Likes: 0
Needs Pictures: 0
Picture(s) thanks: 0
Results 1 to 14 of 14
-
12th November 2016, 09:40 AM #1SENIOR MEMBER
- Join Date
- Jun 2003
- Location
- Brisbane, Qld
- Posts
- 942
Torquata and CMT router bit impressions
Hi folks,
Timbecon seems to be running a sale on router bits this weekend:
https://www.timbecon.com.au/
Anyone tried their torquata bits? Worth a go or too cheap to be any good?
Cheers,
Danny
-
12th November 2016 09:40 AM # ADSGoogle Adsense Advertisement
- Join Date
- Always
- Location
- Advertising world
- Posts
- Many
-
12th November 2016, 09:55 AM #2GOLD MEMBER
- Join Date
- Oct 2014
- Location
- Caroline Springs, VIC
- Posts
- 1,645
The torquata bits are as good as any other bits I have used in the past. Sharp, balanced, accurately sized.
-
12th November 2016, 10:20 AM #3Member
- Join Date
- Sep 2006
- Location
- Brisbane
- Posts
- 73
I suppose it depends what and how you're cutting. IME there's a noticeable step up from the cheaper stuff to CMT, Whiteside etc.
If it's only getting occasional light use you'd be fine with the home brand stuff, but if you're using them a lot, cutting harder woods or getting into longer cutting lengths or larger diameter profiles the brand names really come into their own and often pay for themselves in efficiency and longevity.
-
12th November 2016, 01:02 PM #4.
- Join Date
- Feb 2006
- Location
- Perth
- Posts
- 27,796
When I first bought a router more than a decade ago I didn't see myself being a frequent user so I just bought a small set of 1/4" Torquata bits to get me started.
Apart from one the 1/4" shafted bits, which I managed to bend the shaft, they all still work.
For heavier duty use I have bought and now have an assortment of better quality bits, and a few expensive all carbide bits.
Initially I started out keeping them all separate but now I just grab the first one I can find irrespective of the job.
-
12th November 2016, 01:32 PM #5SENIOR MEMBER
- Join Date
- Jun 2003
- Location
- Brisbane, Qld
- Posts
- 942
Sounds like they are good enough for me to take advantage of the sale - they are impressively cheap at 30% off.
Thanks all! This is for a new router table setup - once it's up and running I'll try to remember to report back.
-
12th November 2016, 02:44 PM #6SENIOR MEMBER
- Join Date
- Jul 2009
- Location
- inverloch
- Posts
- 472
I bought the torquata 1/2" boxed set a while ago and I am very happy with them.
-
12th November 2016, 03:12 PM #7
When I bought my Incra LS I bought the Torquata set for Incra at a very considerable saving over the Whiteside set. They have proven to be very accurate and accuracy is paramount with the Incra dovetail and fingerjoint templates. They have also lasted very well.
I have over the years added to my router bit collection, nearly all of them are Torquata, usually bought when on special when they are even better value than when they are at their normal price.
Highly recommended.
-
24th January 2019, 03:50 PM #8GOLD MEMBER
- Join Date
- Nov 2018
- Location
- Newcastle
- Posts
- 1,016
Resurrecting an oldish thread - any update from torquata bit users? I need to get an edge trim spiral downcut bit. $99 torquata vs $139 CMT... or 119 vs 169 for the 50mm cut length. Carbitech bits are $10 cheaper than CMT.
I’m not a fan of cheap tools, but the comments above seem to suggest that the Torquatas are ok. But if anything’s going to reveal a weakness, its something that is ploughing 50mm of cut through a piece of wood...
-
24th January 2019, 04:19 PM #9SENIOR MEMBER
- Join Date
- Jun 2003
- Location
- Brisbane, Qld
- Posts
- 942
I've only done a little routing since this thread, but happy with the torquatas based on that minimal experience.
-
24th January 2019, 06:33 PM #10GOLD MEMBER
- Join Date
- May 2011
- Location
- Albury
- Posts
- 3,040
There is a thread on here somewhere started by a member who ended up buying the Torquata solid carbide spiral bearing bit. From memory he was happy with it. I personally wouldn't have any qualms about buying one of those bits. Any solid carbide spiral bit that is made using virgin, graded material will have no trouble dealing with wood and I can't imagine that a manufacturer would use inferior material to make such a specialised bit. The process of making these bearing guided bits is quite demanding and requires more specialised machines than that needed for bits without bearings. Go for it.
Any particular reason you're after a downcut?
-
24th January 2019, 08:08 PM #11GOLD MEMBER
- Join Date
- Nov 2018
- Location
- Newcastle
- Posts
- 1,016
-
24th January 2019, 08:19 PM #12
I don't have any Torquata bits to comment on ,I do have mainly CMT as well as Carbi-tool bits in my go to bits.I do like the CMT bits although exxy they do as clean a finish as you wish for.
Johnno
Everyone has a photographic memory, some just don't have film.
-
24th January 2019, 08:52 PM #13GOLD MEMBER
- Join Date
- May 2011
- Location
- Albury
- Posts
- 3,040
Yep, that's right. From the prices you've quoted I'm guessing the bit you're looking at is 1/2" diameter? If you're only trimming off a small margin there are no additional considerations over an upcut, but if the amount of stock you're removing is considerable be aware of the significant upward (ie. away from the stock) pressure the bit can produce, virtually lifting the router or stock depending on whether you're freehand or table routing respectively.
-
25th January 2019, 04:21 PM #14GOLD MEMBER
- Join Date
- Nov 2018
- Location
- Newcastle
- Posts
- 1,016
Similar Threads
-
Bosch GOF1600 CE router - First impressions.
By dalejw in forum HAND TOOLS - POWEREDReplies: 84Last Post: 19th March 2017, 12:14 AM -
Pimp my Torquata router table!
By pellcorp in forum ROUTING FORUMReplies: 8Last Post: 11th September 2009, 08:48 AM -
Torquata Router Plate
By maxdangerous in forum ROUTING FORUMReplies: 2Last Post: 2nd June 2008, 11:37 AM -
torquata router bit set
By Trav in forum ROUTING FORUMReplies: 7Last Post: 6th October 2004, 10:17 AM -
Torquata Router Plate - More
By smidsy in forum ROUTING FORUMReplies: 21Last Post: 24th September 2004, 01:13 PM