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  1. #1
    Join Date
    Jun 2003
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    Brisbane, Qld
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    939

    Default 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

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  3. #2
    Join Date
    Oct 2014
    Location
    Caroline Springs, VIC
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    1,645

    Default

    The torquata bits are as good as any other bits I have used in the past. Sharp, balanced, accurately sized.

  4. #3
    Join Date
    Sep 2006
    Location
    Brisbane
    Posts
    73

    Default

    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.

  5. #4
    Join Date
    Feb 2006
    Location
    Perth
    Posts
    27,741

    Default

    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.

  6. #5
    Join Date
    Jun 2003
    Location
    Brisbane, Qld
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    Default

    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.

  7. #6
    Join Date
    Jul 2009
    Location
    inverloch
    Posts
    472

    Default

    I bought the torquata 1/2" boxed set a while ago and I am very happy with them.

  8. #7
    Join Date
    Nov 2006
    Location
    Bendigo Victoria
    Age
    80
    Posts
    16,560

    Default

    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.

  9. #8
    Join Date
    Nov 2018
    Location
    Newcastle
    Posts
    1,014

    Default

    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...

  10. #9
    Join Date
    Jun 2003
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    Brisbane, Qld
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    I've only done a little routing since this thread, but happy with the torquatas based on that minimal experience.

  11. #10
    Join Date
    May 2011
    Location
    Albury
    Posts
    3,010

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    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?

  12. #11
    Join Date
    Nov 2018
    Location
    Newcastle
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    Quote Originally Posted by aldav View Post
    Any particular reason you're after a downcut?
    I figured I’m usually trimming from the top of these larger surfaces - ie the ‘good’ visible surface. My understanding (limited) of the downcut is that it will give a better finish on the top surface than the bottom of the cut.

  13. #12
    Join Date
    Jun 2000
    Location
    Western Australia
    Age
    77
    Posts
    3,679

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    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.

  14. #13
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    May 2011
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    Albury
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    Quote Originally Posted by Bernmc View Post
    I figured I’m usually trimming from the top of these larger surfaces - ie the ‘good’ visible surface. My understanding (limited) of the downcut is that it will give a better finish on the top surface than the bottom of the cut.
    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.

  15. #14
    Join Date
    Nov 2018
    Location
    Newcastle
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    Default

    Quote Originally Posted by aldav View Post
    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.
    This is not something I thought about. Thanks.

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