First Router, OF 1010 - Which Bits and Where to get them to start with

[sofa_king_rad]

I picked up an OF 1010, my first router and part of my new festool/woodworking hobby. I have a few furniture projects in mind, but nothing specific as to how to the build process yet.

Which router bits should I start out with, which styles do you use the most of?

And is there a source for festool 8mm bits in the US? I think i'd prefer to buy a small set/kit to get started. Or should I just pick up the 1/4" stuff on the local Home Depot or whatever?

THANKS FOR THE HELP!!

 

[DB10]

In the USA you can get 1/4 bit sets from companies like whiteside which are reasonably priced and no doubt will be better quality than Home Depot sets.
  I'm not sure if 8mm bits are that popular in the US. But I'm sure a USA member will be able to offer more help with the 8mm bit sets.

 

[ear3]

I think it might be difficult to get router bit sets in 8mm in the us. But Mayb3 someone else knows a source.

My suggestion would be to look at one of the sets offered by mlcs. They make decent quality cheap router bits, and you will save some bills by buying a complete set.

My first router bit set was a ryobi close out special from home depot. I still use the roundover bits from that set, but the straight bits were garbage.

 

[sofa_king_rad]

In the USA you can get 1/4 bit sets from companies like whiteside which are reasonably priced and no doubt will be better quality than Home Depot sets.
  I'm not sure if 8mm bits are that popular in the US. But I'm sure a USA member will be able to offer more help with the 8mm bit sets.

Any thoughts one which bits I should get to start with?

 

[copcarcollector]

Any thoughts one which bits I should get to start with?

What type of work do you anticipate doing with a router? I bought a 1/2" shank set from MLCS, and a 1/4" shanks set from someone else... but have found that there are a bunch of bits I will probably never use!

 

[ear3]

I would invest some money in a good quality flush trimming bit though from whiteside, Amana or cmt, preferably a spiral bit.  If you are going to be doing pattern cutting, you might also consider a spiral bit without a bearing.

 

[jplemons]

Lee Valley is about the only place this side of the Atlantic that I've found for 8mm bits, which are recommended by most people over the 1/4" bits. However, some people use 1/4" bits without an issue. I ordered a few of the bits from Lee Valley to get me started with an anticipated 1010 purchase.
http://www.leevalley.com/US/wood/page.aspx?p=69399&cat=1,46168

 

[Hnnguyen85]

I'm a big fan of whiteside router bits. Their priced right and cut really smooth and nice. Most of the bits offered by whiteside can be found on amazon with free prime shipping.

 

[rst]

I generally use Whiteside, Freud, or Amana.  I buy from toolstoday.com and routerbitworld.com mostly.  Toolstoday is especially important to me as I rout a lot of plastics and aluminum.

 

[waterloomarc]

I also use whiteside primarily and have been very happy. I get mine from Hartville Tool. They offer free and insanely quick shipping. Although I'm a huge Amazon prime fan I try to support the little guys when I can and Hartville gets me my stuff almost as fast. (No affiliation etc.)

I would advise against a set as you may not (probably won't?) use all the bits. The cost per bit is low but if you don't use them then what's it matter? MLCS does have decent bits cheap. I use them for profiles I don't anticipate using often.

I'm just a hobbiest the but I'd say my most common bits are 1/4 & 5/16 straight spirals, 1/2" straight, 3/4" flush trimming and 1/8 and 1/4" round over bits. No means an exhaustive list, just off the top of my head. Get a 5 mm bit too if you want to do shelf holes.

 

[Hurricane Whisperer]

In the USA you can get 1/4 bit sets from companies like whiteside which are reasonably priced and no doubt will be better quality than Home Depot sets.
  I'm not sure if 8mm bits are that popular in the US. But I'm sure a USA member will be able to offer more help with the 8mm bit sets.

Any thoughts one which bits I should get to start with?

Don't buy bits to start with.  Buy bits to fit a specific project.  Over time, you will end up with the bits you need.

 

[Acrobat]

There are literally thousands of router bits, and many in 1/4 shank so you're not too limited and can get many projects underway.
so to help....some choices possibly....
A small round over bit for smoothing over edges, a few of sizes of straight bits for doing rabbetts/dados, dovetail & pins pair for drawers if you make them, and template copying bit- flush cutting bits (bits with a bearing) . Almost all starter kits will have these in some shape or size and will get you going. Otherwise as mentioned buy for whatever a project needs and you'll soon build up a collection. It's amazing how many you'll find you get over time.
The 1010 is a great router, and I love using it as it's powerful enough and light enough to manoeuvre around easily. Keep in mind the 1010 doe not take 1/2 inch shank bits so any larger bits will not fit but you can get plenty in 1/4 shank, just take less depth each pass so as not to over strain the shanks.

