Router Bits what do you actually use

[UncleJoe]

With the thread for Ryan's beautiful router bit insert and some other router threads I started to re-organize my router bits. Then I got an email from MLCS advertising their router bit collection, 30 bits for $99 and one that is 45 bits for $116. All this got me thinking. I have been migrating my shop to a less is more kind of thing, and I thought what bits do I actually use on a regular basis.  I have 6 routers now with one in my main router table with lift and Incra fence system. 2 are mounted in small portable type router tables, one with a round over bit so I can quickly round over any edge when making a project or a shop jig and one with a flush trim bit. I just purchased a OS 1400 as my main hand held router.

I don't really have a need for too many bits. I was wondering what bits you use most frequently. I am pretty sure that like me you have a few bits that were purchased to make that one cut on a special project and I am not talking about those. What I am looking for is a list of your most used bits and maybe even a reason you use that particular bit. It may prove educational for me and others

Thanks for contributing your thoughts and ideas.

Uncle Joe

 

[HarveyWildes]

A cheap set is good for making sure that you have bits that don't get a lot of use when you need them.  The initial cut quality is not bad, in my experience, but the carbide quality is not as good and the bits will dull more quickly - sometimes very quickly.

I buy quality bits as needed for specific jobs.  I like Freud and Infinity bits.  (I think Infinity used to be called Jesada, which is the brand that I have most of).  Obviously Whiteside and Amana are top notch as well, and others will note their favorite brands.

The bits I use most are straight, pattern, and chamfering bits.  I have quality bits for all of these, and have gotten good use out of most of them.

I have had one bit break in use - a quality dovetail bit.  I've also seen another quality dovetail bit break in use.  I mention that because quality doesn't always mean trouble-free, nor does it make up for pushing at bit past what it is designed for.

 

[Bob Wolfe]

"Quality" is not an adjective I use with Freud. They are an average bit at best in my books. I prefer Whiteside, Dimar, LV (made by the orange guys I was told).
I have a  few Freud because where I live that is what is available when in a hurry.  BW

 

[semenza]

    Brand wise I have mostly CMT. I like them better than Freud but I don't really dislike the Freud either. I have a few in others brands including Freud, Amana, Whiteside, MLCS, simply because it was the only brand I could find offering a specific bit.

Most used profiles?

          1/4", 3/8" Rnd. Over (for edge breaking and really small round overs I usually use a sander)

          Ditto for Beading

          45 Chamfer (although I frequently just do this with a sander while sanding)

          1/4, 3/8, 1/2 Cove

        After those it is a pretty long list of about equal usage. Round Nose, rail and stile, straight, rabbeting, etc.

      I do a wide range of work and frequently am matching old / existing profiles. So I have ended up with a pretty good size collection of bits that have only been used once or twice.

      On the sander notes above I use a router if there are more than a couple pieces.

Seth

 

[antss]

Most often, I'm using straight/ mortising bits.  1/4" 6mm, 5mm, 1/2" and 19mm. Both in the table and hand held. Spiral and dbl flute.  I use an inlay kit quite a bit too with  1/8" spiral.

Next, is prob. a rabbeting bit and a slot cutter.

I also use a lock miter quite a bit.

My go to brand is Freud because it represents a good balance between quality, price, and availability.  I can get just about anything in their lineup within 20 minutes.  I find them to be above average in quality.

I have my fair share of Whiteside and Amana bits too. I also have a lot of DeWalt bits from the early 90's that I think were made by Amana for them. 

 

[DrD]

Mostly plunge bits - spiral upcut and straight dado bits, rabbit bits, edge treatment bits - mostly round over, and dovetail bits.  the majority of my bits are 8mm shank, followed by 1/4", and 1/2".  As stated in another post, the OF1010 is the goto router.

 

[rljatl]

Any opinions on Infinity Tools router bits?

Infinity Router Bits

 

[butzla]

Infinity is a good bit.  I use them and Freud's but my goto is Whiteside.  I found a really good source, Woodworkersworld.net.  Free shipping and because in part, I live on the east coast, I always receive them next day or two.  I get a shipping confirmation within the hour of order placed. 

