Router bits for experimenting
SBH
play around with and determine what I will really want to keep in my stock
on a more frequent basis. I do have some I play with from Rockler and
Woodcraft and some I will continue to use which are the better grades such
as Freud and Whiteside which I can pick up locally. Therefore, can someone
recommend a variety set of bits which won't bust the bank and won't bust at
first use?
Thank you
Robatoy
First you need to establish what direction your projects are going to
take. If you're going to make cabinet doors or jewelry boxes. Buy good
ones you _know_ you're going to use often, then a cheap set for
fooling around. I sometimes end up with sets of 24 or 36 bits if I
just cannot refuse the deal. Most often along with another order of
stuff. Then I use the straight bits and maybe a couple more, but those
cheap ones will never go near anything that is important to me as
bearings have been known to fail, ruining a job.
dpb
Any number of places have "starter sets" of relative sizes and costs;
I'd think any would be adequate to simply play with unless you're
talking about playing w/ sugar maple or some such and expecting
perfection at the same time.
I've never bought anything except what I've wanted/needed; primarily
Amana and Whiteside so no direct hands on to go by. But, the Griz
generally gets good marks on controlling quality at least reasonably at
moderate cost; might give that a look.
Others may have other ideas...
--
Robatoy
Amana is certainly all there.
Carbide.com has excellent pricing on bits.
Lew Hodgett
>I would like to purchase a set of fairly decent but cheap router bits
>to play around with and determine what I will really want to keep in
>my stock on a more frequent basis.
-----------------------------------------------------
IMHO, you can't get there from here.
You might buy a set of basic (1/4,3/8,1/2) cove, round over, and
straight bits, maybe even a couple of beading bits.
After that, buy them on an as needed basic.
I've had good luck with infinity in Tampa area.
Check out their "Overstock" prices.
Lew
Michael Kenefick
SBH
"Lew Hodgett" <sails...@verizon.net> wrote in message
news:00230ddc$0$28412$c3e...@news.astraweb.com...
> "SBH" wrote:
>
>>I would like to purchase a set of fairly decent but cheap router bits to
>>play around with and determine what I will really want to keep in my stock
>>on a more frequent basis.
> -----------------------------------------------------
> IMHO, you can't get there from here.
>
> You might buy a set of basic (1/4,3/8,1/2) cove, round over, and straight
> bits, maybe even a couple of beading bits.
>
> After that, buy them on an as needed basic.
>
recently I wanted to experiment with the roundover and I'm not sure what
size to get and stick with. Therefore, I thought maybe a set containing a
few roundovers, then I can choose what I like the best or, at least know
what to buy in a better grade when I know I'll be using it again on better
wood.
Max
news:bWO0n.15279$DY5....@newsfe08.iad...
I agree with the recommendation of Grizzly. They have 2 grades of bits.
Try the "cheap" ones.
MLCS is another source. http://tinyurl.com/yfdt35o
Max
Zz Yzx
>first use?
I vaguely remember reading a review of router bits in FWW (?) within
the last few years, which rated Oldham bits fairly well. You can get
these at HD pretty cheap, I don't know if they have sets.
I might be wrong though. Just ask my wife.
-Zz
Lew Hodgett
"SBH" wrote:
=============================
> That's what I have done, which is why I have the Freuds and
> Whiteside, but recently I wanted to experiment with the roundover
> and I'm not sure what size to get and stick with.
==========================
You lost me.
-----------------------------------------
Therefore, I thought maybe a set containing a
> few roundovers, then I can choose what I like the best or, at least
> know what to buy in a better grade when I know I'll be using it
> again on better wood.
-------------------------------
I practice the following:
Garbage wood, garbage bits.
Quality wood, quality bits.
If you want to experiment, try some poplar.
As far as mixed brands of bits, who cares.
OTOH, there is no place for junk bits, IMHO.
Have fun.
Lew
Puckdropper at dot
I've got a Ryobi set from HD. Looks like HD doesn't sell them any longer,
but it was a 20-ish bit set with various sizes of straight, cove, and
rabbiting bits. I've used most of them, and would recommend such a set. I
think the whole thing cost around $60-70.
Mine have 1/2" shafts, and the ones showing on the HD site show 1/4"
shafts.
Puckdropper
ups...@teksavvy.com
>I would like to purchase a set of fairly decent but cheap router bits to
>play around with and determine what I will really want to keep in my stock
>on a more frequent basis. Therefore, can someone recommend a variety
> set of bits which won't bust the bank and won't bust at first use?
Problem is, a good set will cost the bank, likely more that you're
presently willing to pay. Since you feel that you're still in the
experimentation stage, I'd suggest buying a few cheap ones at a time
and experimenting with those until they wear our or burn themselves
beyond use.
Go through a few bit listings and pick out a few that seem interesting
to use on some project. Most listings show what kind of cut the bits
will make.
Steve Turner
I've used MLCS many times. Large selection, decent bits, good prices, and fast
shipping, even when it's free (which it is by default unless you upgrade it).
Give them a try; I think you'll be pleased.
--
See Nad. See Nad go. Go Nad!
