Mike

There are many manufacturers of bits. They often use the same specifications for diameters and bearings but not all the time. When the original bits were no longer available Rick went searching and decided that the Freud bits were the best replacement and suggests them to anyone who purchases the raised panel system. I believe this decision was based on cost and availability. Once you get your catalog from Freud you are more than welcome to cross check them against other brands and post any additional sets that will work. Odds are other companies will have them available too. Since you are experienced in specifying this should be a piece of cake for you. I am not retired and between forum duties and paying the bills my days are full. If I seemed short with my responses please understand that I attended my best friends funeral today and I am not my usual smiling self. It has been a bad week for me.

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Mike

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challagan

Sorry to hear that Mike.

Corey

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dadsalmon

Sorry to hear you're going through a rough time Mike. I hope you will have better days ahead. I sincerely appreciate any help you and others give to me and each other. I think that's what this forum is all about. Rich

tpyke

I have the Freud 99-261 and am using the Oak Park raised panel jig and they work great. Plus, I find that the design of the bead actually looks better than the 2 in 1 bit OP use to carry.

What I'm wondering though is why can't we use a panel cutting bit with a cutter greater than 3"? I understand the need for a 1/2" bearing, because the bearing needs to be at a certain distance in relation to the fence, but can someone explaoin to me the reasoning for the cutter? Is it just because of the hole in the fence? If I were to get one of those 3 1/8" Freud panel bit with a back cutter and simply made the hole in my fence bigger, would I be able to use this bit with the raised panel assembly?

mftha

The problem is the opening in the base plate. I have been contemplating widening the opening so tha it is large enough to take the MLCS 3 7/8 inch rings.

I am going to try to get the MLCS stacked rail and stile bits to work.

As you can see I have plans but there will be no action until it warms up.

Best of Luck