Panel Raising Router Bits - Vertical or Horizontal?

[DR Buck]

I'm looking at picking up 1 or 2 panel raising bits for use with my router table & 3.5hp router. Which work better vertical or horizontal?   What do you use and why one over the other.

I'm not interested in raising panels on the table saw, so no need to try and convince me to do it that way.   ;)

[JV]

I personally like vertical because of the smaller diameter.  Those large horizontal bits have to run slower and I think have more chance for tear out.  I think the vertical makes a smoother cut.  The downside of vertical is you are unable to do arched panels, just straight.  You do need a taller fence for stability.  Just my opinion for what it's worth.

[submarinesailor]

Dave,

Don't know what you are speaking of.  Can you or someone post a picture of each?

Bruce

[metalspinner]

Assuming your router has a speed control, the stability of your workpiece while being machined should determine which one to use. 
Like JV mentioned, you will need a tall fence to use the verticle bits and a consistant means of holding the work agianst the fence (feather boards).  This can get awkward and bulky sometimes.

For anything other than straight cuts, you need the bearing of the horizontal bit.

Usually, though, my decision is based on the bit the local Woodcraft store happens to have in inventory when I go to pick on out. :

[Axe Handle Hound]

I have both a vertical and a horizontal.  I was never successful in getting the vertical to cut evenly in depth across the width of the panel.  I think it was due to the fact that the panels always had a slight bit of bow in them and I wasn't able to press the panel against the fence without fear of moving it or tipping the router table.  With my horizontal bit I can push down against the table to compensate for any imperfections in the panel.  Another plus for the horizontal is that you can get one with a back cutter and save yourself an additional series of passes. 

[scsmith42]

I have both a vertical and a horizontal.  I was never successful in getting the vertical to cut evenly in depth across the width of the panel.  I think it was due to the fact that the panels always had a slight bit of bow in them and I wasn't able to press the panel against the fence without fear of moving it or tipping the router table.  With my horizontal bit I can push down against the table to compensate for any imperfections in the panel.  Another plus for the horizontal is that you can get one with a back cutter and save yourself an additional series of passes.

A third benefit of horizontal is that it is much easier to use a power feeder with them, or a sliding panel jig for ease of feeding.

[WDH]

The vertical always looked like a good idea, but I have the horizontal and I use a speed control to slow the router down to half the full rpms.  Works good, but when that big horizontal bit is at full speed on the router and it is howling and screaming, that is scary.