Reasonable first set of Router Bits?

[lcm1947]

Let me ask a question then about bits. How would the MLCS bits compare with say Porter-Cable bits or CMT then. Would a $15.00 MLCS bit last as long as a $40.00 Porter-Cable bit do you suppose? or CMT bit for that matter.

[Black wallnut]

In my expierence in my weekend shop MLCS bits are equal to PC bits. No comment on CMT since I've yet to buy those. I also have bits from Frued, Amana, Rocklers, and one single three flute flush bit from I think Bosch. All of these bits seem to be better quality than the PC and MLCS bits.

That said I agree with both Larry and Loring, the sets are the way to go for a new woodworker. I subscribe to the school of thought that says buy a small set to learn with and as you need more specialized bits buy better ones, and for sure if you wear out any of the set bits replace those piece by piece with a higher quality bit as needed.

[Mike P. Wagner]

Thanks to all - I couldn't really justify the MLCS $100 for 33 bits, so I went with 15 bits for $40.

Mike P. Wagner

[Mainemarc]

quote:Originally posted by Mike P. Wagner

Thanks to all - I couldn't really justify the MLCS $100 for 33 bits, so I went with 15 bits for $40.

Mike P. Wagner

I think you made an excellent choice, Mike; the MLCS 15 piece set is an amazing value. As others have indicated, once you start wearing out your most frequently used profiles, you can invest in higher quality replacements if you choose; Katana, CMT or Whiteside seem to get the most nods in that department.

Compared to the steel Craftsman and Vermont American bits I bought when I first started out, I could not believe the difference in quality with the bits in the 15 piece MLCS set (the 1/2" shank size, at least).

Getting that set rather than the 30 or 66 piece sets also addresses the argument that buying a huge multi-bit set wastes money on a lot of profiles you'll never use. There really isn't any fluff in the MLCS 15 piece set; they're all basic, high use bits.

[LarryG]

Some more thoughts on cheap vs. spendy router bits.

First of all, router bits are consumables. I think we all tend to forget that -- I know I do, until one wears out and I have to fork out the money to replace it. A bit will probably last an absolute maximum of about 500lf of cutting (and multiple passes to make a deep cut must all be included in that total) and probably more like 300lf if you want a really nice, clean cut. So the purchase of an inexpensive set of bits to "learn on" is hardly a lifelong commitment.

Quality bits are more than just thicker/better carbide. I have used about half the 30 bits in my BnB set. Three of those 15 have given problems. One, a 1/2" core box bit, produces a rounded groove with a stepped bottom. This indicates the carbide flutes are not brazed on correctly; one is canted a bit, making the bit out-of-round. Another, a 1/4" straight-cutting bit, snapped when I was making a very shallow cut in some soft pine. I know I wasn't abusisng the bit so I chalk this one up to it being a cheap bit; I got what I paid for. The third, a 1/2" flush-trimming bit, doesn't -- trim flush, I mean. The flutes are just a skosh smaller than the bearing, which produces a slight ledge (enough to see, and catch a fingernail on) instead of a perfectly flush trim.

I don't see problems like these with my better bits. Still, the overall quality of this 30pc set is pretty good, and it is especially good for the money, and some of the other bits cuts every bit as good (although will not last as long) as my better bits.

Finally, materials like MDF and particleboard are notoriously hard on cutters. When I'm knocking together a jig or some kind of storage unit for the shop, where absolute perfection is not necessary, I reach for one of my cheap bits to make the necessary cuts, to save wear and tear on my good bits. For some, that alone may be sufficient reason to have one of these mid-sized sets of budget bits on hand.

[Jim-Iowa]

Since no one has mentioned them, all my good bits are Amanna.
Am very impressed with their quality.
I have bought them one piece at a time as I need them, to upgrade the cheapies I first got.
I have limited what I bought because my two Craftsman Routers only have 1/4" collets. I will expand once & get a router with 1/2 shank collets.

