router bit recommendations

[tstex]

Hello to all,

Here's the power wood working tools I currently own:

All 120V's
2 tables saws
Jigsaw
Planer
Compound Miter Saw
Grinder
Oscillating tool
Sawzall [semi-wood working tool -

I have always wanted but never owned a router. However, a dear friend died and he wanted me to have a variety of different tools, one being a Rigid 18V compact router. I have viewed multiple YouTube videos on this specific tool, and one thing it really lacks is a good bit or set of bits. They also recommend buying 3-7 bits that you will use rather than a set of 20 bits. These sets are usually lower quality too, like from the big box stores.

Question:

Can anyone pls recommend a good set of router bits for the most common types of router cuts? Any advice from guys that use routers all the time, I would really appreciate what you recommend for someone that has never used a router, and what they would need for most of the basic cuts. However, I am more than willing to take advice and learn.

Finally, if there's a woodworking-site that demo's this type tool w great depth and it's bits, that would be greatly appreciated too.

Many thanks,
tstex

 

[dstig1]

Yes most of the big box bits are junk, unless you find good brand names. Your best bet is to look to woodworking stores for bits. Rockler, Woodcraft, etc all have good quality stuff. Grizzly can be decent too in general, though I haven't used much of their router bits. Bosch, Amana, Eagle America, Whiteside... There are lots of good names out there. Eagle America has been my main go to source for years, Very good quality, decent prices, and much of it is made in America.

As for what types of bit to get, that is the age old question and is always met with "what do you want to do with them?"

• Straight bits are a mainstay, so you can't go wrong getting a few sizes of those.
• Edge trimming is also common along with pattern routing and those are both typically straight bits with a bearing on the shaft to follow the pattern or the edge of the base when trimming laminate, for example. They can have the bearing on top or bottom depending on need
• Edge forming bits are common. Roundovers are useful to buy in a set. A chamfer bit can be handy. Lots of specialty edge forming bits available like ogees, drop leaf table sets, etc
• Large bits are only for use in router tables or shapers and not for use with hand held routers, so those are out for your use at this point. They also take higher HP routers that can run at lower speeds.
• Shaft size is another issue to look at. typically 1/2" and 1/4" are the standards here. 1/2" are much sturdier but sometimes for very small bits 1/4" shaft is better to allow you to get closer without a large shaft getting in the way. And smaller trim routers are typically only 1/4" anyways.
• Carbide only, don't' bother with HSS on router bits
• If you do a lot of woodworking, one router will quickly become a sad joke as you will want to leave bits set up for jigs and fixtures so you can grab it and get going without a ton of setup. I have somewhere around 8-10 now and one friend has 20-something of them. Many are setup for a dovetail jig or hinge template or whatever.
• To start, if you get a set of a few straight and roundovers, that will cover a lot of needs. Then get more as needed for projects

Hope this helps.
Dave

 

[tstex]

Dave, this is awesome !! Thanks a million.

I'm off to a late meeting, but will research what you have provided and get back to you.

Thanks again, really appreciate it.

 

[LS Tractor Owner]

Dave probably hit it right on the head. I also have 4 different sized routers, each set up for a different task, plus I have a small router table.... which really changes up things...

Watch as many videos as you can. There will be many uses for a router.

 

[LS Tractor Owner]

I have this set, works very good, not disappointed with them

ABN 1421 Tungsten Carbide Router Bit Set for sale online | eBay

Find many great new & used options and get the best deals for ABN 1421 Tungsten Carbide Router Bit Set at the best online prices at eBay! Free shipping for many products!

www.ebay.com

There are smaller sets too, about half the price as the other, just a kit of the 'common' ones

1/4'' Carbide Shank Router Bit Set Slot Trimmer Woodworking Milling Cutter Tools | eBay

15pc x Woodwork cutter tool(Box is not included). Provides much convenience to your daily woodworking. Simple construction, easy to operate. Color: red.

www.ebay.com

 

[LS Tractor Owner]

If you have a Harbor Freight nearby, these are actually decent.

