[NewMontanaWorkshop]

I'm using some templates to route various items using Cherry, Ash, Oak and Walnut. In the process I'm getting occasional bad tearouts.

Right now I am using a standard straight 1/4" pattern cutting bit with the bearing on top.

Would a spiral pattern bit reduce the amount of tearout?

Thanks.

 

[NewMontanaWorkshop]

Stan,

I don't ever recall seeing top bearing spiral bits..... have you spotted some somewhere?

Something like this (actually called a Flush Trim Spiral Bit -- now that I have looked one up ).
http://www.woodworkersworld.net/flush_trim_bits.shtml#sc
The flush trim spiral bit is towards the bottom of the page.