Your favorite router bit for cutting circles?

[BellyUpFish]

I read something once upon a time that "in order to build up your tool stash and not go instantly broke, you need to buy a new tool per project."

So, I've been living by that motto and just bought myself a new Milwaukee 5616-24 router for a couple up coming projects.

So, what is your favorite bit for cutting circles?

I'm thinking about grabbing a 1/2" up cut spiral bit like this:

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00004T7K2/?tag=atomicindus08-20

Other than width of cut, what is the benefit of a 1/2 over a 1/4?

Anyone?

 

[dnschmidt]

None, I always use a 1/4" upcut spiral. I see no advantage to using 1/2"

 

[woody 73]

That question comes up more then you think...

http://woodworking.about.com/od/bladesbits/qt/RouterBitShanks.htm

 

[Frank Dukes]

speaking of which, what jigs are you fellows using for such a project?

 

[kf4zht]

I use a 1/4.

If you are only trying to cut apart something it makes no sense to remove more material than you need to. Only rule is make sure the cutter is big enough that it won't break.

If you are removing material use the biggest you can turn, ideally whatever size will cut directly to the right dimension.

 

[signcrafter]

A little more detail about what you are doing. Are you using a circle jig? Are you just cutting "cookies"? What wood are you cutting? I mostly use 1/4" up cut spiral bits for cutting circles. Only has to hog out 1/4" of wood instead of 1/2". The 1/2" is more rigid but also have to hog out more material. Usually when cutting circles you don't need that much rigidity.

 

[show&go]

I also use 1/4" upcut spiral bit.
Here is the jig I use.
http://www.mobilesolutions-usa.com/store/p278/Mobile_Solutions_Perfect_Circle.html

 

[lilredex]

speaking of which, what jigs are you fellows using for such a project?

Make up a router tether similar to this and drill the appropriate pivot hole. For smaller diameters drill a hole in the base to suit. Position your router, then dial it down into the work, as it runs. If the project is 1/8 to 3/4" thick you can use a 1//4" bit and make a couple of passes, as needed. Listen to your router, and don't overload it or the bit.......have never broken or bent one yet!!

 

[signcrafter]

For circle jigs there are a bunch of options. Lots of homemade options out there if you want to go that route just google it. I have an older jasper circle jig that is pretty nice, they have a few different ones http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=sr_nr_s...ords=jasper+circle+jig&ie=UTF8&qid=1419967016. I also have this porter cable one that is an edge guide and circle jig, http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0000222V9/?tag=atomicindus08-20. I like the jasper ones because they are quick and easy, I keep one set up on an older router.

 

[BellyUpFish]

A little more detail about what you are doing. Are you using a circle jig? Are you just cutting "cookies"? What wood are you cutting? I mostly use 1/4" up cut spiral bits for cutting circles. Only has to hog out 1/4" of wood instead of 1/2". The 1/2" is more rigid but also have to hog out more material. Usually when cutting circles you don't need that much rigidity.

I don't know what type of wood I'll use yet, I need to run by the lumber shop and see what they've got.

First project is to cut out a base for a lamp I'm building.

I'm turning this cylinder head into a desk lamp.

 

[mast240]

Ive used a jasper perfect circle jig for years now... Its a little pricey, but well worth it.

 

[gungatim]

lots of good advice posted, only thing I will add is yes on the 1/4" upcut, but I try to get all my bits in 1/2" shank. they run smoother and are usually better made.

 

[BellyUpFish]

I wound up with a Whiteside 1/4" with 1/2" shank.

 

[dnschmidt]

The best circle cutting jig by a mile, and possibly considerably longer, is the Jasper. I have this in both the small and large variety. It is dependent upon a 1/4" bit size for the correct circle diameter to be produced.