Router bit suggestions

[mikeg]

Can anyone suggest a basic router bit set for a newbie router owner? I'm looking for a moderately priced set that will get me started that I can add to as I gain expereince.

For now I'm thinking of using it for dados, rounding edges, and a little decorative work. My router has 1/2" collet.

thanks,
mikeg

[ErikS]

Tough to beat sets from Holbren - 35pc set for $69.95 & contains most every bit you're likely to use.........or pick up a dado set for $12.95 + a round over set for $29.95 (as you can see the bigger the package the most cost effective).

http://www.holbren.com/home.php

[monte]

Tough to beat sets from Holbren - 35pc set for $69.95 & contains most every bit you're likely to use.........or pick up a dado set for $12.95 + a round over set for $29.95 (as you can see the bigger the package the most cost effective).

http://www.holbren.com/home.php

I agree with this. Brian at Holbren is a very good guy to do business with too.

[meika123]

So far I have had good success with MLCS. Nice to work with, too.

Dave in NC

[Tom Hintz]

Infinity Tols has an 8-piece set that I like a lot. It has a great selection of bits that a woodworker will acutally use, all of them first rate and the price is not bad at all.
I have a review of this set with photos and more info on each of the pieces at the link below.

http://www.newwoodworker.com/reviews...cbitsetrvu.htm

[Knottscott]

Whiteside bits are the best I've used, but can get kind of expensive individually. Hartville Tool is offering 20% off through 2/27. They have a 7 piece Whiteside set of the most common basic profiles for ~ $70 with discount. Going with high quality for high-use bits will perform better and last longer, then you can get away with lesser quality for specialty profiles and occasional use.

http://www.forums.woodnet.net/ubbthr...apsed&sb=5&o=7

[mikeg]

Well, I took ErikS' suggestion and ordered the Holbren - 35pc set for $69.95 at lunch. Thank you all for your advice. I figure that if I wear out any of these bits, I'll replace it with a top of the line bit.

mikeg

[DJB]

What is the prevailing opinion of the Ryobi router bit sets available at Home Depot?

How about the older Holbren C2 router bits? I've seen some sets that look like bargains, but are they?

Thanks,
Dave

[Jeffrey Schronce]

Well, I took ErikS' suggestion and ordered the Holbren - 35pc set for $69.95 at lunch. Thank you all for your advice. I figure that if I wear out any of these bits, I'll replace it with a top of the line bit.

mikeg

I just got mine today and used 4 different profiles. They seemed pretty decent but poplar does have a tendency to mill well. We'll see how they do on the Fish Tail Oak I got today.