which router bit set for a weekend warrior?

[vaking]

any particular set, ?web page?

thanks,

gychang

This will get you going: http://www.mlcswoodworking.com/shops...et15piece.html
It does seem that most manufacturers are now trying to sell you a 30-bit set. One more thing - if your router supports 1/2" collet - get a set with 1/2" shank and avoid 1/4" shank sets. Bigger bits are sturdier, have more carbide and dissipate heat better. 1/2" shank is preferred for all but very small bits.

[raney]

Just to chime in a little:

I bought this from holbren for a 'starter set':
http://www.holbren.com/product.php?p...6&cat=0&page=2

36 bits for $60 is pretty hard to beat for decent carbide bits. Plus, I really like dealing with Brian at Holbren - excellent CS.

They also have a 35-bit set with 1/2" shanks for $100 that's a great deal, but I went with the 1/4" because they fit my 'palm router' as well as table and plunge models

Why I would do the same thing again:

Other than some specific stuff like raised panels, and lock-miters, etc, whenever I started a new project and wanted a certain bit (rabbeting, straight, coves, roundovers, flush-trim) I already had it.

As others have said, the ones that I use the most have gradually been replaced by higher quality stuff from CMT, whiteside, and Freud - though I have to say that the holbren bits have been of really surprsing quality considering their price.

You probably can't go wrong with the whiteside set at holbren either - you'll use all of those bits a LOT, and that's a great price.

Have fun.

[Doug Jones]

I got to go with the 35 piece 1/2" shank Holbren set that was mentioned earlier. More than likely it has bits you'll never use but even so they are a great bit at a great price.

[jarhead]

There was a magazine article recently (check your local library, don't remember the name), that had the 10 most needed bits.

You're most likely refering to FWW magazine issue 186

[Larry David]

Holbren bits

A great set from Holbren. It was my first set. Good price too.

http://www.holbren.com/product.php?p...=24&bestseller

[onedash]

Can't beat the $5 bits at Woodcraft. They are pretty good bits. Besides my Raised panel set I think my tiny little Keyhole bit was the most expensive bit I bought. Some are normally more but I got em on sale.

As a rule though I try to buy the better quality blades and bits now. Even sand paper. They might cost a little more but if they outlast the cheaper ones its gonna save $$$. And if you buy more the price goes down. Box of Sandpaper and multipacks of recipricating and sabre saw blades....