Craftsman 6 piece router bit starter set

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  • Craftsman 6 piece router bit starter set

    I didn't know what I was doing when I bought my first router bit set.

    I've learned a lot, since.

    Craftsman sells a 6 piece set ---- and I'll tell you - it's a lousy way to go.

    The set includes:
    - cove bit
    - 3/8" round over (the one piece I use a lot)
    - 2 straight bits (1/2 and 1/4")
    - dovetail bit
    - 1/2 trim bit

    I did use the straight bits a little - but have since replaced both of them with spirial upcut bits.

    The round over bit is the single piece I've had a good use for. I bought a couple of extra bearings so I could play around a turn it into a beading bit. In the end, you'd be better off just buying a round over set.

    The trim bit is not that useful, and the dovetail isn't all that useful without a jig (and most jigs come with router bits).

    Chalk this up as a learning experience ----- this is not a good router bit set.

    (I just finished replacing most of these bits with more practical ones).

    If you're just starting out - don't buy this set. Rather -----

    a) round over set (I like 1/8"; 3/8"; and 5/8")
    b) spiral upcut bit (absolute must - vastly superior)
    c) Pattern bit --- 3/4" long ---- so you can cut from a template.
    d) Chamfer bit ----- exceptionally useful
    e) rabetting bit set (with bearings)

    • JimD
      #4
      JimD commented
      Editing a comment
      Check out MLCS Woodworking sometime. They ship for free and their bits are better than any I've gotten from Sears.

    • LCHIEN
      #5
      LCHIEN commented
      Editing a comment
      Originally posted by JimD
      Check out MLCS Woodworking sometime. They ship for free and their bits are better than any I've gotten from Sears.
      I'd agree with that assessment.
      Shop HValley Tools for premium woodworking tools, 3D printers, laser engraver and CNC Machines. Trusted Brands MLCS Woodworking and Eagle America.


      they have a number of reasonably priced bit sets from 15, 30, 66 pieces I think.
      costing $3-4 per bit as a set - you can't touch that price for individual bits even if you use only half the bits. includes a wood box. shipping is fast and free, they do only routers and router bits and related stuff so they are quite knowledgeable and I'm a satisfied customer. Their customer service is first rate - they've replaced any bits I've complained about for free even when it was my mistake.

      If your router takes them, buy only 1/2" shank bits and avoid 1/4" unless the bit is constructed so that it is the only way it comes. The 1/2" shanks bits are much more solidly constructed and ultimately safer and smoother and usually cost no more.

    • tfischer
      #6
      tfischer commented
      Editing a comment
      Originally posted by LCHIEN
      I'd agree with that assessment.
      www.mlcswoodworking.com

      they have a number of reasonably priced bit sets from 15, 30, 66 pieces I think.
      costing $3-4 per bit as a set - you can't touch that price for individual bits even if you use only half the bits. includes a wood box. shipping is fast and free, they do only routers and router bits and related stuff so they are quite knowledgeable and I'm a satisfied customer. Their customer service is first rate - they've replaced any bits I've complained about for free even when it was my mistake.

      If your router takes them, buy only 1/2" shank bits and avoid 1/4" unless the bit is constructed so that it is the only way it comes. The 1/2" shanks bits are much more solidly constructed and ultimately safer and smoother and usually cost no more.
      Ditto on MLCS. I got their 45 piece set in 1/4" shank when I was first starting out, as that's all my router supported. Then my router blew up (literally - spewed bearings all over the garage and scared the crap out of me) and I replaced it with a much nicer router that supports 1/2" bits, and my wife bought me their 66 piece set in 1/2". My intent was to sell the 1/4" set but it's still sitting in one of my drawers several years later...

      They're both really nice sets, and it's very nice to have most of the common bits you'll need for just about any project without worrying about buying one every time you need it. And you can't beat the price.

      -Tim
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