Teardrops n Tiny Travel Trailers

Exactly as the topic states. What are the top 3-5 router bits (or more) that one would suggest buying that are necessities to a build? I have used a lot of different tools, but never a router, so I am still working out upcut, downcut, top or bottom bearing etc.... We will be using a harbor freight plunge router as it look like a descent router for the money.

ALSO, what is the preferred manufacturer for router bits. It there a middle of the road and a top of the line manufacturer that I should look for? I'm assuming all router bits aren't created equal as far as that goes.

I know from looking though dozens of build journals, that the router is extremely important for all sorts of cutouts, templates, doors, etc, so I want to make an informed purchase before I go out and break the bank on a bunch of bit we won't use.

Thanks, as always, for the input.

#1 a bottom bearing flush trim bit. #2 a round over bit with a bearing. #3 a straight cut bit. I also wouldn't mess with any high speed steel bits. Just go ahead and get the carbide. Sizes kind of depend on what you intend to do, however if one were to only get 3 bits, these are what I'd get. Brands...it's whatever I can find locally and without a trip, I don't have much to choose from, or I have to order. HD has Freud and that seems to work fine for me. Others opinions will certainly vary. Doug

Since you didn't say how you were going to build and with what materials I would spend a little time and search this forum for router bits. There are several threads on them and what they are used for for different methods of builiding.

Some examples:
http://tnttt.com/viewtopic.php?t=12971
http://tnttt.com/viewtopic.php?t=9577
http://www.tnttt.com/viewtopic.php?f=21&t=56960&start=15
http://www.tnttt.com/viewtopic.php?f=21&t=1095

If you are going to use Steve Fredericks manual approach http://www.campingclassics.com/shopman05.html a link to his manual he sells. He lists what bits and how to use them. He is all about patterns and has a unique approach to some of the bits and methods. Well worth a look, I built my teardrop using his methods. I was able to find most of what he listed on Amazon. If you are planning on using patterns the router base needs to accept pattern bits so you may also need to buy a new router base. If you are going to use Formica you will want a flush trim bit.

I used a top bearing flush bit, bottom bearing flush bit, and a trim bit for counter top Formica all from Home Depot. I went through two sets of bits as the bearing on one of them froze. I also used a pattern template set from harbor Freight. MLCS http://www.mlcswoodworking.com/ sells quality stuff

Dan

I bought a cheap set,made by Royobi, at home depot for $60 or so

out of the set I find the round over bits to be very important for making corners able to take fiberglass or painted canvas. Round over bits also make any wood working project look finished, with uniform rounded edges.
the bits with bearings are my most needed ones. they allow me to exactly duplicate parts by tracing one part with the bearing while cutting the new part to match. I found I needed them most for making doors and hatch spars. They also allow me to clamp on a straight edge and us it to make my plywood edges straight.
the big red bit in the middle is a much better Diablo bit from Home Depot ($15) to replace the royobi one after it burned up, while I have used every bit in the set at some point on my teardrop, the round overs and top and bottom flush bits (all with bearings) are the ones I need the most.
A plunge router, unless you can lock in the depth, works differently than my router. I have a finish or trim router, the foot is adjustable, with the router off, I line up the bit depth exactly how I want, lock the foot in place, then turn it on and make my cut(s). some of the router bits wouldn't work or work the same way with a plunge router.