Carbide Tip Router Bit Set, 12 Piece

Amazing deals on this Carbide Tip Router Bit Set 12Pc at Harbor Freight. Quality tools & low prices.

www.harborfreight.com

 

[EddieWalker]

Yes most of the big box bits are junk, unless you find good brand names. Your best bet is to look to woodworking stores for bits. Rockler, Woodcraft, etc all have good quality stuff. Grizzly can be decent too in general, though I haven't used much of their router bits. Bosch, Amana, Eagle America, Whiteside... There are lots of good names out there. Eagle America has been my main go to source for years, Very good quality, decent prices, and much of it is made in America.

As for what types of bit to get, that is the age old question and is always met with "what do you want to do with them?"

• Straight bits are a mainstay, so you can't go wrong getting a few sizes of those.
• Edge trimming is also common along with pattern routing and those are both typically straight bits with a bearing on the shaft to follow the pattern or the edge of the base when trimming laminate, for example. They can have the bearing on top or bottom depending on need
• Edge forming bits are common. Roundovers are useful to buy in a set. A chamfer bit can be handy. Lots of specialty edge forming bits available like ogees, drop leaf table sets, etc
• Large bits are only for use in router tables or shapers and not for use with hand held routers, so those are out for your use at this point. They also take higher HP routers that can run at lower speeds.
• Shaft size is another issue to look at. typically 1/2" and 1/4" are the standards here. 1/2" are much sturdier but sometimes for very small bits 1/4" shaft is better to allow you to get closer without a large shaft getting in the way. And smaller trim routers are typically only 1/4" anyways.
• Carbide only, don't' bother with HSS on router bits
• If you do a lot of woodworking, one router will quickly become a sad joke as you will want to leave bits set up for jigs and fixtures so you can grab it and get going without a ton of setup. I have somewhere around 8-10 now and one friend has 20-something of them. Many are setup for a dovetail jig or hinge template or whatever.
• To start, if you get a set of a few straight and roundovers, that will cover a lot of needs. Then get more as needed for projects

Hope this helps.
Dave

This is good advice.

Once you get the router, you need to look at getting a router table. I have an older Bosch router table that is OK. I wouldn't buy it again, but it's done what I needed it to, so I keep using it.

Rockler is one of my favorite wood working stores to shop online.

 

[Mtsoxfan]

I use Whiteside and they are great at holding sharpness. I have some older handmedowns from Pop, but I think theyre nice to look at. Dont know name, so I don't use...

 

[Menagerie-Manor]

Hello to all,

Here's the power wood working tools I currently own:

All 120V's
2 tables saws
Jigsaw
Planer
Compound Miter Saw
Grinder
Oscillating tool
Sawzall [semi-wood working tool -

I have always wanted but never owned a router. However, a dear friend died and he wanted me to have a variety of different tools, one being a Rigid 18V compact router. I have viewed multiple YouTube videos on this specific tool, and one thing it really lacks is a good bit or set of bits. They also recommend buying 3-7 bits that you will use rather than a set of 20 bits. These sets are usually lower quality too, like from the big box stores.

Question:

Can anyone pls recommend a good set of router bits for the most common types of router cuts? Any advice from guys that use routers all the time, I would really appreciate what you recommend for someone that has never used a router, and what they would need for most of the basic cuts. However, I am more than willing to take advice and learn.

Finally, if there's a woodworking-site that demo's this type tool w great depth and it's bits, that would be greatly appreciated too.

Many thanks,
tstex

That particular router is likely to piss you off eventually being light and underpowered for most tasks, and the 1/4' shank bits are a ***** on most hardwoods. If you want an all round router go full size and stick with 1/2" shank bits

 

[jaxs]

I pretty much agree with afford said EXCEPT Harbor Freight for anything,especially router bits. At the speed they spin,if the carbide come's off it will penitrate 90% of face shields and clothing. I have 40 year old Craftsman HS steel bits that still serve me well although I do use carbide most of the time now. Ive never owned a cordless router but like post #9 I doupt it has enough power to remove much wood. You can't be timid or feed a bit slow without burning wood. If indeed it isn't powerful enough,I'd suggest keeping a 1/2" round-over in it for corner touch up. I wouldn't suggest going out to buy more than one more router until you get much deeper than you are into woodwork.
Hands down,"Wood Magazine" is the best all-around source available.

