Customer Reviews

Freud 96-102 8-Piece Dovetail Incra Jig Bit Set with 1/2-Inch Shanks

5 star:		(6)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(3)

 

 

If you have the Incra-Jig system get the Freud bits. I bought a set of bits of dubious lineage for about half what the Freud bits cost and they did about half as good as the Freud bits. Almost all router bits do fine for the first couple of cuts, then the [low price] ones start to burn, tearout and in general make life miserable. Sooner or later, every woodworker gets over the "cheap tool" syndrome. Don't shortchange your Incra-Jig, get the Freud bits. One little gripe, I wish they would label the bits instead of just their part number.

I found the Freud bits to be very sharp and well machined, a pleasure to use. Well worth the investment.

I have many Freud bits and saw blades. I have always been very happy with their products. Recently I added an Incra LS17 super system to my shop. Because of my past experience with Freud products, I purchased the Freud 8 piece set for Incra Jig. Much to my surprise both straight cut bits in the set were undersized, and produced unacceptable box joints using Incra scales. I returned the set and replaced them with CMT which work well.

After ordering the 1/2" shank version of this set I then read the reviews. I wasn't pleased with the bad press other owners gave this set. When I received the set I first measured the staight bits and they were indeed undersized. The 3/8" bit measured .3730-.3734 over it's length and the 1/4" bit measured .2468-.2473 over it's length. After trying them both making box/finger joints on two 7" wide boxes each (two poplar and two maple) I had no problem, the joints fit together snugly not tight and were assemlable by hand. First cut verses last cut still measured the same width so initial sharpness either isn't gone or isn't going to go away. The undersized bit dimensions in conjuction with normal router runout gives the correct size fingers and grooves in they're present condition of sharpness, they may become tighter as wear occurs. Freud has addressed the bit identification issue on they're packaging by about 75%. The straight bits are identified with part number and diameter and the dovetail bits are identified with part number and angle only, no diameter. This set comes packaged in a very nice wooden fitted case with a see through clear plastic hinged lid. Overall these products didn't disappoint. Both the straight and dovetail bits cut clean, snooth and chatterfree joints. I own several Freud router bits and saw blades and have never been disappointed, these are no exception.

I don't know what the other reviewers were really complaining about. This is another great set of Freud bits. I have about 40 of their bits (as well as other vendor bits), and this is great quality as always.

The case now has markings for the degree of each dovetail bit. I wrote the cutter width on the case with a sharpie, no big deal The case seems nice as well.

Other vendors only have 6 bits in their incra set. This is great, and it works on Jointech systems as well. I've made some nice boxes with this set.

I purchased this set as Freud is a well known name, I was disapointed when I found all of the bits to have rusted shanks. I will have to spend considerable time with emory cloth and WD before they will be put into my router. The box label also only lists their part number, no size and angle for the bits. On the positive side they do appear to be well sharpened, no chips on the carbide.

As other reviews mentioned the bits are under sized and does not work with incra templates. I first tried the dovetail joints and realized that the way the incra system work would leave big gaps in both the thru and blind dovetail joints. That deceives the purpose of using a dovetail joint for it strength. Thoose gaps create a weak joint. I got another jig for dovetails and decided to use the incra for box joints. I made 2 boxes and both were so tight that it could not fit together. I measured the router bits and realized that they were under sized. I used a cheapo busy bee tornado bit and magically it worked. Very disappointing that the Freud bits are undersized and useless for the ingra jig. Don't throw your time and money away on this set.

For anyone who has a Incra System Router table these are a must have. These bits will allow you to do all the projects in the Incra workbook.
I have used Freud saw blades for years because of there quality and the superior cutting edge and these router bits definately live up to the Freud reputation. Cut after cut these bits do an excellent job and the finish cut requires no sanding. In addition the bits come in a very nice wooden box that clearly displays the bits. I'm here to tell you you will not be disappointed with this product.
Great Product, Great Price.

I have owned many Freud/Diablo router bits and saw blades and this set maintains the same high standards. Any bit will cut sharp when new. But the Freud bits and blades last much longer than cheaper brands and as long as more expensive brands like Whiteside, Infinity, Eagle America, and Lee Valley. They also did not provide a complete set of bits to match the Incra Ultra/WonderFence like Freud does. It is nice to know I can do everything in the Reference Guide with the Freud package.

Keep your bits and blades clean (I use Calgon/Simple Green) and you will get years of use from these tools. I have just cut over 1500 board feet with these bits and the dovetails/dattos are as perfect as the first.

It is the height of arrogance (and stupidity) to make router bits without showing their size on them! All you get is a 5-digit part number and a big Freud logo! How do I tell if this is 9- or 7-degree dovtail bit! If this wasn't a Christmas gift, it would be going right back. And then I tried one of their bits and it was undersized. Don't go for the name try somebody else.