 

[Nat X]

Don't buy bits to start with.  Buy bits to fit a specific project.  Over time, you will end up with the bits you need.

This is the right answer. Buying things you don't need is not going to help you learn any faster.

 

[Staniam]

I can back up the comments about MLCS being good quality bits on the "cheaper" end of the spectrum. I recently purchased an OF 1010 (three months ago) and had some Bosch straight and round over bits which have been awesome at also good prices. Anyways, once I purchased the OF 1010 I wanted a set to put the router through its paces and try to use as many different bits as I could to improve my routing skills. The MLCS kit for $45 on Amazon has been a heck of a bargain. They've cut through 1" Red Oak like nothing. Straight bits from 1/4 to 3/4 and 1/2 round over.

 

[Holmz]

It is handy to have a few standard bits, and some standard guide bushes if the local store is a ways away.
So I feel like a small set of bits is worth having.

Quality wise the 8-mm bits are hard to beat, as they are lighter than the 1/2" and stronger than the 1/4".
Getting them sent from the old country is usually cost effective. More so if get some Zobos or other goodies that are cheaper in the old country.

 

[Tinker]

In the USA you can get 1/4 bit sets from companies like whiteside which are reasonably priced and no doubt will be better quality than Home Depot sets.
  I'm not sure if 8mm bits are that popular in the US. But I'm sure a USA member will be able to offer more help with the 8mm bit sets.

Any thoughts one which bits I should get to start with?

Don't buy bits to start with.  Buy bits to fit a specific project.  Over time, you will end up with the bits you need.

The first time I bought bits, I got a cheeeep set.  The bits I did use out of the set did not hold up very well. some bits I have never used.  I found out the bits I really needed and by that time, I had discovered Whiteside.  They do have some bits listed for 8mm.  If you do not find the bit you need in 8mm, contact Whiteside. You will get a reply very quickly telling you which bits are supplied in 8mm.  If you really need a certain bit in 8mm, they will make it for you. I have several routers, including a 1400 Fetoy.  The only router I have that only goes up to 8mm collet is my OF 1000, so it is not such a big deal any more unless the 1000 is the best specific route to use.

I have not ordered direct from WS in several years now.  The above info is from my past experiences with them.  I continue to buy WS bits, but thru Norwalk, CT Woodcraft store.  They are my "go to" toy store only a little over a half hour away. They have a big showcase in the store.  If they don't have the it I need, they get it for me.  Either direct thru WS or from my Woodcraft toy store, I have gotten great service thru the years.
Tinker

 

[Birdhunter]

I buy Freud bits with carbide cutting edges. Cheap bits make routing an unrewarding exercise.

Remember, routers can be highly dangerous.  You don't want the rotational direction of the router bit to be accelerating the router. You want to be pushing the router into the wood, not trying to hold it back. In other words, routers go left.

Norm Abrams has a YouTube video on using a router safely. It's pretty good.

 

[Jesse Cloud]

I would suggest getting a 1/4 inch bit and an 8mm bit first.  Get a feel for which you prefer.  Personally, I like the 8mm bits.  They are considerably sturdier than the 1/4 inch ones and resist chattering (rough cut) much better.  Lee Valley carries a wide assortment of 8mm bits, probably just about anything you would need.  On the other hand 1/4 bits are widely available in the big box stores.

+1 on Whiteside bits.  Also agree that buying a set isn't a good idea, almost certain to get a few you will never use.

For what its worth, I'm a hobbyist making furniture and the bits I use most often are: straight bits, roundovers, and flush trim.  Definitely don't buy fancy edge treatment bits (ogee, flute, etc) or dovetail bits until you have a project that needs them and then get
just the size and geometry you need.

 

[sofa_king_rad]

I was thinking maybe just a small set like this would be a good starting point so that I can at least have some options while playing around wiht my first buildshttp://www.amazon.com/Whiteside-Rou...ue&ref_=ox_sc_act_title_3&smid=A25DVOZOPBFMAN

 

[truck90278]

that will work for you.  the basics are covered.