I, like others, only buy them as the need arises for any given project.  I never stock pile them.

 

[kdzito]

Infinity is a good bit.  I use them and Freud's but my goto is Whiteside.  I found a really good source, Woodworkersworld.net.  Free shipping and because in part, I live on the east coast, I always receive them next day or two.  I get a shipping confirmation within the hour of order placed. 

I, like others, only buy them as the need arises for any given project.  I never stock pile them.

Ditto with Whiteside and Woodworkers World!  I bought two bits from Alan this week and received them in two days from PA to MI with free shipping.

 

[Cheese]

CMT...Whiteside....and Bosch equally spread among 1/4", 8mm & 1/2" shanks.

A fairly complete set of straight router bits, a somewhat complete set of round-over bits with bearings and then the usual specialty bits such as tongue & groove for flooring and the odd up-cut & down-cut bit or pattern tracing bit.

Just curious if anyone knows who makes Eagle America, made in USA router bits? They look an awful lot like Whiteside router bits. [unsure]
http://www.eagleamerica.com/prod_detail_list/router_bits_-_ea

FWIW...router bit comparison:http://www.whitesiderouterbits.com/tooltestrouterbits.pdf

 

[john5mt]

I think the eagle American bits are made by Whiteside but just a cheaper line. I have a bunch of them for all the obscure bits..

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[tjbnwi]

Any opinions on Infinity Tools router bits?

Infinity Router Bits

Excellent bits. Their setup jig for the miter lock bit is the best on the market.

I also have a lot of CMT bits.

Festool bits are also great bits.

Tom

 

[sancho57]

I started buying infinity bits, made in USA. I also like though havent bought any in a while Woodline. Though they are cheap (inexpensive) Ive never had a problem with them

 

[rst]

I have an eclectic mix of Amana, Freud, Whiteside, and CMT.  I also still have a 45 year old set of Craftsman 1/4" bits that were the first ones I ever purchased, they just keep the dust from flying around on the shelf where they reside.  [wink]

 

[nickao]

If they are made by Whiteside Eagle America Made in USA version aren't a cheaper version as far as lessor quality. I found them to be just as good

What I haven't done is buy two of the identical style each from Whiteside and Eagle. It's  possible the bits I had issue with from Whiteside have the same issue with the Eagle line.

I did have a thought the bits from each were made in the same factory. And seeing how a couple woodworking magazine rated Whiteside and Eagle America as 1 and 2 or even tied as best bits it's a good bet Whiteside Machine Company makes them. I  read an unverified article linked through lumber jocks awhile back that stated the Eagle bits are made in the same factory as the Whiteside, but nothing was said about ownership or if one is intentionally better than the other. I say Eagle are not inferior and just as good, but it's just an opinion from use.

The America Eagle have a lifetime warranty(like the Whiteside) so if one ever fails I let you know how that plays out.

 

[Cheese]

Good observation...for some strange reason those bits seemed to be sourced from the same vendor. For me it was a gut feel and it just made sense. I mean how many woodworking router bit manufacturers are there in the US after all?
I was just curious if anyone had the actual skinny on this situation.

 

[#Tee]

im ghetto af..i use ryobi home depot specials.

 

[ear3]

No shame in that [member=37561]#Tee[/member] I still have the set my dad bought me for Xmas in like 2004 mounted to the back of my router table, and they still get occasional use when I lack a comparable bit from another manufacturer.

 

[pettyconstruction]

I also buy em as needed,but a 1/4"round and a 1/2" up-cut spiral are my go to bits.
Btw I have 3 routers and am getting at least 2 more small trim routers. Just grab and go.
Charlie

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[#Tee]

No shame in that [member=37561]#Tee[/member] I still have the set my dad bought me for Xmas in like 2004 mounted to the back of my router table, and they still get occasional use when I lack a comparable bit from another manufacturer.

ya i was in the same boat starting off. a full kit of the good stuff would cost 300-500. so i buy the cheap stuff to get a feel of what ill be using most of the time on my projects. i slowly bought a few bits of whiteside....even then i still use the ryobi's more.