[FRT]

My 2 cents worth! For a new learner with limited budget I think the smaller sets are the way to go. As others have said this will allow you the joy of trying new bits which you would not have tried if you had to spend the money for one bit at a time. Compare the price of individual bits with the sets and I think you will see a large cost per bite decrease going with the sets (I know I did). Going with a set does give you one location or storage box from the start with no down time spent making storage for someting new to the user. I to use sets and single bits from both MCLS and Blades & Bits and have been very happy with the bits and the service. An last I would recommend that if you are a new user spend time reading as much as you can about their use and setup. Some places to start are past topics on this site and the manual on the MCLS site. Good luck and enjoy!!!
FRT

[tilt]

A couple of comments that are vaguely related to the discussion...

What sort of bit should you use for the original poster's #3 need (setting hinges in doors)?

This may be regional, but the local Costco in NC has a 36 piece Mastergrip set (1/4" shank, carbide) clearanced for $40, so if you have a membership you might want to swing by the tools aisle...

[LarryG]

quote:Originally posted by tilt

What sort of bit should you use for the original poster's #3 need (setting hinges in doors)?

You'd typically use a two-flute straight bit to remove the bulk of the material, then square up the corners (assuming butts with square corners, of course) with a chisel.

quote:This may be regional, but the local Costco in NC has a 36 piece Mastergrip set (1/4" shank, carbide) clearanced for $40

Sounds like a decent buy but only for someone with a router that will only accept 1/4" shanks. As Loring mentioned, 1/2" shanks are much more substantial and usually safer to use than 1/4" shanks. IMO any bit with a total diameter above 3/4" of an inch or so is dicey for a 1/4" shank.

[monte]

By all means go with the 1/2" shanks if possible.

[Tom Miller]

quote:Originally posted by Mike P. Wagner

Thanks to all - I couldn't really justify the MLCS $100 for 33 bits, so I went with 15 bits for $40.

That looks like a good set. And there's absolutely no doubt you'll get your money's worth out of it. Have fun!

Regards,
Tom

[Mike P. Wagner]

quote:Originally posted by monte

By all means go with the 1/2" shanks if possible.

Yeah, I bought the 1/2"

Mike P. Wagner

[LarryG]

Mike, one more thing: since you say you're a router newbie, give some serious consideration to investing in a copy of "Woodworking With The Router" by Bill Hylton and Fred Matlack. About $20 at your local bookstore; under $14 from amazon.com. This book is, hands down, the best router "accessory" you will ever own. It will teach you a lot about routers themselves, and about bits, good/safe technique, handheld vs table routing, things to consider when designing and building your own table, using a router to do things normally done by tools you might not yet own, and much more. A true gem, one that ought to be in every woodworker's library.

[Knottscott]

I bought the 15 piece MLCS set when I got started and have been happy with it. If I had it to do over again, I'd buy the 7 piece Whiteside set for ~ $89 and have excellent longterm bits for the most commonly used profiles, then I'd buy individual specialty bits as needed. The less expensive bits seem fine at first, but will dull faster and you'll be replacing them a couple of years down the road.

[tmaceroli]

Mike,

Someone suggested a straight cut bit for hinge mortising, which can be used. But there is a flat-bottomed bit in the set you purchased, which IMHO is the way to go. If you look at the picture of the set on the MLCS web site, it is the one on the top left. As the other poster says, you will need to square the corners with a chisel (unless you're mortising hinges for entry doors and using round-corner hinges, of course).

If you are mortising door hinges, then PC has a jig (which incidentally comes with a mortising bit) for about $15 at HD. I have one and it works great. The bit is only HSS, but it was good enough to do about 2 doz. doors.

I have been buying bits as I need them, but have been looking at the sets as well. Problem is that I already have purchased several of the more popular bits in the set, so for the one or two more I will need in the foreseeable future, I will probably continue to purchase individuals. It will cost me more overall, but I made that initial mistake.... I think you did the right thing by purchasing the set. If you wear any out, then you can replace with higher quality bits; but from what I've heard, the MLCS bits are a very good combo of value and quality.

I have purchased a rabetting bit set from Infinity Cutting Tools, and I am very happy with it. They make high quality bits, but are not as pricey as Freud or Amanna. It's good to have choices.

Good luck!