router bit selection?

[cracker39]

I didnt' do any laminate work, so I got by using a limited number of bit types. I had some already, sucb as the 3/16" roundover for my cabinet doors and counter top edges. I bought a couple of new 1/4" straight double flute bits with a 1" cut to cut out my sides from a pattern. I bought the pattern bushing set for that purpose. I also bought a 1/4" slot cutter set from HF to join my 3/4" plywood floor pieces with splines. I used a cove molding bit to shape some molding. So, I guess I used only 4 types of bits on this project.

I'm getting by with my two Sears routers that are probably close to 20 years old (1 1/2hp and 2hp). They are single speed, but I have a variable speed switch that I use mostly with the one in the table I built. I sure wish I had a plunge router, and if I ever buy another one, it will be a variable speed plunge model.

[Katie&Craig]

Thanks all! Good food for thought. Sounds like buying a good router is a better way to go if we decide to take that route. The specifics on the bits is helpful - I was finding things under different names and getting confused. I was looking at some woodworking sites and the uses for a router are amazing, but also overwhelming when trying to just figure out a few basic bits to get for this job. Back for another read of the SF CD! Hopefully I will have some progress pictures next week!
Katie

[cracker39]

Router bits, like regular drill bits, cost a lot more if you buy individual bits, than if you buy a set of assorted bits. A good site for router supplies is http://www.mlcswoodworking.com/. They have everything in the router department. I bought all of my hardware from them to make my router table (T-tracks, featherboard, etc.).

[john]

I bought a set of 40 dollar HF router bits. They are blue and in a plastic box and number about 20.

I used or maybe I souuld say abused my camfer bit on a counter top. I didn't trim the formica first. I decided to trim and camfer the top at the same time. So I proceeded to turn 3/4" of formica to dust. By the time I had finished I had damaged my bit with heat and I still had another counter top to do.

I replaced the junk HF bit with a bosch from Lowes. I used it in the same way as the HF bit. Same size counter, same cut, same camfer and same 3/4" of formica turned to dust. Did the 20 dollar bosch last any longer??? No.

I am sticking with cheap HF bits for now.

As for a router I have a Milwaukee and I am sticking with it.

[Leon]

I have a cheap laminate bit that I've abused for 20 years and it still works great. You have to be careful not to overheat bits and they should last for a long time.

[Micro469]

I got my dad's old B&D. It must be from the sixty's. Last time I saw it in a store in the late 90's the exact same model had moved into their Professional line and was selling for around $250.00. Works great, if it ever dies I'll get it fixed...