Woodworking ? - what are some good router bits?

[MichaelD]

I actually am just looking for straight bits right now, 1/4" and 1/2". I bought a "variety pack" set on EBay for a whole $10. I thought I got a good deal.

Now I know why they were so cheap. I used the 1/4" straight cut bit today and made a whole 6 cuts...and it's getting dull already.

What are some bits that won't go dull so fast? I know next to nothing about router bits.

Sometimes, you really do get what you pay for.

 

[ScottMac]

As far as I'm concerned, you can't do better than CMT bits (the Orange ones).

Freud are pretty decent too (the Red ones).

I have a couple sets of CMTs (raised panel, mini raised panel, glass insert ...(and more)).

I've been using them for years on hard and soft woods and they're still making great cuts.

FWIW

Scott

 

[Hayabusa Rider]

Either Home Depot or Lowes (and I believe it's HD) sells Porter Cable bits. They are reasonably priced, and have thick carbide. Bosch is good, but no better than PC.

What router do you have?

 

[MichaelD]

Thanks ScottMac. Nice to see you're still around too...and lurking outside of networking. 😉 🙂

CMT-bits, huh?

/heads over to EBay.

 

[Hayabusa Rider]

Well, thanks for ignoring my help bitch! :|


😛


BTW, CMT are decent bits, but do you know what size shanks to get and why? 😛

 

[MichaelD]

Originally posted by: WinstonSmith
Well, thanks for ignoring my help bitch! :|


😛


BTW, CMT are decent bits, but do you know what size shanks to get and why? 😛

/feeling hurt

I wasn't ignoring you, Winston. I was still typing when you posted. 😛

I have a Hitachi M12V; one of the woodworking favs. It's one powerful mutha. It came w/a 1/2" straight cut bit of decent quality. It just powers thru 3/4" MDF. The 1/4" EBay bit, OTOH... 🙁

Aside from the fact that 1/2" bits are stronger than 1/4" bits, I've no idea why I should use either.

I'm looking for 1/4" bits right now b/c that's what I need to use with the Jasper Circle Jig cutter. Handy piece of plexiglass, that jig.

 

[MichaelD]

Holy moly, those CMT bits are expensive!!! :shocked: I know they are really great...but I don't need like an entire 15-piece set.

 

[Hayabusa Rider]

Do you have a Rockler's or Woodcraft store near you?

Woodcraft bits are decent, and not so pricy.

Yep, 1/2" are better, not so much because they are stronger (they are) but because they are less prone to slip in the chuck and more importantly are rarely cause vibration, where sometimes 1/4" will.

Woodcraft bits here.

 

[h8red]

Aside from the fact that 1/2" bits are stronger than 1/4" bits, I've no idea why I should use either.

The biggest advantage of 1/2" bits is that they have more mass. More mass typically equals more stability or less wobble and there is also more surface area for the collet to grip. These are all picky points and either bit will make a cut for you. I bought a "starter" 1/4" carbide craftsman set a while ago but now I'm only buying 1/2" bits. Buy bits for whatever collet size you have, unless you have both - then buy 1/2"

Whiteside router bits are another option but they are typically more expensive too. I've bought Freud bits in the past and they are very good and I've also read good things about CMT bits