Official Luthiers Forum!

Hi all,

My searches through the forum seem to be failing me—recommendations on a source for router bits for rosette routing? I’m using a dewalt 611 trim router with the precise bits collet (thanks Hesh and others!) in a homemade base (thanks Trevor G for the inspiration!) and now would appreciate a source for the best bits for both narrow purfling lines and slightly larger bits (I assume?) for clearing the main field.

Any other tips are always greatly appreciated as well!
Thanks in advance!

I've gotten my bits for rosettes (and inlays) from StewMac and MSC Industrial Supply.

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Once in a while you get shown the light in the strangest of places if you look at it right - Robert Hunter

Stew Mac for me. With the volume discount it’s a good deal.

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It's not what you don't know that hurts you, it's what you do know that's wrong.

A couple more:

https://www.hvalleytools.com/category/e ... outer-bits

https://www.precisebits.com/products/ca ... /shell.asp

https://www.6gtools.com/milling/end-mills.html

Thanks all—am I correct that the downcut bits are preferred for the rosette? Any reason I’d want to
Use a different bit, especially for thinner purfling lines?

I can't speak for everyone, but I use spiral downcut bits for cutting rosette channels because I want the cutting at the surface level to be as clean as possible, and I'm not all that worried about expelling chips/dust from the channel. That's always the choice with upcut/downcut bits. Upcut clears the chips/dust, but can leave a ragged edge at the surface. Downcut leaves a cleaner surface, but can leave the chips/dust packed into the channel. Downcut is the better choice for me in this instance.

Downcut for me too.

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Once in a while you get shown the light in the strangest of places if you look at it right - Robert Hunter

Ditto downcut. Think I got mine at Lee Valley…

I bought about 20 1/16" spiral downcut bits from drill bit city about 15 years ago that are really great; I think
I've only retired 4 after 50 or so guitars. I'm not sure if that company is still around or if their quality is the same but I can recommend the Stew Mac bits fully. I have a few of the Stew Mac bits and although pricy definitely cut cleanly and precisely. Worth the money in my opinion.