Router Bits 1/4 & 1/2

[msw]

Hello,

I have two routers.  Recently, I started to use them.  One of the routers is a Festool 1010 that uses 1/4" and the other is a Festool 1400 that takes both 1/4" and 1/2".

My question is that I would like to know when should I use the 1/4" and when should I use 1/2".  From shopping, most router bits are available in the 1/2" as well as the 1/4".  Most of what I have is 1/4", I only have one 1/2" bit. 

Safety wise:  Is it more safer to use the 1/2" or the 1/4" or doesn't it matter.

Is buying a router bit set worth the extra money?

I have a Leigh Router Jig and I would like to buy a dovetail router bit.  Even leigh sells router sets for Dovetail.  Is it worth it to buy the set or which one should I buy?

Your recommendation, advice, help is greatly appreciated.

God Bless and Thank you,

Moataz .

 

[semenza]

Hi,

        In general go with the 1/2" shank bits when you can.  There is really nothing wrong  1/4" shank bits, especially for the smaller lighter cutting bits (small round overs,  edge shaping, etc).  And they work fine for many medium sized things too. up to 3/4" wide dados.  But in my experience the 1/2" shank  bits just seems to run smoother. I have the OF1400, and buy 1/2" whenever I can get them for the bit I want.    Festool has 8mm sahnk also , and you can get the collet from then for your router. Those are in between 1/4 and 1/2.

    Most of the time router but sets are not worth it unless it is a set that is to do a matching profile or joint such as raised panels or tongue a / groove etc.  You will find that just buying single good quality bits as you need them will be a more cost efective way to build a collection for what you do.  Though sets are a little better price you will usually end up with bits you won't use.  Small sets of the same type  of bit in different sizes may be worth getting  as long as the bits are something basic EX - a set of three different size round overs.  But always get good bits, don't go for the cheap , low quality ones.

      Can;t help you on the dovetail bits. Someone will though.

Seth

 

[Mcguirk]

Moataz

Whenever possible I always opt for a larger diameter shank, 1/2" or 8mm for example. They are typically more expensive but I believe them to be more stable. I own a D series Liegh jig and would recommend their bit set (8mm) as it will maximize the jigs potential, and not all dovetail bits are compatible with the jig. I own the set and have been happy with it, CMT also makes a set for the Leigh jig but it doesn't have as many bits.

Good Luck

 

[Brice Burrell]

Moataz, I would agree that 1/2" shank bits are a little better than 1/4" shank for some tasks. Some bits are only sold in larger shank sizes because of the size of the bit itself. Some bits are a little more prone to breaking than others, for example, solid carbide spiral bits 1/4' diameter and smaller. However most other 1/4' shank bits aren't likely to break under normal use. I've never broken a router bit of any shank size. So I don't buy into the argument that 1/2" shank bits are much safer to use.

While, I have a lot of 1/2" shank bits I do have and use 1/4" more often. I can't tell the difference in the cut quality between my 1/4" and 1/2" bits, that assumes both are quality bits. With a larger bit maybe you could tell the difference in the cut. But, again, larger bits should be 1/2" shank. So, I also throw out the better cut quality argument.

That leaves us with the dissipation of heat argument, a 1/2' shank bit dissipates heat better than the 1/4" shanks. Okay, you got me there, I bet that one's true......but why on earth should I care? This is a non-issue for just about every user.

I think if you are getting started collecting router bits a good idea is to buy a large set of cheap 1/4" shank bit. You can find 20 or 30 bit set at the home centers and Amazon cheap. That way you can find out what bits you tend to use most and then over time replace them with quality ones.

Now, since you have two Festool routers, why not buy 8 mm bits instead. It doesn't make sense to buy a bit that can't be used in both routers, except for large bits. It's not easy to find many 8 mm bits out there. Festool offers their bits in 8 mm shank. While I don't have a large collection of Festool bits I have found them to be first rate, the carbide is of the highest quality making the bits last.

Good luck.

 

[tvgordon]

The 1/2" router bits are stronger because of the larger diameter, but I have to agree with Brice in that I've never broken a 1/4" bit.  I usually buy the 1/2" bits, but you won't be able to use them in your 1010.  You might be better buying 1/4" or 8mm so you can use them in either router (if that matters to you).

I bought the bit set for the Leigh jig.  That way I'll have the bit I need for different material thicknesses.

Tom.

 

[Cannuck]

All good advice here.  I love my Leigh dovetail jig and bit set (a good buy - if for no other reason its compatible with the jig and both routers).

I'd buy 1/2" bits or 8mm bits whenever possible.  The only exceptions, which I recommend you buy in 1/4", are a set of roundover bits, chamfer bit, a flush trim bit, and a top-bearing mortising bit in whatever dimension of material you use most (for me that's 3/4"). 

My rationale for that is that I'll often have the larger router setup for repeat operations (i.e. dados, cope-stick profiles, or dovetails), and won't want to change the setup to make a couple of different cuts.  The bits I mentioned are what I commonly use in my smaller trim router (for you the 1010).