router bits

I think you will get all the advice you need to make up your mind here:

http://lumberjocks.com/topics/2135

-- Gary, East TX -- The longest journey begins with a single step.

you could get a big starter set like that and find your preferences. then get better bits from there. I have bits from Amana Tool and they are AMAZING!!!! I don’t even have to push the router. It’s like they are gliding through butter. If you want great bits I’d go with those.

Matt, I recently asked a similar question and the thread Gary is pointing you to should help a lot. I’ve had my eye on that Woodline set but I’ve decided I really don’t need it. If you are going to buy Woodline bits, you might check Amazon via the LJ Store and wait if you can until they are on sale.

-- Paul D, Atlanta GA

When I bought my first Porter Cable 690 14 years ago, I went through the same decision process regarding a set of router bits. I resisted the urge and was glad I did.
Instead, buy the bits as you need them for projects. The money stays in your pocket longer, the bits you buy are exactly what you need (and you get experience in set up and use on projects), and you end up with very high quality bits (each costs a little more than the ones you get in a set, but you buy fewer). You also don’t have a lot of bits you never end up using.
I wanted to say that you end up with fewer bits, but I’d be lying-LOL! You may also end up with not only more bits, but more routers (I now have 5!).

-- Gerry

Get the ones with 1/2” shanks when possible. The 1st ones I bought and didn’t know the difference and got 1/4” shanks. 1/4” shanks tend to chatter more than 1/4” ones.

-- Only the Shadow knows....................