All Replies on Router Bit question

Start with an inexpensive set. Look for one with the bits you think you might most like to try. Don’t by a no-name Chinese set from ebay, but don’t start off with the most expensive ones either. The bits should average $5 to $10 each.

Once you get a feel for what bits you are going to use a lot, then you might want to invest in a more expensive version of those bits.

-- Charlie M. "Woodworking - patience = firewood"

Thanks Charlie…cause Ebay is where I have been…!! But I see many Craftsman 6 pc. sets on there….cheap. Are these Chinese made now , too??

freud, amana, cmt

-- What do you learn from being right?

I would be okay with a name brand, even if they are imported. I just meant to stay away from a set that offers 80 bits $49. They give me visions of bits of carbide flying off at 12,000 rpm.

-- Charlie M. "Woodworking - patience = firewood"

That is a scary thought, and a scenario I would prefer to avoid!!! I have seen a lot of those kits. I am one that lives by the motto..”you get what you pay for”....but I wanted to pick some knowledgeable brains!!

Thanks again for the input!

Check out woodline.com. I am a shop teacher and that is who we buy are sets from. They have starter sets on up to the set we buy every couple of years for about $169. Now if these can last 2-3 years with 150 students using them to make signs and round over table tops, then they have my vote. In fact I just bought their t slot bit last week to build my version of Norm’s router table. If you get them on the phone, tell them that Jason from Fox HS in St Louis recommended them.

They also have great bandsaw blades and guides too.

I just knew that I came to the right place. Thank you Jason!! I will check them out…...and drop a name!!

DO NOT BUY anything from china! you might as well throw your money in the trash can. personally, i wouldn’t buy a “set” because you end up with bits you will never use. buy them as the need arises. take a look at the eagleamerica.com site or it’s sister site, pricecutter.com. my two cents worth. decent stuff for every budget.

mike

-- mrsawdust, pittsburgh,pa.

Amana, I’ve had good Bosch, too. Agree that buying as you need is good. Spend money on those you’ll use.

-- arborial reconfiguration specialist

try eagle american

-- making sawdust....

I’ve had good results with MLCS bits.

-- -** You are never to old to set another goal or to dream a new dream ****************** Dick, & Barb Cain, Hibbing, MN. http://www.woodcarvingillustrated.com/gallery/member.php?uid=3627&protype=1

Woodcraft is having some pretty good sales on small router bit sets.

-- T. Nelson

Well I have a couple of HF sets that have worked very well. The big brand names are the best that I have used so far but the cheap ones are perfect for all the non exotic wood projects. You will find that you will be using only a handful of bits as you work your wood, your favorite ones. By using the cheap bits you will discover which ones you really like and need, (the shape, style), then purchase the best bits you can afford that have the same shape.

-- Never board, always knotty, lots of growth rings

Hey Steve,

I really like good quality bits myself. The better ones do really cut better, but they also cost more. Whiteside can not be beat but… Try routerbits.com, they have $1 shipping.

Grizzly.com has an large collection of reasonably priced bits in several qualities. I have had pretty good luck with their green ones.

A straight bit, a roundover, and a laminate trim seem to be the most popular.
Next might be a pattern cutter, a V-bit, a cove, and some sort of ogee.
It is really OK to buy one at a time as you need them, but sets are more fun.

What do you want to do with them?

Steve

-- -- I'm no rocket surgeon

Hello Steve,

I raid on a router forum that they like the yellow router bits on Ebay.
I have no experiences myself with this bits, but I reed it several times that these are a nice bit to begin.
And from there you can see which kind off bit you like the most and than you can buy a better brand.

Good luck Schummie.

-- Greetings from the Netherlands.

dont buy cheap they usually are not balanced very well and don’t stand up to hard use. I have some cheapies and I avoid them unless absolutely needed. I use my router table and 3hp router almost daily and good bits pay for themselves. They last a long time and are usually well balanced and hold a geat edge which is essential for safety and feature an anti kick back design. I have had good luck with bits from lee valley, and freud.

-- rob, ont,canada

All the brands of bits mentioned above are good bits but being new to this forum I am suprised that the magnate bits wasn’t mentioned. They have a good selection and will even custom make a bit for you. But stick to the old saying you will get what you pay for when you our buyng blades and bits. Bits that stay sharp longer will have less tearout and you will be happier with your work.

-- Dustmaker, Kansas

MLCS, as stated above, makes good affordable products. Buying big kits usually yields tens of bits you never use and one or two you burn through quickly (1/4” round over for me for sure) While I wouldn’t suggest you buy junk, even an inexpensive set will last the average person quite awhile. Then when you find bits you are using a lot (Your trimming bit for example) you can easily replace it with a solid carbide, high-end piece.

-- Junk is junk, at any cost.