Router Bit Starter Set

[W_KY]

I'm likely to be getting a router n the near future and therefore will be in need of some router bits. I'm planning to get a router that will accept either 1/4 or 1/2 bits. Any suggestions on a good router bit starter kit. As I've never used a router, I'm just looking to be able to do some basic edges and dados in the beginning.

 

[volunteers]

The one with great price and value is MLCS:
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000FJRN8S/?tag=atomicindus08-20

I have this one and they work very well for my project.

 

[volunteers]

That Home Depot deal: rigid router bushing kits at $9 is a great deal too for your case, if you can still find it in your local store.

 

[Stuey]

The one with great price and value is MLCS:
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000FJRN8S/?tag=atomicindus08-20

I have this one and they work very well for my project.

+1 MLCS is known to make great bits for the money.

If/when you're ready to set up to better bits, look at Freud.

 

[Monte]

www.cmtutensili.com

 

[GarageEnvy]

I don't know of any sets but I don't like bits without the bearing if they are designed to follow the edge. The non-bearing bits can burn the edge and aren't as smooth. Also an ogee bit can be made into a round over bit with a larger bearing. I also prefer the 1/2" to the 1/4" bits. That's especially true if you're plowing a lot of material. I've never liked HSS bits. I almost always use the carbide bits. I also stay away from bit with interchangeable cutters. Spiral cutters are great but if you can't do that, the 3 blades are better than 2 blades. I'd start with a really good set of straight cutters, a couple of round over and/or ogee bits and some cove bits. You can add the fancy stuff as need be.

 

[Toolbag]

The one with great price and value is MLCS:
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000FJRN8S/?tag=atomicindus08-20

I have this one and they work very well for my project.

I have the same one I love it!!!

 

[woody 73]

Hi,

The above mentioned router bits are all top notch and you will enjoy them. One day when you hit the big one (State Lottery) then buy yourself one Whiteside carbide router bit (Made in the USA).

You will have thought you died and went to Heaven! Unfortunately you have to be in the same shoes as John D. Rockefeller, as they cost a lot of money to buy.

Keep in mind (whatever bits you buy ); if you keep them sharp then you have won half the battle.

 

[W_KY]

Thanks for the recommendations. I'll probably start off with that first set and work my way up. I'd hate to ruin a super expensive bit right off the bat. Now I'm just waiting on the router to go on sale (now $209 and was $179 awhile back)

 

[kippieland]

I have used these and really liked them. Plus made in the US. http://www.woodcraft.com/Family/2008175/WHITESIDE-14-Shank-Double-Flute-Straight-Bits.aspx

Just remember that depending on the wood you are cuting the longer or short life of the bit. I used it on some hardwood plywood and the cheap ones don't last life of the project. I wood stay away from bits for HD....especailly Ryobi bits...super cheap and burn up quickly. I used their more expensive brand and they didn't last much longer either. You get what you pay for with bits.

 

[Outlawmws]

on the carbide bits and bearing tips where applicable. Keep them clean of sap residue and they are great to use.

A key to a good cut is when cutting using the edge of the wood/material as a guide for the bearing, remember that you only cut as smooth as the wood edge is.

Also don't start with full depth cuts, work in and use a light finish cut.

 

[daveroy]

Got this tip from a wood magazine and haven't had a chance to try it.

With a bearing bit. wrap the bearing in two layers of blue tape. make first cut (most of the meat) then remove tape (make sure you get any glue residue) then make final finish pass.

 

[rkevins]

I agree on MLCS and they have free shipping all the time, I also have a set that came from a tool truck sale that have been real good for the money.

 

[jkeyser14]

I have a Neiko 80 pc set and I've been very happy with it. You can't touch the price. My co-worker insisted they must be junk so I lent him my set for a weekend and he went and bought one. They are sharp bits, no tear out, no issues with bearings, etc.

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B000HDTYSO/?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[JASTECH]

I get the router buts with bearings and zerks on the bearing to regrease!

 

[Farmall450]

Are we still thinking MLCS is the move? I've been looking at their 15 piece 1/4" set. Just picked up a cordless trim router that I've wanted for a while.

 

[Outlawmws]

A trim router is likely to lack the HP needed for the bigger bits. the trim bits just aren't moving that much material...

 

[shawhite]

I usually stay away from sets and just buy the bits I need to complete the project at hand that way I can buy a good quality bit (white side usually or diablo in some cases). I find that several bits in those starter sets seldom get used.

 

[Farmall450]

A trim router is likely to lack the HP needed for the bigger bits. the trim bits just aren't moving that much material...

