[Woodcarver] Question about plunge routers and Ray Kinman's bit

[Ramsey]

The bit Ray used to sell is a tapered end mill available from Travers 
Tool Co.  It is designed for metal but is the best router bit I've 
used.  Get the 5 degree taper with the 3/32 tip.   They are high 
speed steel so they don't last that long  but I resharpen them with a 
Dremel and a carborundum bit.  I use the 3/8" shank  with a 3/8" 
collet in my Milwaukee router but they also have 1/2" if you can't 
get a 3/8" collet for your router.  I like the 3/8" because it's 
smaller for getting into tighter corners  and costs less.  There are 
1/2"carbide ones available from Rico Tool Co. but they have a bigger 
tip and are pricey.

I prefer a fixed base router to a plunge because the center of 
gravity is lower making the router more maneuverable.  I cut out the 
front of the aluminum base for better visibility and replace the 
plastic factory bottom base sheet with Teflon, also cut out in front, 
so that it slides easier.

Ron Ramsey
http://www.carvedbyramsey.com


Be sure to look at the incredible nature inspired art jewelry hand 
fabricated by my wife, Karen Olsen Ramsey.  It's worth the time to 
take a look!
http://www.artjeweler.com

Mark & All,

I use something similiar to outline my levels. Ray Kinman used to sell
something he called a "wood carvers router bit". It is a spiral bit that
that tapers to a poiunt on the bottom. I found one on ebay lasy year, and it
works real well. Ray has been sick for the past few years, and I'm not sure
if he is still with us. If he is gone someone else may be able to produce a
bit like it for wood carvers. I sawe him at a woodworking show years ago
when I was first stating out in the shop, and he claimed he could guide the
router with one hand with his bit. Does anyone else have information about
this?

Thanks,
Dan Heine

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