Freud Router Bit Set Review

Freud is often seen as the Cadillac of saw blades and with good reason. They are quite literally, some of the best on the market. Freud is also well-loved for their Router Bits, which receive high praise from even the most discerning professional woodworkers. Today we take a look at one of Freud’s Router Bit Sets, one that includes 26 Router Bits to complete virtually any task. Let’s take a closer look at these Router Bits in the Freud Router Bit Set Review.

Freud Router Bit Set Review Overview

You have all undoubtedly heard me sing the many praises of the incredible versatility Routers have in a workshop. But, what makes a Router really versatile is the use of Router Bits. Some think Routers do nothing but make an edge look pretty, and while yes, they are certainly pro’s at that, it’s only a small portion of what these bad boys can really do.

Router Bits are used to make cabinet doors, seem edges, add keyholes, and so much more. One of my favorite uses though is joinery. Box joints, dovetails, mortise and tenon and many more are all made possible by a router and the right bits. Especially when you combine a router in a Router Table, like this one from Bosch I reviewed some time ago, your possibilities are endless.

So, knowing all we do about how much a router can do when combined with Router Bits, the question is what sets Freud apart? Freud as well as their subsidiary, Diablo is the signature red blades and bits you can find in specialty woodworking stores as well as in the aisles of The Home Depot. Between these two brands, they’ve created a niche in the market few other brands have been able to compete with.

Freud has been making Router Bits and Blades for a long time. Professionals and hobbyists alike love their quality and performance. Freud manufactures its own carbide, a feat most other brands can’t claim. They take an incredible amount of pride in producing the best and most advanced cutting accessories for your shop. Not only do they use some of their carbide in these Router Bits, but they also have a Quadra-Cut Cutter Design on some of these router bits as well, something you really can see the value in the first time you use them.

Freud Router Bit Set Review Features

The Freud Router Bit Set, Item 92-100 is also known as the Artisan Bit Set or Industrial Bit Set. This set includes a shadow box case and a total of 26 variety bits.

These router bits all use a ¼ inch shank, allowing their versatility to shine in both fixed routers and handheld routers. The variety of bits allow for use on hardwood, softwood, plywood, and composites.

There are four rows of Router Bits-

The first Row contains 7 bits-

1/8 inch Double Fluted Straight Bit- 04-100 – Solid Carbide

1/4″ Double Flute Straight Bit 04-106 – Solid Carbide

1/4″ Double Flute Straight Bit 04-108 – Solid Carbide

3/4″ Double Flute Straight Bit04-140

½ inch Mortising Bit- 16-100

1/8 inch Radius Round Nose Bit – 18-104 – Solid Carbide

3/16  inch Radius Round Nose Bit – 18-106

The second Row Contains

¼-inch V Grooving Bit – 20-100 – Solid Carbide

½-inch Dovetail Bit – 22-104

¼ Panel Pilot Bit – 26-100

1-1/4 inch Rabbeting Bit -32-100

3/8 inch Flush Trim Bit 42-100

½ inch Flush Trim Bit 42-104

½ inch Flush Trim Bit 42-106

The third Row Contains

½ inch Radius Cove Bit 30-106

½ inch V Grooving Bit 20-104

¼ inch Radius Cove Bit – 30-102

¼ inch Radius Rounding Over Bit 34-110- Quadra-Cut Cutter Design

3/8 inch Radius Rounding Over Bit 34-114- Quadra-Cut Cutter Design

¼ inch Radius Beading Kit 36-110 – Quadra-Cut Cutter Design

The fourth Row Contains

3/8 inch Radius Beading Kit 36-114 – Quadra-Cut Cutter Design

1-1/16 Roman Ogee Bit 38-100 – Quadra-Cut Cutter Design

¼ inch Solid Carbide Flush Trim Bit 64-100 – Solid Carbide

1-3/8 inch Roman Ogee Bit 38-102 – Quadra-Cut Cutter Design

¼ inch Solid Carbide Flush Trim Bit 66-100

1-3/4 inch Chamfer Bit – 40-106

Red Coating that is on most of the Router Bits in this collection is the Freud Perma-SHIELD Coating, providing a nonstick surface as well as extending the life and performance of the router bits.

There are bits noted in the collection with Quadra-Cut Cutter Design. This technology is what largely provides the ultra clean cuts, even on more complex profiles. The two large cutter wings allow cut upwards for fast and smooth removal. The two smaller cutter wings cut downwards for a perfect finish. This feature is absolutely a stand out as it saves time in follow up sanding and extra passes with the router. Most importantly though it protects the workpiece which is key in quality woodworking.

Some of the Router Bits in this collection also feature a solid carbide material. Freud is known for its carbide and with good reason. Their testing shows a two times longer cutting life and improved overall finish quality over other bits. Ultimately, this increases productivity and efficiency.

Freud Router Bit Set Review Performance

I wish I could quantify just how good these Router Bits truly are. From someone who has used several lower end brands, there really is no comparison. With a lot of router bits you often have to make multiple passes to get a clean finished cut, with these it’s a simple one swipe process. Freud did an excellent job putting together an array of router bits as well. While you will likely have additional bits you will want to add to your collection, this set gives you a fairly good collection of bits to complete the bulk of your tasks. Both functional and design bits put you in a good position to get the most out of your router.

The 1/4 inch collet has become even more popular in recent years and allows these bits to fit virtually every router on the market. Whether a higher end router in a router table or a small portable handheld router, you’re able to use the same bits which is important. As well, these bits will work on almost every type of wood material, from hardwood to plywood and even some composite material allowing incredible versatility.

I will say the case wasn’t quite all I would have hoped. While the clear top allows easy visibility, it fell a little short in terms of overall quality. The case was a little flimsy for the items they are holding, and the plastic inserts often come out when removing a bit. Thankfully the bits are really the focus of this collection, and those are certainly top notch.

Freud Router Bit Set Review Value

This Router Bit set is available from Amazon for $359.00. While it is a significant investment, as anyone will tell you quality, especially in woodworking is usually the way to go. From a person who has used inexpensive bits, I can tell you the difference is obvious instantly. A single router bit can often cost 30 dollars or more. In my mind, this set covers a lot of your router bit needs and saves money over buying them individually.

Freud Router Bit Set Review Final Thoughts

When it comes to Router Bits, Freud is one of the best in the business. This set is no exception, offering a wide range of profiles and versatile uses. This Router Bit Set is an investment, but one that is worthwhile to make. If there was ever an area a woodworker would invest a little extra, it is in their bits. For those looking to expand their routers versatility, this Router Bit Set from Freud is a great place to start.