I usually stay away from sets and just buy the bits I need to complete the project at hand that way I can buy a good quality bit (white side usually or diablo in some cases). I find that several bits in those starter sets seldom get used.

Makes sense. I'm just looking to knock edges off at the moment though.

 

[dogdog]

I have a set of this for general purpose and it has serve me good from circle cutting to general round over things .... Unless I go try and cut a 3/4 board in one shot... it has not failed me like those people with the trained monkey on the tool...

I have other specialty ones buy as needed... as well... + some craftsman and Feud stuff... all worked good, just know your limitation with your bits and your router...

Don't get bits from HF.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B072BTYMCN/?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[Git]

I usually stay away from sets and just buy the bits I need to complete the project at hand that way I can buy a good quality bit (white side usually or diablo in some cases). I find that several bits in those starter sets seldom get used.

I agree

Makes sense. I'm just looking to knock edges off at the moment though.

This is what I use:

 

[Movin/on]

Not so much about router bits but for future use I'd advise getting an adjustable speed router with a soft start. I've got a dedicated router table with a Rockler lift and Jessem Sliding miter fence. If I didn't have a multi speed router all of the larger bits would be useless. I like the older Porter Cable 3 -1/2 HP from about 18 years ago (for my 8 ft. long router and chop saw station) and the very heavy and tall Bosch 3-1/2 HP from the same era for specialty jigs clamped to stock. For a portable router I like the Milwaukee 2HP, also soft start and variable speed. I do a lot of woodwork and haven't seen a need to mount my dado set with the options with my routers.
Movin/on

 

[RKA]

I think there is a case to be made for getting a starter set of bits with an all purpose router, but a trim router, I would just pony up for your premium brand for your common uses. Maybe a 1/8” roundover, 45 degree chamfer and a bearing guided templating bit?

 

[WunTon]

I have always just bought single bits needed for specific projects and most all were Freud but this past weekend I bought the 3 piece Whiteside undersized plywood bit set for a cabinet project I am working on after seeing them recommended on GJ and many other sites and I don't think I'll ever buy another brand besides Whiteside again. The ease and quality of cut is just unmatched and American made to boot! Buying one or two at a time helps take the sting out of the premium price and with a Woodcraft near home I can find pretty much any bit I need local.

 

[Farmall450]

Not so much about router bits but for future use I'd advise getting an adjustable speed router with a soft start. I've got a dedicated router table with a Rockler lift and Jessem Sliding miter fence. If I didn't have a multi speed router all of the larger bits would be useless. I like the older Porter Cable 3 -1/2 HP from about 18 years ago (for my 8 ft. long router and chop saw station) and the very heavy and tall Bosch 3-1/2 HP from the same era for specialty jigs clamped to stock. For a portable router I like the Milwaukee 2HP, also soft start and variable speed. I do a lot of woodwork and haven't seen a need to mount my dado set with the options with my routers.
Movin/on

Yeah, I'll snag a US craftsman to put on a table someday. Saw some pretty good deals ($10-50) on them last year near my home, but I was at school. Not looking to build cabinets, just mess around, maybe make some trim and fancy up a few shelfs. Nothing fancy

 

[orangeblood]

I think there is a case to be made for getting a starter set of bits with an all purpose router, but a trim router, I would just pony up for your premium brand for your common uses. Maybe a 1/8” roundover, 45 degree chamfer and a bearing guided templating bit?

+1...get an inexpensive all purpose set and use all of them to get the hang of the router and different cutting techniques. you'll find that you generally use / like some more than others (driven by the type of work and materials you like to use). Once you know what bits you need the most buy "good" bits. if there is a rockler or woodcraft store near you they usually employ at least one "router guy" that has a lot of experience with different routers and MANY bits. The coaching you can get from a true router guy is invaluable and can save you money and help you enjoy using a router. it is an awesome tool but one where mistakes (ie wrong bit, poor technique, etc.) can be really bad mistakes.

just my $0.02

 

[rharman]

MLCS is good. I've liked my Rockler bits and they go on sale regularly.

Don't buy cheapies! I've bought some Freud and Bosch through Amazon as well. Freud is top quality but well worth it for the ones I use most often.

 

[AmericanMechanic]

Whiteside USA Made bits in singles or sets as you have a need.

 

[TLCObsession]

I haven't used the Whitesides, but I have some Amana bits that are very high quality - with a price to match.

 

[Git]

If you are set on buying a set, I would probably look for something that had these bits - this is from Fine WoodWorking 2006 (not much has changed when it comes to router bits)