1/4 vs 1/2

smoother operation. More beef

Depends on the bit. “Most” straight bits are OK with 1/4” shanks. I prefer 1/2” shanks on winged bits, even round overs. Also, 1/2” shanks are heaver and dampen the shock to the bit as it hits the wood. I’ve bent and/or broken a few 1/4” shanks, so I’m leery of them.
Consequently, nearly all of mine are 1/2”. I hate changing collets and those 1/4” inserts are also a pain and, if you don’t get the good ones, the bit often slips.

-- Gene 'The true soldier fights not because he hates what is in front of him, but because he loves what is behind him.' G. K. Chesterton

1/4” bits sometimes can chatter across the wood and leave a rough finish it’s always better to get the 1/2” bits if at all possible. This was my experience with a 1/4 flush cutting bit just before the shank bent still in the router collet.

-- Ike, Big Daddies Woodshop, http://www.icombadaniels@yahoo.com

Less chance that a bit will bend or break on the 1/2 inch…..more beef as Cabmaker says….they stay better in the collet….easier to tighten…...I always buy 1/2 inch if they are available. I get the 1/4 when I can’t get the 1/2.

There are only a few drawbacks to the 1/2 inch…..one is they take more space in your drawer or bit case….the other is that some mfg’s charge a few bucks more for them.

-- Woodworking.....My small slice of heaven!

I only order 1/2 inch bits. They are stronger, and less chatter.

-- Life is to short to own an ugly boat.

sounds like the decision is clear, 1/2 in. thanks everyone. LJ is once again is saving me money.

Chatter is the main reason usually cost is not any different or negligible.

-- Who can I block now???????????????????????

I can agree with the 1/2” but if you only have a 1/4” router, then it is pointless

-- http://aewoodworks.webs.com

Real simple question and answer. Push a 1/4” shaft a little too hard and you get a broken shaft. That is never a problem with a 1/2” shaft. I’ve learned this the hard way.

-- Rich, Cedar Rapids, IA - I'm a woodworker. I don't create beauty, I reveal it.

Depends on the bit. “Most” straight bits are OK with 1/4” shanks. I prefer 1/2” shanks on winged bits 1/2” shanks are heaver and dampen the shock to the bit as it hits the wood.

I always buy 1/2 inch if they are available. I get the 1/4 when I can’t get the 1/2.

Go for the 1/2 _

-- Rick

ok now you got me scared, I just asumed all routers took 1/4 and 1/2 in bits. the model numbers I have are craftsmans 315175304 and 315175130. do they take both? sorry about this guys, I am new at this. I have already ordered the 1/2 in.

When I was starting out I bought a big 1/2” router and
always bought the 1/2” cutters. I figured beafier was
better… then I discovered the laminate trimmer and later
the Festool OF 1000 -

.... and of course 1/2” bits don’t fit these little go-anywhere
routers.

If I were buying bits in sets I’d get 1/4” ones but only small
cutters. I’m a detail-oriented guy and I like light, maneuverable
routers for smaller details.

The 1/2” bits I’ve always bought one at a time on an as-needed
basis. I reckon I’d never use about half the 1/2” bits in a given
set. The 1/4” ones are more versatile for me.

The majority of routers on the market will have a 1/2 and 1/4 collet set (in the USA). Trim Routers, two models of Festool and most European routers do not accept 1/2 (some have add on accessories for them though). If you have a standard router….then the 1/2 are fine…...if you don’t…then you will need to get the 1/4 or the metrics. I have a trim router and several 1/4 that I only use in it…...with the higher amp (or higher Hp) routers…..always get the bigger bits when available.

-- Woodworking.....My small slice of heaven!

Do you have the owners manual for your router? It should say whether it takes both 1/2” & 1/4” or not. From trying to find that router online, I came across parts for the 315175340 (not the 315175304) and it only shows a part for 1/4” collet. Not sure if it’ll take 1/2” bits. Can anyone confirm? Anyone else that router?

-- Matt - http://breakingboardom.wordpress.com/

Always buy 1/2” shank bits unless the profile you need isn’t available in 1/2”. They are more stable, and MUCH stronger. I have broken more than a few 1/4” shank bits out of slight lapses in judgement that would not have even phased a 1/2” bit…

-- Manufacturer of fine quality sawdust since 1984. Comments and advice on my shop welcome. Check it out at http://lumberjocks.com/dbhost/workshop. Gladly accepting shop build donations!