Most useful router bit

[Black wallnut]

Round-overs, ogees, and 1/2" 14° dovetail make my short list. All with 1/2" shanks.

Once that list is filled spiral 1/4" carbide bit, two or three flute flush trim with carbide length of at least 1", 3/8" rabbeting, and 3/4" straight cutter fill out a good starter set.

[drumpriest]

Straight bits, for rabbets and dados. I use them a lot. Round overs are next in the list.

[Pappy]

quote:Man, there is alot of bits to choose from. It can pretty confusing for a newbie like me.

And all that was touched on here was the 'basic' bits. no mention of rail and stile, raised panel, molding profile, or other special use bits. A router can be one of the most versatile tools in the shop.

quote: I just wasn't sure I wanted to try to use a tool spinning at 25000+ rpms with a cheap piece of metal sticking out of the end of it

That was the reason for the suggestion to stay with 1/2" shank bits when you can. Much stronger and safer to use.

quote:Come to think of it, it might be safer than LOML if I don't quit buying tools.

By all means, stick to the power tools. Once you discover the pleasure and sense of serenety of sliding a well tuned hand plane over a piece of wood, wispy thin shaving falling around your ankles, you will find more ways to spend money![:0]

[Holbren]

quote:Originally posted by monte

If you're planning on using it for dados and rabbets I would look at the dado set that BnB or Holbren have. Fairly inexpensive and they are a good set.

https://holbren.com/product_info.php...0e8a3ca083f619

Those of you that subscribe to the Woodworkers Journal EZine will be getting my latest ad which is free shipping for the summer. With the dado set still on special at $12.95 and free shipping you can't go wrong. That set is my lost leader to get people familiar with the quality of the product. Some of you may have even taken advantage of the offer when I was giving 500 sets away.

Sorry for the solicitation, thought it was appropriate.

Brian

[Knottscott]

Hi Derrick - I find my Roman ogee to be among the most useful b/c it has both a cove and a roundover built into one bit so can essentially be used for 3 unique edges.

[Derrick]

To Pappy: I have already purchased a Stanley #4 Bench Plane. I was looking for a #5 Jack Plane but HD in my area only had the #4. I have alot of questions about how to make this thing work properly and it sounds like your the man the answers. However, I better finish getting my shop together before I take on any more projects. I am extremely interested in woodworking old school style but that will have to come later. I am already looking forward to having those shavings fall around my ankles.[^]