Whiteside Router Bits 3000 Template Bit with Ball Bearing

I’m building cabinets from 3/4 plywood so I cut the case sides a little oversized then put a straightedge along the finish cut line and this bit trims to the exact line. After I make the first 1/4 in pass the work piece is the guide for the rest. Using it in a plunge router so it is easy to make successive passes.

I purchased the same bit at three different cut depth: Whiteside model #3000, #3001 and #3004. Be aware they are not for heavy work like (typically found at) Carpentry but they have place for furniture and cabinet making. I love to have all of them as it is easy to work with quite similar bits with interchanged bearings. I just work with the smaller of them, the #3000 model and as expected it performed spotless even for very heavy ipe wood. I expect the other two bits are at the same quality level. Strongly recommended.

Really good quality for the money. I have a selection of their bits, and they are excellent.

I bought this bit to route using guitar templates, both on the neck and body. Since it only removes 1/4 inch at a time, you wont get any tear-out and it leaves a very smooth edge on your work piece. After you use this to route the top 1/4 inch, you can remove your template and use your top routed layer as your template, which removes the risk of wearing your template by running a bearing on it repeatedly. I use this on my hand-held 1/4 shank Makita palm router and it works flawlessly. Go slowly and it will get the job done. For the price, its an amazing little bit.

Im sure the bit works well, but I cant speak on that just yet, since I havent been able to use it. I want to make cuts using a template, but since the allen key necessary to adjust the bearing doesnt come with it, I now need to go and get one. It cant cost that much to include the Allen key with the bit.

Ive had two instances where the hex screw on the bearing lock collar falls off during normal use. Luckily, Ive been able to retrieve the screw, but its unclear whether the problem is with the screw or the lock collar (e.g., a hairline fracture). Very disappointed!

I used this for 1.5 hours before the bearing disintegrated. So my project was put on hold while I sourced more bearings. At $8/each theyre not cheap and neither is this bit. Other reviews have reported the same. Next time Ill go with a CMT bit. If you need bearings, search for whiteside b9 bearing.

Nice router bit and cuts well but the set screw comes loose and falls out and by the time you realize its missing its hard to find in the waste on the floor, if it hasnt been flung off to the far reaches of the workshop.

Replacement tool, always use these tools.

I have other bits but these are by far the best I’ve used and continue to use. I get them direct or from bitsbits with astra coating which is amazing.