1/4" and 1/2" router bit - What's the difference?

[Vann]

...1/4 inch bits do snap easily I broke 2 1/4 inch straight cut ones in an afternoon probably because I was talking to big a cut...

I have a Makita 3620 (a fairly basic model - but I've had it for years and it's done nearly everything I've needed). It won't take 1/2" shank bits, but came with 1/4" and 3/8" collets.

After I broke a 1/4" shank cutter I did a few calcs and figured a 3/8" shank has roughly twice the cross-sectional area of a 1/4" shank (without doing the maths, I think a 1/2" shank is ~ 4 x the cross-sectional area) - so will take more abuse . I managed to pick up a few 3/8" bits from a local manufacturer (old stock I suspect). I also bought an 8mm collet and some 8mm shank straight bits in sizes that weren't available in 3/8". I still have to use the 1/4" collet for any fancy shapes.

Anyways, I recommend not limiting yourself to 1/4" shanks.

Cheers, Vann.

 

[sunnybob]

Just to be awkward... the only cutter I've broken so far is a 3/8"straight cutter, but that was my fault by accidentally jamming the wood into it. I use 1/4" more than any other size and am pleased with all of them.

 

[Lons]

Just to be awkward... the only cutter I've broken so far is a 3/8"straight cutter, but that was my fault by accidentally jamming the wood into it. I use 1/4" more than any other size and am pleased with all of them.

I've never broken a cutter, (you know what will happen next time I use a router :lol: ) but as said, it very much depends on your projects. I have 3 routers, a DeWalt 625, my ancient Elu MOF 96e and a more recent Makita palm router and I use them all. Dewalt for kitchen worktops, heavy work and in the router table, Elu for general lighter work with 1/4" cutters and Makita for intricate stuff.
If all you do is lightweight edge moulding then a small capacity router is fine.

Bob

 

[twodoctors]

I've actually bought some 1/4" Trend kit yesterday... but they are going back today!

I've decided to get a 1/2" kit instead. Sounds like they are more robust, but otherwise the size of cuts of both kits are pretty similar. What I'll probably end up doing is see which bit I actually use in the 1/2" kit, and then get individual bits for the 1/4" and 1/2" in due course. Probably a more sensible thing to do (I think).

I got enough wood to make bandsaw boxes for the next few days while I wait for them to arrive...

Adrian

 

[meccarroll]

I'd check this link out for a Trend router at £72 before I spent my money on the Kastu. I think the link is for a 110v model but the 240v models are same price.

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Trend-T4ELK-1 ... Sw4CFYwX7~

Most of the 1/4" Trend cutters you have purchased will be moulding cutters or small straight cutters and are probably going to be more than adequate for their size and intended purpose. 1/2" cutters will be an advantage for heavy professional work but at the price you paid the metal is likely to be hobby grade, I have paid around £30 for one 1/2" cutter so your set is a bargain. To be honest the 1/4" sets I have are at a similar price range to your set and perfectly ok for most work. I use them as a professional carpenter and joiner and have only broken about two out of 60 in about ten or so years, so I doubt you will have a problem.

Regards Mark

 

[Benchwayze]

Adrian..

Okay, buy a set of bits to get you going, but don't buy down to a price. Get the best you can afford. Thereafter, buy individual bits as you need them and again, the best you can afford.

I have nothing to do with Wealden Tools, but that's where I source all my bits. Reasonable prices, good service. Never had any problems with their stuff.

https://www.wealdentool.com/

HTH

John

 

[sunnybob]

I use my router table a LOT. It must be my most used machine , even more than the bandsaw possibly.
i use mainly 1/4" (6 mm) cutters and quite often remove a lot of wood. Never had an issue.

That 3/8" that i broke was my own stupid fault. I was trying to trim an edge on an 8" square of hardwood, by using a mitre fence and sliding the wood across the cutter. I've done this many times before, but this time I tried to take off just a touch too much, and instead of the cutter sliding along the edge it bit in HARD. Threw the wood across the table, took a couple years off my life span, and taught me never to use the table without safety glasses because one blade disintegrated and the bits flew all over the workshop, and the other blade (1 1/4" long carbide) just vanished.

I found that blade about a week later, several feet behind me as I stood at the machine. Lots of luck used up that day.

 

[Hornbeam]

Most half inch routers will take both 1/2" and 1/4" bits. Does your router have both collets otherwise you will have to but that.
I have 2 Elu router and generally use the smaller 1/4" for hand held work and the 1/2" one in a router table. I generally only use the half inch one hand held with more robust cutters and would never use it with the smaller ones
Ian

 

[AJB Temple]

It is worth remembering that a 1/2" bit has 4 times the shaft area of a 1/4" bit. That is why people manage to break 1/4" bits but not the larger ones.

 

[Vann]

...without doing the maths, I think a 1/2" shank is ~ 4 x the cross-sectional area...

It is worth remembering that a 1/2" bit has 4 times the shaft area of a 1/4" bit...

Wot he said :lol:

Cheers, Vann.

 

[twodoctors]

Just a quick line to say that the router bits have arrived. Looks like Trend bits (compared with what I bought from Screwfix over the weekend). Smells like Trend bit (there's some weird smell to both boxes). Cuts fine (over a piece of pine). Can't argue with £25 for 15 bits of 1/2". I'm sure there are better quality out there, but let see which bits I actually use first!

Adrian