Reasonable first set of Router Bits?

[Mike P. Wagner]

Tax return time was good this year - I picked up a Ryobi plunge router at the same time I picked up a bt3100.

I have used a router exactly once in my life, so I don't know much.

I was thinking that the first three bits I would need would be

1) one to round over corners of boards
2) one to cut dados
3) one to help me set hinges/locksets in doors (can't tell if this is the same as #2 or not)

What would a reasonable mininal set be? Shoud I even buy a set, or buy them as I need them? What are the disadvantages/advantages of buying a set?

Thanks,

Mike P. Wagner

[WoodPirate]

Hi Mike!

I got the Hickory Woodworking set of 1/2" bits from HD for $99. They aren't the highest quality bits in the world, but I have had no problems from any of them. It gave me a nice assortment, too. If I remember correctly, there were 24 bits.

[Tom Miller]

I bought the MLCS 30 piece set a few years ago, and think it's a pretty good deal at $100. They're decent quality, carbide bits.

http://www.mlcswoodworking.com/shops...s/set30pc.html

Advantages to buying a set:
- Better chance of having the bit you didn't know you'd need when you need it.
- Better price per bit, generally.
- Get to know the function of more bit types that you wouldn't otherwise buy at first.
- You might be more inclined to give dovetails a try, for example, if you already own the bits.

Disadvantages -- actually, there's just one:
-If you end up only using 4 bits in the $100 set, that's $25/bit!

Regards,
Tom

[LarryG]

First of all, let me tell you where you will eventually wind up: for the bit profiles you use the most, you will want quality bits. They cost more, but they cut nicer and last longer. For these expensive bits, buying in sets must be approached with care because you may end up paying for bits you use only rarely, if at all.

When you're just starting out, however, you don't really know what profiles you like; and it's fun to have a lot of different ones to play around with. So I suggest starting with one of the all-you-can-eat sets from Blades 'n Bits or similar vendors. Most companies offer sets of 12, or 20, or 24, or 30, or 50, or even 66 bits; just pick how much you want to spend and go crazy.

In general these bits are pretty good ... not perfect, not especially long lasting, but plenty good enough to learn with. You will find that in many cases, the less-frequently-used bits in these sets will be good enough for a lifetime of occasional use. That is, some of the bits are ones that you wouldn't pay big money for, to get a good one; but for only two or three dollars apiece, they're well worth having.

Although I have a number of quality bits from Whiteside and CMT, I bought the 30pc BnB set just to get some of these extra profiles. I think I paid around $55, shipping included; current price is about $62. If that's more than you want to spend, they have smaller sets available.

Alternatively, if you're the "buy once, cry once" type, Whiteside offers an excellent starter set of seven bits, all of which IMO are useful, even necessary. But that set of seven will set you back right at a hunnert bucks.

[frumper64]

Take a look at the 30 piece set from Blades and Bits - they seem like pretty good bits and the service is great. They go for around $60-62 US for the set, I believe, so even if you only end up using some of them, the price per bit is still pretty reasonable. I got a set a year or so ago and have really liked them.

[Armini]

quote:Originally posted by frumper64

Take a look at the 30 piece set from Blades and Bits - they seem like pretty good bits and the service is great. They go for around $60-62 US for the set, I believe, so even if you only end up using some of them, the price per bit is still pretty reasonable. I got a set a year or so ago and have really liked them.

Have to agree with this (Holbren might be worth looking at too), this is what I did, and have sort of added in a Lee Valley or Freud as needed.

[monte]

Ditto on looking at Blades & Bits and also Holbren. You should be able to get a good starter set at either one of them.

[DaveinFloweryBranchGA]

I've been very happy with the bits I've gotten from Holbren. Great customer service too.

[tfischer]

Very happy with my MCLS 30-piece set for $99 (free shipping)

Price a few separate bits at the BORG and see how far $99 gets you. And MCLS's bits are high quality.

-Tim

[Mike P. Wagner]

If MLCS is a good brand, then this looks interesting:

http://www.mlcswoodworking.com/shops...s/set25yr.html

Is this reasonable starter set?

Thanks,

Mike P. Wagner

[LCHIEN]

quote:Originally posted by Mike P. Wagner

If MLCS is a good brand, then this looks interesting:

http://www.mlcswoodworking.com/shops...s/set25yr.html

Is this reasonable starter set?

Thanks,

Mike P. Wagner

I have had very good results from MLCS, they've got great customer service and free shipping.

I would say if you're not sure about using a router but $40 is you budget then this would be a great starter kit. Esp. considering
4 loose bits without a nice wood box would cost you $40 by themselves.

If your router takes 1/2" shanks I would highly recommend them over 1/4" shanks. The bits are quite a bit more substantial.

[lcm1947]

Hi Mike P, I too am just a beginner with the router but I
haven't ever used one even once so you'll ahead of me but I do have an opinion on this subject so thought I'd mention it. I personally would rather have the 3 or 4 bits that I'll probably end up using over and over again and have them being a real good quality then having a bunch that I might not ever even use and at this point in our experience or at least I can speak for myself don't even know what we'll be using the router for. Anyway that's my 2 cents for what it's worth.

[LCHIEN]

quote:Originally posted by lcm1947

Hi Mike P, I too am just a beginner with the router but I
haven't ever used one even once so you'll ahead of me but I do have an opinion on this subject so thought I'd mention it. I personally would rather have the 3 or 4 bits that I'll probably end up using over and over again and have them being a real good quality then having a bunch that I might not ever even use and at this point in our experience or at least I can speak for myself don't even know what we'll be using the router for. Anyway that's my 2 cents for what it's worth.

I'm sorry but I don't agree.

The MLCS sets are the same bits as they sell individually and they've rated quite well in tests I've seen. Only the whiteside bits seem to come out consistently rated batter and they are pretty costly (but not overpriced).

The basic quality criteria for bits in order of importance is
1. must be solid, well made and balanced, and not come apart on you!
2. The better bits are well sharpened and have carbide that holds an edge well (the harder carbides) but can't be too hard or it will be brittle and chip easily. So carbide consistency and not necessarily a better formula (C2 or C3 or equivalent is the best compromise between hardness and brittleness is well known)is important.
3. The more pro bits have thicker carbide that costs more but is only of use if you have your bits resharpened often (e.g. you are a professional).
4. fit and finish issues - paint color, bearing quality etc.

Because for an amatuer, it's hard to test sharpness, carbide durability and other issues that don't show up until much later (esp. if you buy a set), I like to buy from places where I have good confidence.


My argument for the sets is:
1. same quality as regular bits (if you buy from a reputable seller)
2. you get a selection you don't have to wait for or go to the store for; thus its easy to try new profiles and find out if you like 3/16" or 1/4" or 3/8" roundover better.
3. Even if you use 1 out of every three bits you still come out ahead pricewise what with the low per bit price and the pretty box.

[tfischer]

I'm 100% with Loring on this one. It's SO nice to know that I probably have all the basic bits that plans call for (not including rail & stile, etc). I'd really recommend the 30-pc set over the 15-pc, unless you're on a very tight budget. If you compare, the 30-piece set goes a lot deeper. For me, it wasn't worth it to jump to the 66-pc set.

-Tim

[lcm1947]

Well LCHIEN since you put it that way. I bow to your knowledge. I'll have to rethink my thinking. You learn something new eveyday or at least I do.