Best Router bits to start with?

[localbrew]

I'm planning on getting the OF 1400 EQ next month but would like to get started on some decent quality bits. Not looking to break the bank here with Whiteside bits or the Astra coated ones. I was thinking Amana Carbide, or maybe SpeTool, thoughts?

Also, I would like to get recommendations on what are some good flush trim bits to have for projects, dados in plywood or hardwood, etc. I'm thinking 1/2" shank bits but I'm also open to hearing what others goto bits and sizes are.

I'm slightly on the fence with the 1010R, but after reading everything seems like the 1400 EQ is the best all around router. I do have a small/palm trim router that I will still use occasionally.

Thanks in advance for your thoughts and recommendations, I just want 5 - 7 really good, goto bits for cabinets, edge band trimming etc. FWIW my current bit setup is the Bosch set that you can get on Amazon, so I think I can only go up from here.

 

[peter halle]

Welcome to the forum!. You will get numerous suggestions here and one commonly offered one is not to buy sets. I would suggest that if you are going to use plywood that you consider a set of undersized plywood bits to deal with dadoes. I have a Whiteside set in 1/2 shank. Also look at the Woodpeckers bits which are excellent quality and might be in the price range you are looking at.

I'll let others offer more detailed suggestions. I am blessed/cursed with so many bits that I truly hope there is such a thing as reincarnation so that I might be able to use them all to the end of their lifespans.

Peter

 

[kevinculle]

When you consider that the bit is the only part of the router that does anything to the wood and you are investing in a Festool router, it makes no sense to shop bargain bits. I have had the best results with Whiteside bits, Bosch bits have also worked well for me. I have never bought a set of bits, just acquired them one by one as needed for a project. Buy the best bits you need when you need them rather than investing in sets of bits, many of which you may never put in the router chuck.

 

[localbrew]

Thanks Peter and Kevin. I'm not opposed to spending on bits, I guess I'm just wondering what are the best goto bits for doing flush trimming and dados.

I'll keep doing my research and then likely buy what the project dictates.

 

[Sparktrician]

I might suggest checking out Amana bits - https://www.amanatool.com/.

 

[jeffinsgf]

Thanks Peter and Kevin. I'm not opposed to spending on bits, I guess I'm just wondering what are the best goto bits for doing flush trimming and dados.

I'll keep doing my research and then likely buy what the project dictates.

Sounds simple enough. "Flush trimming" what? phenolic laminate? wood veneer? flushing up assembled parts? Take a look at our solid carbide spiral flush trims. 1/2" diameter in 1-1/4" or 1-1/2" cut-length and 1/4" diameter in 1" cut-length will cover a lot of ground. Spirals are pricier than carbide tipped, but the cut quality and tool life will justify the investment.

Similarly, solid carbide spiral would be my first choice for any straight bit. Smoother cut, smoother feed, better tool life. Now size...that's where it gets a little complicated. Starting out...1/2" and 1/4" gets you going. As projects come up, we have bits to match plywood dimensions and cut-lengths for all types of joinery. My current favorites are the Variable Helix straights. They plunge better than a standard helix up-cut.

Ultra-Shear Router Bits - Woodpeckers

Ultra-Shear Router bits from Woodpeckers are top-quality, solid carbide router bits made in the USA. Enjoy factory direct pricing.

www.woodpeck.com

 

[waho6o9]

For flush trimming I'd suggest buy once cry once. You obliviously know quality routers and using sub par router bits seems counterproductive.
All the best.

Carbide Head Compression Pattern and Flush Trim Router Bit, 2+2 Flute, 1/2" Shank, 3/4" Diameter

Ultra-Shear's Steel-Shank Carbide-Head Compression Pattern and Flush Trim Bits make your pattern-routing projects go smoother and safer. With a bearing both above and below the cutting area, you can cut with the pattern on either the top or bottom of your material. Combine the dual bearing...

www.woodpeck.com

 

[localbrew]

Thanks all, that is the exact flush trim bit I was looking at this morning, the carbide compression 2+2 1/2" shank.

 

[Packard]

I like Whiteside too. Also CMT and Freud.

The Freud bits come in very nice cases. Whiteside comes in cheap cases. The quality seems about the same for all of them.

I buy bits “as required”. I get Whiteside bits overnight from Amazon. So no need to anticipate what I will need; I buy what is required when it is required.

I have found that when I buy any tools in anticipation of future projects, I end up with a lot of tools that never get used.

Routers seem to last a long time. My Craftsman router, purchased in 1966 - 1967 still works fine, though I suspect when the current motor brushes wear out I will have to retire the router.

I do buy some cheap router bits when they are for a very specific application that is not likely to crop up frequently.

P.S.: Looking over my Amazon purchases, I see I bought an Amana router bit also and got good service from that bit. Probably in the same quality class as Whiteside, CMT and Freud.

If you are having problems sourcing metric sized bits in the USA, log onto Amazon.de or Amazon.uk and use your regular Amazon account. Service has been quick and the freight charges were reasonable.

I once placed an order through Amazon.es (Spain) but it shipped from Amazon.de (Germany).

 

[localbrew]

Thanks @Packard This is very helpful. I was going to start with Amana, maybe a Whiteside or two. I know my question is so broad, and the project will dictate the type of bit needed. I was more curious what are peoples main brand and style of bit that they use a lot of.

