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Beginner router bits

4K views 15 replies 16 participants last post by  Racer2007 
#1 · (Edited by Moderator)
I just got a router and now I'm looking for router bits. I know that doesn't make sense because you use a bit for a certain purpose but I do have a few questions. First, is it a good idea to purchase a router bit set like MLCS -

http://www.amazon.com/MLCS-8377-15-Piece-Router-Carbide-Tipped/dp/B000FJRN8S/ref=sr_1_1?s=hi&ie=UTF8&qid=1389578719&sr=1-1&keywords=router+bit

Second, what are the most common router bits that people use? I'm thinking I would probably use a simple rounded-edge bit.

What are the most common quality bit makers? How long do those usually last? Are there any keywords or things I should look for in bits that make them quality? I would think that carbide bits are good. The MLCS bit set above has only carbide-tip bits. Are they that much worse than full carbide bits?

Thanks for helping out a newbie.
 
#3 ·
I would buy a n inexpensive set of bits. Use them until you decide which bits you use the most. And then replace just those with higher quality bits.

MLCS bits have received good reviews. I'm gradually replacing my bits with Whitesides.
 
#5 ·
MCLS also has up-cut and down-cut solid carbide bits for a good price. They have free shipping. I have returned bits that I wasn't happy with and they gladly exchanged or replaced them no questions asked. The starter set you linked to seems like a good deal. I can't remember anyone offering solid carbide in edge shapes. Too expensive…. If you're new to routers you may think about a table & fence. Safer and more useful for a lot of operations. But, that's just my 2 cents.
 
#6 ·
I tend to do mostly edge treatments with my routers (i don't use the router much for joinery) so round over, chamfer, and beading bits are important to me. Also pattern bits for working with templates. You don't have to buy super expensive bits to start with but I find that when it comes to router bits, you get what you pay for. I had a cheap bit throw a bearing while mounted in the router table yesterday and nearly ruin the work piece. Was not impressed.
 
#7 ·
Small roundover, 1/2" and 3/4" straight bits, 1/4" spiral bit, 14 degree dovetail bit, and various pattern / template routing bits are my most frequently used. I also use a chamfer bit and medium sized roundover bit from time to time.
I like Freud, Rockler and Whiteside bits equally well.
 
#10 ·
I got the inexpensive skil bit set from lowes and am now replacing the ones I use most with more quality bits. but I still keep those bits around for if I need to rout a groove in plywood or use it on wood that I don't care about. You will see what you will need most depending on what you build and need it for.
 
#12 · (Edited by Moderator)
i too started with skil, but doing it again i think i'd have gone with mlcs.

Also you have to decide between 1/4" and 1/2" shanks. the one you linked is 1/2" which will work in most routers (some may require using a larger collet that usually is included), but it won't work with palm/trim routers which typically require 1/4"
 
#13 ·
My two cents worth is avoid the catch all sets. You wind up using parts and never touching the others. Get a couple spiral up-cuts and down-cuts, a few round over platforms and get the rest as you need them. I'd reccomend white side first.
 
#14 · (Edited by Moderator)
IMO it's hard to go wrong with the MLCS 15 pc set as a starter set for $42 shipped…..the quality is decent, they're well proven, the set includes common profiles that you're likely to use, they're affordable, and their service is good. I'd avoid large sets of cheap bits, but this one makes sense IMO. Grizzly has a 15 pc set for ~ $40 plus s/h that's roughly comparable, but s/h handling is higher. If you can spend more and want top shelf, the Whiteside 7 pc basic set or the Infinity 6 pc basic sets go for ~ $100.

Get 1/2" shank if you're router will accept them.
 
#15 ·
whiteside is the best bits. but go with mlcs first till you get the feel for what you want to make. You should buy bits as you need them for particular jobs. buying sets, is not the most cost effective, because your getting bits you may never use. most bits have carbide on the actual cutter edges, that where the action happens.
 
#16 ·
Like most others I think that MCLS set would give you most of what you will use on a regular basis and maybe some you won't use very often. I started with a larger 50 piece cheap set and have replaced the straight cutters and roundovers and a few edgeing bits with better ones and picked up a good rabbeting bit set with 5 or 6 bearings to make different cuts. The 50 piece set was really larger than I should have got but I do still have them so I can try some of the other profiles that I most likely won't use except to see how they look , but they are there if I need them and be upgraded if I use them enough.
 
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