Who makes a good router bit set?

[WarPony]

I have been looking at router bits and am amazed at all the different shapes they come in. CRIPES......... and expensive, too!!!!! Man, makes me think the people that make inkjet cartridges are in the router bit biz, also!!!! What do you router gurus use?

Oh, yesterday morning I learned how sharp the little bastards are, too. I was pushing a piece of the hatch on top of a router table when the bit caught and pulled the piece and my right index finger through the bit!! I'm glad there was a bearing on the bit or I think it would've been worse.

Made me think of TonyJ's signature, "Still blessed with 2 eyes and 10 fingers".

Jeff

[Juneaudave]

Jeff....I use MLCS router bits ordered on line. MLCS I don't know how their prices compare, but I've found their bits and service to be excellent!!!

[Podunkfla]

In a series of tests by Fine Woodworking magazine Whiteside router bits won hands down for overall quality, sharpness & durability. I wouldn't recomend buying one of those big sets with 50 bits or whatever... You will prolly never use most of them. (of course, being a tool junkie, I did. I guess it is hard to beat 50 bits for $39.) Buying what you need as you go along sorta eases the pain some. Name brand bit do cost more, but they are usually sharper and last longer. Freud, Bosch, Amana, DeWalt and many others make good ones.

I have prolly bought more of mine from Woodline than anywhere else... Good bits and reasonable prices. http://tinyurl.com/2xlek5
Grizzly Industrial also has a wide selection at good prices: http://www.grizzly.com/products/category.aspx?key=161
Whiteside Router bits: http://librawood.safeshopper.com/1/cat1.htm?477

EDIT: Yeah, Dave... I forgot about MLCS. Another very good source and mid range prices.

And yeah... you can easily have more money tied up in bits than routers very quickly.

[WarPony]

Thanks, JDave and Brick. You're probably right about the bit sets. The set I'm using has quite a few that I won't use. I should just get one or two here and there.

Hey, what's your recommendations on routers. I'm using a Craftsman now but it is kind of heavy. Don't get me wrong, it works good but is heavy.

Jeff

[Podunkfla]

Thanks, JDave and Brick. You're probably right about the bit sets. The set I'm using has quite a few that I won't use. I should just get one or two here and there.

Hey, what's your recommendations on routers. I'm using a Craftsman now but it is kind of heavy. Don't get me wrong, it works good but is heavy.

Jeff

For big routers that work good in a router table the Hitachi M12v is the best deal. They don't make that model any more but you can still find them on ebay... Wonderful router for less than $150.

Otherwise, I prefer Porter-Cable, Dewalt, Bosch, Milwaulkee, Freud... Pretty much in that order. I would also suggest buying a router that will accept 1/2 & 1/4 inch bit shafts. The 1/2 inch bits seem to last longer and for larger bits are the only way to go.

I do have bunch of other Craftsman and Black & Decker routers... but I got 'em CHEAP at under $20. used... I just set them up with a particular bit and never change them.

Oh yeah, fogot to mention... I have a little $20. HF trim router. It took 3 trys to get a good one? But I like it and use it a lot. Ya can't beat 20 bucks!

[Juneaudave]

The Bosch EVSPK Bosch EVSPK is the one I use most often ...both the plunge and and fixed bases are used as appropriate (I'm so ashamed...I have two of those, and a third Craftsman mounted in a table...)

ops

[Podunkfla]

The Bosch EVSPK Bosch EVSPK is the one I use most often ...both the plunge and and fixed bases are used as appropriate (I'm so ashamed...I have two of those, and a third Craftsman mounted in a table...)

ops

Ya got three routers and you ashamed???
Good greif man... Getcha a few more... Good 'ol Norm has the right idea.
Ya can't have too many routas!

PS: That Bosch EVSPK is a GREAT router.

[halfdome, Danny]

Whiteside and most router bits made in Israel are the best, worth the extra money. . I do occasionally buy bits from Grizzly, not bad for the money, and fast shipment for that project that can't wait. Danny

[Podunkfla]

Whiteside and most router bits made in Israel are the best, worth the extra money. . I do occasionally buy bits from Grizzly, not bad for the money, and fast shipment for that project that can't wait. Danny

Yep... Danny. I sure agree with you. I do a lot of work with cherry and it burns easily. I have found the Whiteside bits cut cleaner and rarely ever burn the wood. I don't know what it is about their bit design that makes this so... but I like it.

Who else makes their router bits in Israel? I'm curious???

[halfdome, Danny]

Brick, I have some Amana bits that were made in Israel Danny

[mikeschn]

Most of my bits are MLCS. I know they are not the highest rated, but they sure are affordable.

The scarest bits I have are those large diameter bits that cut raised panels in my inserts.

Mike...

[tk]

Jeff, I have a little different take on router bits. You have too know yourself, though. If I were just starting to collect router bits, I would buy a medium quality set with all the bits I expected to use in the near future. Roundovers, coves, straight cutters, ogees, etc. in various sizes. Then as you dull them (if they're not worth having sharpened), replace them with a top-notch brand such as Whiteside. This way you find out what you're going to use a lot and those are replaced with long-lasting, top-quality euipment.

Best,
Tom

[WarPony]

Sweet!!!!! I was looking for some brand names and testimonials. Routers are something I've had to learn on my own, though I haven't learned very much. To me, routering is a whole different world and had it's own lingo and style.............. kind of like welding.

Rabbit, cove, dovetail, Roman Orgy............................. huhhhhhhh, what's an Indian to do?

Jeff

[Podunkfla]

Yeah... Ya gotta watch those Roman Orgy bits... Things can really get out of hand!

[rbeemer]

Jeff,

a couple of things.

1. I was using the router table when the bit grabbed the piece i was using and pulled my index and middle finger into the bit(no guide bearing)....off to the emergency room to have them sewn up.

2. If you get bits or a router make sure it can handle 1/2" bits. 1/2 " bits are less likely to shatter

3. If you do not have a trim router that should be your next router -you will not be sorry.

I like my whitside bits, I the carbide break on my first usage and took it back for another one without any questions - it seems they had a bad run of carbide and let the retailers know that to replace any that came in with no questions asked.