My old pattern router bit from 2003 still beats my new one

I dug out my dad's old 1/2 inch pattern bit the other day after fighting a brand new one for an hour. That vintage carbide just cuts cleaner on walnut, no tearout at all. The new one has that anti-kickback design but it chatters on any grain change. I remember in 2003 we just ran everything freehand with a flush trim bit and a bearing, no fancy bushings or guides. Sometimes I wonder if the old tools were really better or if I just learned on them and got used to their quirks. Anyone else keep a retired bit or blade around because the old one just works better?

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kaih3626d ago

My grandfather had a Stanley plane from the 1950s that he used right up until he passed. I tried using it once after he got a modern one and it was like night and day. The old one had this sweet spot in the adjustment knob and once you hit it, it just peeled off perfect curly shavings. The new one with all its depth stops and toggles felt like I was fighting it the whole time. I ended up buying a used one off eBay that matched his model and it sits on my bench to this day. I think we just get used to how a tool responds after thousands of hours with it.