 

[Hawkeye0001]

A lot of people say don't buy a set, I'd say: buy one of those sets! You can find many good value sets with some 20-odd router bits that you can use to experiment, but make sure that they are decent quality ones to avoid frustration (you should find great sets that work out to some $7-10 per bit). After a while you'll figure out that you need some bits a lot, others sometimes and a few never (until that one day, promised!)

Invest in the ones you need a lot, buy the ones that you need occasionally on an as-needed-basis or if you feel you outgrow the ones in your set and be happy to have the remaining ones for that day X.
The one bit I would buy extra right away though is a spiral bit with its bearing on the top; it's extremely versatile in that it also doubles as a dado bit.

If I were to rank my most used ones in order:
1. Spiral pattern bit
2. Spiral flush trim bit
3. Small roundover bit (2mm)
4. Slot cutter with exchangable cutters and bearings (excellent way to cut tongue and groove connections, make drawer boxes, cut biscuit slots, etc.)
5. Dovetail bit (if you're into wood connections, but #5 is already 'occasional use territory' for me)

Edit: changed for correct naming (thx @jeffinsgf )

 

[jeffinsgf]

Just to clarify industry standards...a bit with the bearing at the top (closest to collet) is called a "Pattern Bit" and a bit with the bearing at the end of the cut is called a "Flush Trim".

 

[woodbutcherbower]

I'm in the UK so I can't advise you on US brands. But whichever you choose - buy an aerosol can of PTFE dry lubricant, and coat your bits thoroughly before you use them. It will drastically reduce the amount of resin and other sludge which builds up on the bit and shortens its life. Give the bit a wipe over and re-coat after you've used it.

 

[Crazyraceguy]

I'm just as ridiculous with router bits as I am routers. I'm sure I would be surprised by the actual number, if I bothered to count them. My advice, don't bother with the sets. They usually include quite a few that are basically useless and are lower quality too. The big collection gives a perceived value of volume, but if you don't use them, it's money wasted.
Which ones you need are really based on what you do. Almost everyone would use a couple of straight cutting bits, say 1/4" and 1/2". A pattern bit and/or flush trim bit would probably be next, but it depends on what you are cutting. For cutting hardwood, a spiral is definitely the way to go, but for particle board or MDF, it's just a waste. You are putting all of that wear on an expensive bit, with no gain. In that case a brazed carbide bit is sufficient. If you do a lot with a bit like that, insert type bits are more economical (in the long run) but that is probably outside the scope of this discussion.
Specialty bits, on an as-needed basis.
@woodbutcherbower is completely right about cleaning. Often the bit is seen as dull, when it is really just dirty.

 

[rvieceli]

I like solid carbide spirals usually in 1/4 inch. The Woodpecker ones are quite nice. Amana and Whiteside also make nice bits.

these folks have an outstanding selection and some great images for picking out bits.

Router Bit World - Freud, CMT, Amana, Bosch, Timberline Router Bits and Saw Blades

Also grab some CMT 2050 cleaner for blades and bits. I usually keep a small container with a lid that I can drop stuff into and let it sit for a while. Available at your favorite retailer and online from several sources.

CMT® 18 oz. Router Bit and Blade Cleaner

Our safe and nontoxic Formula 2050 penetrates the microscopic cracks in the resin and attacks the bond between it and the carbide or steel surfaces. The resin releases its grip and you simply wipe it off. Formula 2050 keeps your tools clean and helps you increase the time between sharpening and...

www.menards.com

Ron

 

[localbrew]

I really appreciate all the great feedback, this is very helpful and I agree that set of Bosch bits I have, I've used maybe 5 or 6 of those.

I think I'll get a few of the Amana and Wookpeckers, Pattern, flush cut bits to start with. Now to figure out the mix of 1/2" or 1/4" LOL, I've only ever purchased the 1/4" so the OF 1400 EQ being able to accept 1/2" will be great.

 

[onocoffee]

I don't have any Festool routers (not for wanting though) but when I started out with my old Skil 1/4" router, I bought those four piece sets of roundover and straight cut bits from Ryobi - and I still use the smallest of the Ryobi roundovers for simple roundover-ing.

Not too long ago, I bought a used Incra table that came with LS Positioner and WonderFence, as well as a 36pc set of Freud bits. There's a whole assortment of bits that I have yet to use (and perhaps never will). I wouldn't recommend spending the money for the set but since it came with the table, there it is.

Since I've been doing woodworking, I have been following the advice of buying bits as I need them and I think this is a solid way to go. I now have a small assortment of Whiteside bits that I get from the local Woodcraft. For cutting pieces from templates, I've been using the 1/2" Whiteside Flush Trim 2" long straight bit and it's been a champ. Someone told me that it's better to get the 1/2" shank whenever possible and I have had success with that approach.

 

[luvmytoolz]

As I break so many cutters over time with the CNC I tend to buy cheap TCT ones in bulk, but specialty cutters like panel sets, spiral flush trim, etc, I'll buy as good a quality as possible.

I've bought many, many hundreds of cutters over the last 40+ years, and I'm yet to actually wear one out, I do chip/break them though. Hurts a lot less hitting a nail with a cheap cutter than an expensive one!

 

[woodferret]

I feel like I'm the only one that gravitates towards 8mm shank regardless of having a 1/2 motor.

 

[kevinculle]

Oh, just to add I also have had good results with Amana bits.