PSI Router Bit Chisel

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Fatdawg

Fatdawg

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Jan 28, 2011
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Bedford, PA 15522
I was flipping through the latest PSI catalog and see they are offering a new pen turning tool called router bit chisel. Looks to be so sort of cheap knock off of the woodchuck or EWT. Seams kinda dangerous to me using a router bit, two little set screws don't look very secure to hold a bit like that.

Has anyone attempted to use anything like this before Safely?
Any thoughts or comments? Maybe I'm missing something.

Heres the web link http://www.pennstateind.com/store/LCRBC.html
 
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I don't have a problem with the set screws from a safety standpoint. That is how a lot of tools are put together. There is a lot of shaft inside that handle.

I would be curious if those screws are enough to keep the bit from spinning in the handle on a catch. I don't think I have ever seen a router bit with a flat ground into it. That would play havok with the balance.

I am also wondering how useful it would be. The idea of the inexpensive micrograin carbide in a variety of blade shapes is pretty appealing, but all the router bits I know are only sharp on one side. If you present the tool directly to the blank, it will have the cutting edge up on one side and down on the other. If you come in at an angle, now you are fighting with a handle that is twisted relative to your cut line.

Overall, I am intrigued, but not enough to invest in it.
 
Looks interesting, but now $30 worth to me. I can't see being able to keep the cutting bevel aligned correctly with the wood. Everything Fibonacci said about safety and usage also. There is no way to index the cutting edge for control. Why don't you buy one, give it a try and review it on the review forum? Save us all the $30. hehehe
Charles
 
ctubbs said:
Looks interesting, but now $30 worth to me. I can't see being able to keep the cutting bevel aligned correctly with the wood. Everything Fibonacci said about safety and usage also. There is no way to index the cutting edge for control. Why don't you buy one, give it a try and review it on the review forum? Save us all the $30. hehehe
Charles
Click to expand...

Thats OK, I'll let that up to the more experienced guys here. I have a complete set of the EWT tools. I've seen lots of interesting but wierd homemade thingies here and wondered if anyone has tried it yet.
 
I was curios as to whether it worked or not so I made my own.I used a piece of 5/8" rod I had laying around and bored a 1/4" hole in one end for the router bit then drilled and tapped a hole in the side for a set screw.As far as functionality it does not work well for turning pens or spindles.But it does work great for finishing the inside of bowls.Ill post a pic or two of it when I get home.
 
I made a similar tool myself a few years ago using a drill bit extension rod. No drilling, no tapping, just made a handle. Limited utility with regular !/4" shaft router bits. Still sitting in the corner of my shop. Maybe they send a special cutting bit with it? My core box bits didn't seem that effective...........
 
A review.

My son gave me one for Christmas and I have to admit I like it!

The length of the tool and it's balance feel very good in my hand. The router bit did a good job in shaping a spindle that I tried it on. That's the only workout I've given it to date.

Based on a quick 'honey I have to go out to the shop for a few minutes' test on Christmas day, I think it will be a good addition to my turning arsenal. I'm positive it won't replace any gouges or scrapers in my shop but for spindles, bowls and rough shaping pen blanks - it should do just fine.

My son tried it and he was grinning as to how easy it was to quickly shape out a piece of hard dried pine we grabbed to test it with. Normally this type of wood tears and is a real pain to shape out, but the router bit did a good job and was still very sharp after we cut down about 3 inches into the wood blank.
 
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