges don't have to be perfect.
I think I'll give the Timbecon bit a try this time round.

Okay so I didn't end up going with the Timbecon bit, I was concerned that I was doing my usual thing, trying to get a bargain and not actually getting what I need for the job.
I ended up buying the CMT version of the same bit, at a $50 premium over the cost of the Timbecon item.
CMT spiral flush trim.jpg

Pretty happy with the outcome, no chipout on the end grain, and just a tiny bit of fur on the bottom of the piece.

pine body.jpg

I can happily recommend these bits to anyone doing similar work and wanting a quality result.
Cheers.