Router Bits

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jbrewer

John
Corporate Member
Well, I asked a question a couple of days ago about a router table and received a ton of helpful information so that leads me to my next question.

I'm new to using the router and want to collect some bits - what are the most basic bits that a new beginner must have? I probably won't be doing anything real fancy - yet:-D , but need to start somewhere.

Thanks for all your advice!
 

Monty

New User
Monty
Roundover, chamfer, straight bit (½" and ¾"), McRabbetting™ bit set. I'm sure I'm missing plenty of others, but I would consider these the "basics".


Edit: oh yea - a pattern bit. If your rabbet set has the proper bushings, you can use this for some basic template work, but most rabbet bits are too big (diameter) to get into tight spaces.
 

clowman

*********
Clay Lowman
Corporate Member
I'd say that most of the $5 special bits that woodcraft offer from time to time, would all fit the bill of useful starter bits.

Hmm.. I bet that Tom can name each of them. I believe they have 10 bits they put on sale for % bucks every now and then.
 

DaveO

New User
DaveO
I would addd on to Monty's list a ¼" straight bit, top and bottom bearing flush cut straight bits, and a ogee bit or other small decorative profile bit.

I second Clay's recommendation for the Woodcraft $5 bit selection, I know a guy who that is all he has, and has been very happy with them :-D :lol:

Dave:)
 

PeteM

Pete
Corporate Member
I'm a buy-em-as-you-need-em guy. Have a project to do? Get the tools to do it. So I'd say look at what kind of projects you're planning on building and get the bits (and any other tools) to match your work. That said, you can't go wrong with the 5 buck barrel at Woodcraft.

pete
 

Ray Martin

New User
Ray
John,

I think I missed the first post about the router table, so this may have already been discussed... but... Do you already have the router? The question has more to do with the collet size than the brand. I would reccommend half inch shaft over 1/4" shaft for loads of reasons. I know some bits are only avaliable with a 1/4" shaft. I have a router with interchangeable collets; 1/2" and 1/4" and I buy and use 1/2" whenever I can.

Ray
 

SteveColes

Steve
Corporate Member
I'm going to repeat some advice that junquecol gave me. At this point you don't know which bits you will really need. And even if you use a bit for a particular project. You may never use it again. So go out and buy a cheap but varied bit set. Each time you use a bit mark down the date. As they wear out, or need sharpening, you now know that this is a profile that you use more than once. If it happens in the first 6 months of usage, then this is bit you should probably replace with a bit at a better quality price point. If it is after a year, don't sweat it replace it with a lower price bit. In between, let the quality of cut that you've been getting decide what you should do.

Now, that is easy to say but harder to do. Also, some common sense must be used. For example, if you are using a 3/4" straight bit to do dadoes, and the quality cut is terrible. Stop using the bit for that purpose and buy a better bit for dadoes.

Here are some sets that are more than good enough as a starter

http://www.woodline.com/scripts/prodView.asp?idproduct=584
http://www.woodline.com/scripts/prodView.asp?idproduct=585
http://www.woodline.com/scripts/prodView.asp?idproduct=583
http://mlcswoodworking.com/shopsite_sc/store/html/smarthtml/pages/set30piece.html
http://mlcswoodworking.com/shopsite_sc/store/html/smarthtml/pages/set66.html
 

Splinter

New User
Dolan Brown
I bought this set from MLCS over 5 years ago and I am still using them. I broke one but the others are still going strong. Some like the roundovers have seen a lot of use. A good basic set.
 

lwhughes149

New User
Lorraine
John, I have followed the router post with interest having just received a PorterCable 960. I am in the process of making a nice tabletop and cabinet. I will be taking notes on the router bits that are being mentioned here. Was it Dave or Steve who said make it nice and you will be more likely to use it. I dito that. Glued up the tabletop today and ordering the insert tomorrow morning. Keep the information coming. And thanks guys.
 

jmauldin

New User
Jim
Let me second Splinter's comment. I have used Pricecutter.com for several years and in my opinion they have some of the best bits out there - and they are cheaper.

A lot of good advice has been offered above, so I won't take up space repeating it. I would, however, stay away from steel bits and buy only carbide.

I have three routers, and use each frequently.

Jim in Mayberry
 
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