Freud 03-140 1/4" Diax1-1/2" Single Flute Straight Router Bit w/1/4" Shank

I consider Freud to be one of the higher quality bits available, and they were the only manufacturer I could find that offered a 1/4 wide bit that was 1 + 1/2 inches long. But 1 + 1/2 inches long is just too long for a bit that is this thin. I tried two of them, and they both broke instantly when I tried to use them. I have many many bits and do a fair amount of router work, so yes, I do know how to use a bit properly. I was trying to clean up slots in some 1 + 1/2 inch thick stop blocks that I was making for my table sled, and even though I pre drilled the slots with drill press at slightly less than 1/4, and drilled a starter hole that was a full 1/4 or more, there is just too much lateral pressure against the bit when trying to use it. Now I see why none of the other manufacturers even try to offer a bit this size.... it just doesn't work. I don't blame the manufacturer, I don't blame the quality of the bit. This size just doesn't work. I have gone to another Freud bit - a 1/4 diameter by 1 inch double flute, and simply run the bit through the slot, then flip it over and run it again from the other side. This works. So.... don't spend your money or your time trying to use this bit, but use the shorter bit that can handle the lateral forces.

Probably because it's single Flute, I have a really hard time using this bit. It doesn't cut as straight or as smooth as I'd like and it fights me quite a bit more than other bits I have. But it is very nice and long and not exceptionally expensive and as such I am happy to have added it to my collection

This bit did the job but - my mistake - I meant to buy a twin flute model for a smoother cut. With router bits it pays to buy quality like Freud or CMT and to get two or three cutters rather than one.

Wish it was a double flute blade, but it got the job done, only required a small amount of clean out.

While I don't do a LOT of cutting I use this bit in a CNC machine I purchased a few years back. This Freud brand of bit arrives sharp and through a lot of cutting has remained sharp. Overall - I am very please with it.

It broke on the first pass on a piece of pine that I was using for a test cut to ensure I had the router set up correctly. Disappointing

snapped in half on second cut. i would expect a little more, next time i would hope to find a double cut flute but i never saw one when looking, it might have helped cut better. bought this size because it could cut the full depth of 2x4

Broke first use, just snap right off on a thin piece of board. Terrible!! Seems it would be a very good product if it held up. Quite unfortunate.

very pleased with the item and works great for what I need it for thanks.

Works great. Use it to create a channel for guitar truss rods. Clean cuts. No noticeable wear yet using on Canadian Maple.

Broke after 5 minutes of use. I actually can't believe it.

should have got 1/2 in. shank

OkOn time