 

[ljjhouser]

Routers are not overly expensive. Might want to get one (plug in 120v). It should have a removeable clear view of the cutter, a light, easy to control on off button, a good edge guide, and come in a bag with space for cutters.
As stated above, Carbide Only.
The straight ones are very important. Use to cut dado joints and rabbit joints. Or any grove. Dovetail joints are good also with a router. Get a few sizes up to 3/4" - Take several shallow passes when using bigger cuts. I like to make the last pass pulling the router to me, never pushing it away. And a router shouldn't exist without a Roman Ogee cutter for decorative edge cutting. Take it easy when ending the cut at both ends. Have fun. Also, get a broom or shop vac. But with all the other tools you have, I would guess that you already have a vac. Have Fun.

 

[tstex]

Based on everyone's comments and viewing videos, I definitely understand when you get into serious woodworking, that multiples of everything are important and quality counts,

Since I have never used a router, thought it might be good to go w some bits that fit my 1/4" router, then expand into a more robust 1/2" shaft based bits and much more HP and a table. For now, these are the bits that I think would be good to start. Pls let know on any modifications from these selections:

Round-over bit, 1/4 & 1/8 for varying projects to smooth out edges
Rabbet bit, 1/2" w bearing kit
Ogee Roman, for picture frames
Chamfer bit 45 degree. Is there a preferred height or size?
Slot bit - is 1/8 or 1/4 more of a standard?
Flush Trim Bit (bearing on the bottom)

If there's anything else, pls let me know. I know that solid carbide is the eventual way to go, but carbide tipped should be good for now until I get a better feel of what cuts I really want to do. If there's a set that encompasses the above and a few more needed bits, pls send me a link.

Again, thank you all for your help. I am mostly going to be working w cedar and that's not too hard of a wood, pine too, but then I have a lot of oak. It's fully cured and it's going to require 1/2" shank w a 120V and not 18V...

 

[tstex]

I had this cedar tree milled from my ranch 3 yrs ago and want to make a cabinet. This will be my first project.

 

[ljjhouser]

Woods like pine and fir are good for practice. They cut easy but often leave marks from the tip of the guide if not ball bearing. Harder woods such as Oak, walnut and maple will be a dream to cut. Smooth and clean. Cedar will cut clean also.

 

[Sawyer Rob]

I like Freud, CMT is another good brand, I pretty much use all Freud sawblades too... I used all kinds of brands in my cabinet shop, and the Freuds always are very good.

I'm still buying them because they are a decent price, for as good of quality that they are.

SR

 

[jaxs]

Your shop is sure going to smell good when you use that Cedar.

 

[civilian]

Your shop is sure going to smell good when you use that Cedar.

For the OP, cedar dust is fine and may have more health related problems. Use a mask, respirator, etc and maybe a shop vacuum running to pull fumes/dust away from you. Jon

 

[Fxfymn413]

Technique is every bit as important as the bit you use. If you put the board on the bench to route the edges to route the front edge you must start at the left side and go from left to right. Conversely if you are routing the back edge you must start at the right end and move right to left. In other words the router must go in a counter clockwise direction. If you try to go in the opposite direction with the router the bit will "climb" out and is very difficult to control. The same rule applies for doing a dado cut.

If you are routing all four sides of a board always route the ends first to limit tear out of the edges.

Take small passes and try to make your last pass very small to clean up the cut.

Find some scraps and practice before you try to route an expensive piece of material. Figure out how you are going to support the router to keep it vertical to the cut and make "practice " passes with the router off and the bit pulled up to make sure you can move the machine the way you are planning to.

I have well over 50 bits in my collection and frankly if it is a one-off cut for a specific project I'll buy a cheap bit. The quality of the bit is usually reflected in how well it holds up to heavy use and if you are not doing a lot of cutting I would stick with the various sets from Taiwan or China that are less than $50.00.

Buy a can of bit cleaner and keep the bearings clean as well.

 

[Egon]

Beginner routing:

For bits just start with an inexpensive hardware store set. Practice lots on scrap wood. When the time comes for real work get specific quality bits for the job at hand. Might look at a better router also.

practice and watching you tube videos will be of great help.

 

[tstex]

Thank you guys, great advice...I am still watching videos on the various cuts and applications so I know what bits to invest in first...