Essentail Router bits

[Jmaichel]

I just picked my first router an OF1400 and need some advice on router bits. What are the mos essential router bits. I know someone is going to say wait until you need a bit then get it but I don't have a supplier of good router bits nearby and would have to order them. I know there has to be at least 5 -7 bits that every woodworker should not be without, I just don't know what they are.

James

 

[ShawnRussell]

I use the following almost all the time,
Round over
flush cut
template bit
chamfer
and if you can find a set with a rabbet.

Whiteside and Freud both make a 7 piece starter bit set, but I have found the above 5 the most useful. But, that all depends on the kind of work that you do.

 

[semenza]

Two or three round over sizes... 1/4" , 3/8"  and if you get a size smaller bearing for them you can switch them between round over and beading bits. The bits are the  same just a different bearing size. This gets to be a pain, but will save you some dollars on initial purchase.

Rabbeting set.

Chamfer.

Seth

 

[EdL]

Here you go....

Whiteside 7 piece set

Ed

 

[regdor1999]

Agreed on the Whiteside 7 pc. set, available in 1/2" and 1/4" shanks.  Make sure you get the one you need!
http://www.holbren.com/whiteside-multi_profile-set-7_piece-1-2-shank.html

Whiteside makes great bits, and I buy those whenever I can, usually from Holbren.

Infinity makes one as well, but I'd give the nod to Whiteside.

To go one step further, Whiteside also makes a 10 piece "essential" router bit set.  It contains a few more bits, and several different bearing sizes for the bearing bits (rabbets, etc.).  It was based on the recommendations of Fine Woodworking Magazine about which bits every woodworker should have.  It's more than double the cost of the 7 pc. set, but I can't imagine needing to buy too many more bits other than very specific special-purpose bits if the need arises.
http://www.holbren.com/whiteside-10-essential-router-bits-set.html

Myself, I started with the 7 pc. and a mish-mash of other.  Doing it all over, I probably would have bought the 10 piece set to start.

The value of your router bits will probably end up matching or exceeding the value of the router, unless you have the OF2200. 

 

[MrToolJunkie]

I recomend some spiral bits for grooves, mortising and dadoes.  Get a couple of sizes -- 1/4, 3/8 and 1/2 are probably the most used.  If they do not have spiral in the brand you are looking for, double-flute staight bits will work too.  I recommend a couple of round-overs in 1/4, 3/8 and 1/2 inch too, a roman ogee bit, a couple of core box bits or cove bits to match your round over size, a pattern cutting bit and a flush cutting bit and a rabbeting bit set.  Oh, and a dovetail bit for sliding dovetails.  These bits will get you buy for a lot of tasks.

Scot 

 

[Wooden Skye]

When i started i went to MLCS.  They have different sets at reasonable prices.  There website is mlcswoodworking.com.

 

[Jmaichel]

Thanks for your help everyone. I ended up ordering the Whiteside 10 essential router bit set and added a 23/32 plywood  bit.

James

 

[Corwin]

Thanks for your help everyone. I ended up ordering the Whiteside 10 essential router bit set and added a 23/32 plywood  bit.

James

Great choice!  [thumbs up]

 

[Jmaichel]

Thanks for your help everyone. I ended up ordering the Whiteside 10 essential router bit set and added a 23/32 plywood  bit.

James

Great choice!   [thumbs up]

Thanks Corwin!
I was looking over my tool inventory and trying to think about accessories that I will probably need or want before my tool budget runs out.

 

[gkas]

When i started i went to MLCS.  They have different sets at reasonable prices.  There website is mlcswoodworking.com.

The MLCS sets are sold at a nice discount at Amazon.

 

[Timtool]

Get yourself a cheap set of 20-50 bits for like 1 dollar a piece, their usually not rubbish unless you use them all day.
Then you will see what bits you are using most, and when worn replace those with more expensive bits.
It's pointless to spend 30 dollars an a bit you will only use occasionally, a 1 dollar bit can last you a life time if you use it occasionally. Especially round over bits and such.

 

[Mauri Motti]

Hi,

thought to chime in as to my surprise not a single person has yet recommended the Festool box sets (I think they offer at least two sets with different assortment)
Yes, they are not cheap, yes they are on of the best I have used. If I recall correct from reading a post here on fog I think you can buy these in the US too.
Not that I have anything against cheap router bits really, but I gave up buying those individual bits or even sets that mess up the piece I'm working on and trowing it away after the project. Those are eventually the expensive bits in my book. In the past I even purchased cheap box sets of ten just for a single bit in the set that I needed for a project at the time thinking that the complete set is cheaper then a decent brand single bit. But ending up having cheapo bits in stock that are not used in any way and having the single bit used dull... It ain't worth it for me

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[Rocky]

Would like to have a source in the US, if possible.

Thanks

Mike

 

[AlexThePalex]

thought to chime in as to my surprise not a single person has yet recommended the Festool box sets (I think they offer at least two sets with different assortment)

I think they're not available in the US.

But I'm with Timtool, get a cheap assortment of bits, don't start buying $60 a piece bits right away. The cheap ones will do just fine for a starter.

 

[Jmaichel]

I have a buddy at work who was trying to get me to buy this set from 66 piece set from Grizzly for $267, which I am sure is a good deal for that many bits. I told him that I have no use for that many bits and that I would rather spend the same amount of money on 10 or 11 high quality bits. I ended up the Whiteside's 10 essential router bits set and added a the 23/32 plywood bit. I could have bought cheaper bits but I have the money now, plus I am a sucker for high quality American made products  [big grin]

James

 

[Timtool]

I think you made a good decision on those 11 essential bits, the thing is that you can't do everything with those and occasionally you will need one you don't have.
In that case i suggest you get yourself a set with as many widths, angles and radius's possible.
That $267 set from Grizzly isn't really what i was talking about, i'm sure you can find a similar set for around $50

 

[Alan m]

i have a couple of sets. i probably havnt used half of them.
but i would definetly reconmend a set . a cheap set. i think my 1/2" set is faithfull brand.
i often use them bits. when i buy loose bits i store them in a tool box with all the accesories for the router.
i like the bit sets because i have cheap bits to try and see how i like them or if they would work. they last a long time  if your not using them every day. when i wear out a bit i replace it with a good bit.
sometimes i see that im using a bit a good bit so i buy a good one and leave the cheap one there for when i might hit a nail or unknown under pait etc.