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.

[John Schaben]

Not so much of a "super wood worker" but.....

Much depends on the manufacturer and the vendor. I have had excellent luck with house brand bits from MLCS, Peachtree (Stone Mountain), Eagle America (Price Cutter)  and Woodcraft (Wood River). I have also had excellent luck with eBay vendors Super Carbide tools and Yonico Exclusives. Also good luck with some liquidators like Cripe distributing and Heleta Industries. Awful luck with places like Heartland America. Sometimes you just spend your money and take your chances. You can always take the high dollar route and stick with Whiteside, Eagle America, Amana and CMT.

Question - Why are you only interested in 1/2" shank bits? That can severely limit your options with what you can do with the router, many profiles are only available in 1/4" or 8 mm not to mention a lot of jigs require the use of smaller shanked bits, especially ones requiring use of guide bushings. Inlay kits for example.

[Bill Hayne]

John is correct, basically you get what you pay for. I have use some less expensive bits that did not last till I was done with the project. I stick with MLCS or Woodriver bits most of the time. This is just because of  availably mostly. Also by limiting your self to 1/2" you do limit the number /style of bits available.

[Jack Winning]

I appreciate the response from you guys. The only reason I thought about limiting me to 1/2" shanks was to keep the vibration down. Perhaps I should reevaluate my thinking on the 1/4" shank. Presently, I only have a couple projects in mind which the 1/2" shank would work well. I am using the Kreg Router Lift with the Porter Cable 7518 router. I like it because I can change to speeds as required for the different bits.

[John Schaben]

Hi Jack, shouldn't be any significant vibration with any bit. A large, super cheap one at too high of a speed, probably. More likely it would be a problem with the router itself.

Sounds like a nice setup... have fun and be safe.

Jack Winning said:

I appreciate the response from you guys. The only reason I thought about limiting me to 1/2" shanks was to keep the vibration down. Perhaps I should reevaluate my thinking on the 1/4" shank. Presently, I only have a couple projects in mind which the 1/2" shank would work well. I am using the Kreg Router Lift with the Porter Cable 7518 router. I like it because I can change to speeds as required for the different bits.

[Ken Darga]

Hi Jack,

Here's what I'd do---

Purchase a set of various and misc bits, in a kit form--- ex like offered by Ryobi, Craftsman, or the like.

They're affordable, and made of acceptable materials.

You may use some bits more than others.

 

Bits made of HS (high-speed) steel, will have limited use, and only in soft woods.

 

Purchase bit styles, with a ''carbide'' cutter---they'll last a lot longer.

 

As you gain experience and knowledge, then purchase the higher quality bits, in the styles, as needed.

 

I've got router bit kits from Craftsman and Ryobi, that I've used for several years---some dating back over 25years, and they are still performing satisfactorily.

 

IMPORTANT: Proper speed and feed, is KEY!

Keep the tool moving---make shallow passes.

 

(TIP---practice on scrap pieces of wood, 'til you get the hang of it).

 

I have various routers, with 1/4" shafts/shanks, and they work fine.  No problems with vibration.

1/4" shank bits are more common and readily available.

[Bob Sieczkiewicz]

When is comes to almost any purchase I make, whether it be clothing or tools I buy for the job.  It I plan on wearing it or using it once I buy for price.  If it is something that I plan to have around for a long time (like my wife) I go for quality.

[John Schaben]

Here's a pretty decent cheap set, has all the basic profiles plus some you may like to try but don't want to spend a fortune to see if you like it. I have a set of roundovers from this guy I've been running over a year in plywood and MDF. I have bought replacements anticipating they are about worn out but they just won't die.

As they do wear out just replace the ones you use a lot with higher quality. Hint - the ones you use a lot will wear out first.

Router bit set

 

[Brandon Maxwell]

anyone ever hear of a company named NEIKO that produces router bits? found them on e-bay. anyone ever use them and are they any good?

[Robert P. Kahmer]

Pretty Full Collection of Molding, Rabetting & Dovetail bits

[John Schaben]

I haven't used them myself but I believe they are the ones that also provide Harbor Freight bits. From the Amazon reviews most of the complaints were about the box... what that has to do with bit quality escapes me.

Brandon Maxwell said:

anyone ever hear of a company named NEIKO that produces router bits? found them on e-bay. anyone ever use them and are they any good?

[pervez f bhathena]

Hi Guys I am from Pune India, I have just ordered Neiko US router bit set from Amazon, amazon has funny shipping policy I wanted to buy, MLCS but they would not ship to India, I think almost all the router bits sold under different banner are made in China, read the reviews on amazon , or sears, maybe the costlier ones sold buy freud, etc maybe better, but they maybe exclusively made for them under strict quality control, almost everything is rubbish ,I recently bought a black and decker quick change combo multi purpose drill kit ,

I used Black and decker for years and was shocked to see the quality of this set, black and decker should be ashamed to put there logo on this type tools, Read some reviews on the amazon  and and make up your own judgement. also If buying the bearing type be ready to replace the bearings soon.

Pervez

[michael pope]

honestly...in my professional opinion...Amana, Freud and above and beyond all others, Festool router bits are the best you can buy...as in all tools..you buy cheap..you usually get cheap...so depending on you skill level and need for professional quality its always worth it to do your homework and spend a little more for quality tried and true tools and accessories...