Router bit recommendations

[DougP]

Well I finally got my router (christmas gift) and I need your input on where to get some good quality bits without breaking the bank. I know that I will be getting a roundover bit, but I was wondering about what size of rabbetting bit or bits to get to do my counter sink cuts for drivers.

Thanks

Doug

[ds1919]

usually your home depot or Lowes stores have package deals that save $$$$. You get a bit kit with many bits. Dewalt sells pretty good ones for us regular hobbyists. Or for cheaper, you can find kits from China, which have served me well (although they wont last as long as high quality, high priced bits). I got a 16 piece set for $12 last year....just look around at the larger box stores...

> Well I finally got my router (christmas
> gift) and I need your input on where to get
> some good quality bits without breaking the
> bank. I know that I will be getting a
> roundover bit, but I was wondering about
> what size of rabbetting bit or bits to get
> to do my counter sink cuts for drivers.

> Thanks

> Doug

[alexb]

I use MLCS bits for most of my work. I have have used them for years with great results. I feel their bits hold up better than most others, especially for the price.

<A HREF="http://www.mlcswoodworking.com">http://www.mlcswoodworking.com</A>

[matg]

each driver is going to have a slightly different size flange and is going to require a different size rabit. I know it is not the cheapest, but i got the Master Rabit set from CMT carbide at a local hardwood supplier. It is one very large two flute bit with many different bearings that can be attached. I can make almost any depth rabit i want and the bearings are in 1/32" increments. I cost as much as my last router but worth every penny.

Otherwise, the sets available at HD/lowes and such are a good starting point. I would stay away from H.F. and their cheapo sets. And don't waste your mony on high speed steel bits, stick with carbide.

> Well I finally got my router (christmas
> gift) and I need your input on where to get
> some good quality bits without breaking the
> bank. I know that I will be getting a
> roundover bit, but I was wondering about
> what size of rabbetting bit or bits to get
> to do my counter sink cuts for drivers.

> Thanks

> Doug

[bill]

Cheap router bits generally aren't worth the money. You will need a rabbetting bit with interchangeable bearings, as has been mentioned already. I have the Woodcraft set, which is pretty good but only offers 1/16" increments. I also recommend waiting until Woodcraft puts their regular bits on sale for $5 apiece; they're a steal at that price.

For cutting circles, I recommend the CMT 1/4" solid-carbide spiral upcut bits; I use these with a Jasper Jig. For flush trimming, I use a Whiteside 1/2" diameter flush-trim bit. These are personal favorites; I'm sure other manufacturers also have competent offerings.

Given what these bits cost, plan to store them carefully so the cutting edges don't get damaged. Don't just throw them into a drawer.

HTH,
Bill

> Well I finally got my router (christmas
> gift) and I need your input on where to get
> some good quality bits without breaking the
> bank. I know that I will be getting a
> roundover bit, but I was wondering about
> what size of rabbetting bit or bits to get
> to do my counter sink cuts for drivers.

> Thanks

> Doug

[DougP]

Thank you all very much for your input. I went ahead and pulled the trigger and ordered three bits to get me started.
3/8" roundover
45 degree chamfer
1/2" plunge grove

Doug

[Mr.Thomas Aaron Hero]

Hey Doug, Dont waste alot of money on high end router bits unless you are doing production work,pretty much any carbide bit will serve you well.all carbide bits will eventualy chip and get dull when working with partical board and MDF because of all the metal shavings and metal chips encased in the material from manufacturing.

Harbor Freight sells some decent bits at a decent price,I have a 1/4" H.F. bit that I have used to cut at least 20 speaker holes out with and it still cuts just fine.

A.H.

[johnastockman]

> Thank you all very much for your input. I
> went ahead and pulled the trigger and
> ordered three bits to get me started.
> 3/8" roundover
> 45 degree chamfer
> 1/2" plunge grove

> Doug

Doug, I can recommend MLCS Woodworking, also. Free shipping in the lower 48. A 1/2" round-over, a flush-trim bit with shear, and the spiral cut bits for doing the driver mortises. I also have one of the MLCS spiral flush cutting bits (with bottom bearing) for trimming edges and veneer. Carbide, not high-speed-steel is the way to go.

John A.