To reply, eat the taco.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/bbqboyee/
Phisherman
Whiteside is the preferred brand. You'll save money by NOT buying
sets and buying only the bits you currently need. The 1/2" shank
usually costs a little more, but worth it.
dadiOH
> "Lew Hodgett" <sails...@verizon.net> wrote in message
> news:00230ddc$0$28412$c3e...@news.astraweb.com...
>> "SBH" wrote:
>>
>>> I would like to purchase a set of fairly decent but cheap router
>>> bits to play around with and determine what I will really want to
>>> keep in my stock on a more frequent basis.
>> -----------------------------------------------------
>> IMHO, you can't get there from here.
>>
>> You might buy a set of basic (1/4,3/8,1/2) cove, round over, and
>> straight bits, maybe even a couple of beading bits.
>>
>> After that, buy them on an as needed basic.
>>
> That's what I have done, which is why I have the Freuds and
> Whiteside, but recently I wanted to experiment with the roundover and
> I'm not sure what size to get and stick with.
What size wood? If 3/4" you are likely to use a 3/8" radius bit most
frequently, 1/4" occasionally.
In addition to those I have 1/16, 1/8 and 3/4. I use the 3/4 once in a
while, the 1/8 rarely. I've never used the 1/16 (it was part of an auction
lot) and likely never will...easier to use a plane and/or sandpaper.
Buy 2-3 decent bits suitable for the stock you use, forget others unless you
really, really need them - not likely you will.
--
dadiOH
____________________________
dadiOH's dandies v3.06...
...a help file of info about MP3s, recording from
LP/cassette and tips & tricks on this and that.
Get it at http://mysite.verizon.net/xico
krw
I know nothing about these bits and it may be a bait and switch ("100
sets available at this price") for all I know, but PeachTree
Woodworking came out with the following email special today ("use
keycode: bit1"):
http://www.ptreeusa.com/edirect_010510.htm
Steve Turner
> SBH wrote:
>> ... but recently I wanted to experiment with the roundover and
>> I'm not sure what size to get and stick with.
>
> What size wood? If 3/4" you are likely to use a 3/8" radius bit most
> frequently, 1/4" occasionally.
>
> In addition to those I have 1/16, 1/8 and 3/4. I use the 3/4 once in a
> while, the 1/8 rarely. I've never used the 1/16 (it was part of an auction
> lot) and likely never will...easier to use a plane and/or sandpaper.
For those situations where a small round-over is needed, I often find it *much* faster (and
a lot more fun) to just use a "SlickPlane":
http://www.amazon.com/Woodstock-W1100-Slickplane/dp/B0000DD0TK
The price is ridiculously low for a device that works as well as it does, and you can put a
1/8" or 1/4" round-over down the length of a four foot board in less than thirty seconds, as
fast or faster than a router even if it's all set up and ready to go.
--
Repeat after me:
"I am we Todd it. I am sofa king we Todd it."
Joe
"Zz Yzx" <zzy...@hotmail.com> wrote in message
news:c7s7k5hvishjoh760...@4ax.com...
I *did* ask your wife. She says you're right, you're wrong.
:-)
Leon
As if this has not been hammered enough.
I would suggest a decent sized set but an inexpensive one. The larger the
set the better.
You will find that you will avoid some routines if you don't have the bit
you need. If you have a wide assortment you don't do with out and don't
have to compromise by using another bit for what you would really like to
use.
With that in mind the cheap bits are not going to last long and not give the
best cut.
Replace the cheap bits as they need to be replaced with better quality.
Try to always buy 1/2" shank bits. they will give you a cut with less
vibration.
Here is a decent set of 45 bits for $120. That is less than $2.75 each,
typically a single router bit will run you $15 - $45 each. It would be a
shame to buy an expensive bit that you seldom use.
http://www.mlcswoodworking.com/shopsite_sc/store/html/smarthtml/pages/set45.html
SBH
Thank you all for your advise and suggestions.
SBH
"Steve Turner" <bbqb...@swtacobell.net> wrote in message
news:hi26hn$rhl$1...@news.eternal-september.org...
> On 01/06/2010 07:39 AM, dadiOH wrote:
>> SBH wrote:
>>> ... but recently I wanted to experiment with the roundover and
>>> I'm not sure what size to get and stick with.
>>
>> What size wood? If 3/4" you are likely to use a 3/8" radius bit most
>> frequently, 1/4" occasionally.
>>
>> In addition to those I have 1/16, 1/8 and 3/4. I use the 3/4 once in a
>> while, the 1/8 rarely. I've never used the 1/16 (it was part of an
>> auction
>> lot) and likely never will...easier to use a plane and/or sandpaper.
>
> For those situations where a small round-over is needed, I often find it
> *much* faster (and a lot more fun) to just use a "SlickPlane":
>
> http://www.amazon.com/Woodstock-W1100-Slickplane/dp/B0000DD0TK
>
> The price is ridiculously low for a device that works as well as it does,
> and you can put a 1/8" or 1/4" round-over down the length of a four foot
> board in less than thirty seconds, as fast or faster than a router even if
> it's all set up and ready to go.
>
rack which will require a bit for the circles.