Festool 8mm router bit selection

[IADE]

I've never used a router before but the postman has just turned up with my first; the OF1010. To complete my introduction to routing I now need some bits. I've researched the various types but I'm still a little unsure as to the subtle differences between them and when one type might be more appropriate to use than another. This is where expert FOG input will hopefully chime in and guide me on my way.

The first project I want to do is to cut a 6mm wide groove in some oak and a corresponding tongue/rebate in some MDF. Please see the attached sketch.

At the 6mm diameter size I note that Festool offer the following (and I'm looking at Festool because I understand that their bits are high quality and I'm in the UK so availability of 8mm isn't an issue for me):

Router cutter HW, solid hard metal with base blade, shank 8 mm (490955)
Spiral router cutter HS with base blade, shank 8 mm (490944)

They are both described by Festool as being suitable for the same tasks though: grooving, rebating, long-hole cutting, drilling. So, when might one want to choose the straight cut option over the spiral? Would the HW straight cutter be better for routing in Oak because a) the spiral is only HS so better for soft materials unless I pay twice as much-ish for the HW option 490978 and b) the spiral would potentially give tearout?

I then need to do the rebate which is a 10mm wide step and a shade over 6mm deep. I obviously need something bigger than diameter 10mm and was thinking of getting a diameter 18mm bit for good measure, assuming that I might be able to do this in one slow pass? Here, Festool offer the following:

Router cutter HW with fitted base blade, shank 8 mm (490969)
Spiral router cutter HS with base blade, shank 8 mm (490950)

As this rebate would just be in MDF, I'm assuming the 18mm spiral bit would be fine for me?

Any help or other suggestions as to what to use in this instance would be gratefully received.

Thanks,
Ian

 

[GarryMartin]

You don't want to be using the HS bits in Oak and MDF really; you need the HW bits.

[attachimg=1]

The spiral bits will evacuate the chips/dust from an enclosed groove much more efficiently than a straight cutter, but for your rebate (rabbet) a straight bit would work fine.

[attachimg=2]

There are other suppliers of 8mm router bits in the UK and a FOG and personal favourite is Wealden Tool. I have their adjustable rebate cutter with a number of different bearings in 8mm shank and would recommend it.
http://www.wealdentool.com/acatalog/Online_Catalogue_Standard_Series_213.html

One of the 8mm cutters with the TB680 bearing would give you the 10mm rebate you are looking for.

 

[IADE]

Thanks Garry, most helpful. I'll take a look at the Wealden bits.

 

[Cheese]

MDF is tough on HSS tooling. It's best to use either carbide inserted or solid carbide bits. The binder is the issue.

Another possibility is CMT, I've used them for years. Here's a link to their European catalog which has a nice selection of metric tooling.  Be patient because this link is slow to load.
http://www.cmtutensili.com/media/Files/143_13_english_catalogue_2014.pdf

 

[sancho57]

I think of router bits as consumables. I buy good bits that I plan on using over the long term such as a raised panel sets. But run of the mill bits I buy whatever.

My go to bits are made by infinity that are made in America. They are available here though not a complete selection.

Trend are good to.

 

[IADE]

Thanks all for the options. Surprised how much cheaper some of these are when compared with the Festool bits!

 

[bertv]

If value for money is a consideration (as it should be) Festool’s carousel box (Box-OF) with ten router bits is a no-brainer. You may not use every single one of those ten, but it will give you a chance to explore what is possible and what you will need in the long term.

It may be NAINA, but this will give you some idea of what it containes:https://www.festool.de/Produkte/Zub...system-fuer-Fraeser-Schaft-8-Box-OF-HW-S8-Mix

 

[IADE]

If value for money is a consideration (as it should be) Festool’s carousel box (Box-OF) with ten router bits is a no-brainer. You may not use every single one of those ten, but it will give you a chance to explore what is possible and what you will need in the long term.

It may be NAINA, but this will give you some idea of what it containes:https://www.festool.de/Produkte/Zub...system-fuer-Fraeser-Schaft-8-Box-OF-HW-S8-Mix

Thanks, just bought that set (498979) on offer for £139 (inc VAT) which is approximately the total cost of 4 of those bits if bought separately. I'm sure I'll make use of the groove cutters and roundovers so very good value indeed!

 

[jimbo51]

Jobsworth said

"My go to bits are made by infinity that are made in America. They are available here though not a complete selection."

I just looked at the Infinity catalog on line. They showed one 8mm shank straight bit and several 8 mm shank dovetail bits. Nothing else. I also saw nothing that indicated that the bits are made in America. Is your information maybe out of date?