Router Bits

[Jack Winning]

There are so many router bits available from several different vendors. My problem is how does one determine the quality of the bits. I'm only interested in the 1/2" shank. I see some vendors show wall-mounted boxes with a great many bits. I'm afraid of those because they don't tell you the quality of the bits. I can't see buying a bit that will only stay sharp for one or two uses. I'm interested in feedback from you super woodworking guys.

[kenny from Sundre]

Hello Jack;

The December/ January issue # 69 of the Canadian Woodworking & Home Improvment magazine featured an article about router bit comparisons. I found it very enlightening and have a better idea as what bits to purchase in the future. I could not find the article on line and did not have time to do a lot of searching, but if you log on to the following web : www.canadianwoodworking.com you could contact the publishers and inquire if it is available on line. The issue can also be purchased on line. Vol. 20, Issue 115 of Shopnotes ( the current issue) also has a very good article on modular router bits, and i do believe this can be found on line. Hope this helps.

kenny from Sundre 

 

[Chad Robbins]

CMT bits, best money can buy! I myself don't use router bit much, but when I do I use CMT!!!!!

[John Schaben]

Well, congratulations - I couldn't afford it. Just for grins I tried counting them up last night and there are about 135, give or take, of various profiles and configurations. I needed to develop a way of getting reasonable quality at affordable prices.

Chad Robbins said:

CMT bits, best money can buy! I myself don't use router bit much, but when I do I use CMT!!!!!

[Jens Jensen]

I have been reading all sorts of articles on router bits and every tom dick and harry wants to sell 100 -150 set bits for 100.00 Well for a dollor a bit you can imagine what youll get  maybe two or three passes and it is dull. So What I di is buy a bit when you need one and but a good heavy carbide. Bfore you no it you'll have a nice collection.I think wood magazine had a article on biit selection a while back. Il'l check my library and post it if I find it

 

[DAVID CZUPRYN]

Hi Jack, Food for thought here. i learned the hard,expensive way. I have 7 routers,and enough bits to fill a store! First and most important is your SAFETY. If a bit doesn't contain "anti-kickback design, don't buy it. In fact, if the bit doesn't have this safety design, it is against the law to sell it it Europe! The design limits the amount of material being removed at one time. It only takes once, to get hurt. I like the Frued bits the best ; however, that's just my personel opinion. For real enjoyment, try one of Frued's 2+2 designed bits. If you're using the bits for router table use, choose the 1/2 inch shanks. Hope this helps. Good luck, Dave

[kenny from Sundre]

DAVID CZUPRYN said:

Hi Jack, Food for thought here. i learned the hard,expensive way. I have 7 routers,and enough bits to fill a store! First and most important is your SAFETY. If a bit doesn't contain "anti-kickback design, don't buy it. In fact, if the bit doesn't have this safety design, it is against the law to sell it it Europe! The design limits the amount of material being removed at one time. It only takes once, to get hurt. I like the Frued bits the best ; however, that's just my personel opinion. For real enjoyment, try one of Frued's 2+2 designed bits. If you're using the bits for router table use, choose the 1/2 inch shanks. Hope this helps. Good luck, Dave

Hello Dave. The results of the comparison article I mentoined were that the Freud bits gave the best service.

kenny form Sundre

[steve kidd]

Ive had good luck with woodcraft bits, mlcs bits arent too bad and eagle american are ok also. if you want a good bit you will pay for it. stay away from the box sets too many bits you wont use. two or three profile bits can be used together to make lots of custom trim.