SpeTool 1/4 Inch Shank Downcut Spiral Router Bit 1/4 Inch Cutting Diameter 1 inch Cutting Length with Extra Long Life Coating CNC Router Bits End Mill for Woodwork Mortise Slot

The key here is understanding what you are buying and how it works.A compression bit attempts to combine the up-cut and down-cut spiral bits, but in doing so it requires a transition point that goes from up-cut to down-cut. This bit transitions at about 3/16" from the tip of the cutter. This means if you only plunge 3/16", or less, you will only engage the up-cut portion, unless you make more passes on both sides at a depth over 3/16", you will not get the benefit of having both on a single bit.Up-cut leaves a cleaner bottom, down-cut a cleaner surface edge. Basically pick where you will risk tear-out or a rougher surface. To get the best of both your initial cut needs to clear 3/16" or else you have to expand it at full depth.If you are looking for a clean face, as in less surface tear out, and won't be going deep on your cuts... this isn't the right bit. Go buy one of their down-cut spiral bits.For the price I decided to give this brand a go over my normal brand that is quite expensive, and so far so good. Early results - 1 project done - are that it is sharp and when used correctly leaves a good surface and bottom.Longevity is always the question with less expensive bits. This isn't a "cheap" bit, per se, but it is in that mid-tier area. I won't know how this truly does for another couple of months, but if it lasts anywhere over half as long as the other bits, at about half the price, it is a win.I normally avoid 1/4" shank bits when I need to plunge a ways down, but no one seems to make a 1/2" shank compression, so 1/4" it is. If they made this with a 1/2" shank I'd pay more for that in a second.I am not sure if these have an actual coating that will extend life by cooling the bit, or if it is cosmetic only, so don't assume the unique colors mean it has a proprietary coating that another brand has. It does look cool, though, lol.So far, so good, and I am considering testing out a downcut of their as well, instead of my normal brand. The price is very alluring, and if their total line is quality then switching over may be worth it.

Excellent cutter. I purchased to use in my CNC machine and could't better satisfied. Smooth and efficient. Definitely recommend.

Wow!!! This spiral router bit works great!!! Used it to make circle cut outs for speakers. Very clean cuts. Not sure how long it will stay sharp but if it doesn’t last long, I will update my review.

I needed to cut out a lot of pieces from 1/2" plywood. To get the least tear out, you normally have to use a down cut bit for the top surface, and then finish with an up cut bit for the bottom. Changing bits is very time consuming, so I thought I would try a compression bit to get the best of both worlds with one bit. While it is not as good as the two bit system it is quite acceptable for my project.

I tried this bit as a replacement for my 1/2" Amana Specktra end mill ($123) while it was off being sharpened. I must say, I am amazed. I made long 1/4" cuts (not very deep) in hard white oak and this bit left a smooth finish and was accurate. I never push my bits to hard or use fast feed rates, but if this bit has any durability, it is a real bargain at $38.

Super sharp and the cut quality is great. I’ve been spending 3x this on other bits and I can’t believe how well these cut.

Worked well for plunge drilling a cribbage board.

I didn’t need to make a deep groove, so it lasted a long time. Hard to find 1/16” and I was delighted to find this. My wood could chip easily, so I needed to sand the grooves, but I think that was more a function of my material than the bit.