SpeTool Compression Router Bits 1/4 Inch Shank 1 Inch Cutting Length with Coated Carbide Spiral Up Down CNC Router Bit End Mills for Carving Wood Woodworking Tools

The key here is understanding what you are buying and how it works.A compression bit attempts to combine the up-cut and down-cut spiral bits, but in doing so it requires a transition point that goes from up-cut to down-cut. This bit transitions at about 3/16" from the tip of the cutter. This means if you only plunge 3/16", or less, you will only engage the up-cut portion, unless you make more passes on both sides at a depth over 3/16", you will not get the benefit of having both on a single bit.Up-cut leaves a cleaner bottom, down-cut a cleaner surface edge. Basically pick where you will risk tear-out or a rougher surface. To get the best of both your initial cut needs to clear 3/16" or else you have to expand it at full depth.If you are looking for a clean face, as in less surface tear out, and won't be going deep on your cuts... this isn't the right bit. Go buy one of their down-cut spiral bits.For the price I decided to give this brand a go over my normal brand that is quite expensive, and so far so good. Early results - 1 project done - are that it is sharp and when used correctly leaves a good surface and bottom.Longevity is always the question with less expensive bits. This isn't a "cheap" bit, per se, but it is in that mid-tier area. I won't know how this truly does for another couple of months, but if it lasts anywhere over half as long as the other bits, at about half the price, it is a win.I normally avoid 1/4" shank bits when I need to plunge a ways down, but no one seems to make a 1/2" shank compression, so 1/4" it is. If they made this with a 1/2" shank I'd pay more for that in a second.I am not sure if these have an actual coating that will extend life by cooling the bit, or if it is cosmetic only, so don't assume the unique colors mean it has a proprietary coating that another brand has. It does look cool, though, lol.So far, so good, and I am considering testing out a downcut of their as well, instead of my normal brand. The price is very alluring, and if their total line is quality then switching over may be worth it.

Cutters are sharp and perform well in my CNC at an attractive price compared to name brands

Excellent cutter. I purchased to use in my CNC machine and could't better satisfied. Smooth and efficient. Definitely recommend.

I needed to cut out a lot of pieces from 1/2" plywood. To get the least tear out, you normally have to use a down cut bit for the top surface, and then finish with an up cut bit for the bottom. Changing bits is very time consuming, so I thought I would try a compression bit to get the best of both worlds with one bit. While it is not as good as the two bit system it is quite acceptable for my project.

I fell into making cabbage boards by chance, when my son-in-law loved the coasters, I laser engraved for him and asked about a cribbage board. We have a CNC machine that has a spindle, and I decided to give that a whirl to make one for him as a special present. Little did I know, the bit type and shape plays a huge role in the quality of the product as well as protecting your machine. I needed something that would work for pulling chips out of the cut, and not overheat and potentially cause a fire when drilling dozens of holes. This is a very nice bit and I could see it used in multiple applications, but the drilling of the holes in the cribbage board was my main purpose. It has definitely met and exceeded my expectations.

Worked well for plunge drilling a cribbage board.

I tried this bit as a replacement for my 1/2" Amana Specktra end mill ($123) while it was off being sharpened. I must say, I am amazed. I made long 1/4" cuts (not very deep) in hard white oak and this bit left a smooth finish and was accurate. I never push my bits to hard or use fast feed rates, but if this bit has any durability, it is a real bargain at $38.

Wow!!! This spiral router bit works great!!! Used it to make circle cut outs for speakers. Very clean cuts. Not sure how long it will stay sharp but if it doesn’t last long, I will update my review.