Beginner router kit

[Blackswanwood]

I have a copy of “Complete Routing” that was produced by Trend - if it would help PM me your address and I’ll drop it in the post to you.

The Wealden site also contains some good advice.

 

[Phil Pascoe]

1/4" bits are under 2" quite simply because they would be very likely to break off if longer.

 

[Croolis]

Good advice all, thanks very much .

I have a copy of “Complete Routing” that was produced by Trend - if it would help PM me your address and I’ll drop it in the post to you.

The Wealden site also contains some good advice.

Excuse me while I bite your fingers off . I'll PM you shortly. That's very kind, thanks very much .

 

[JSW]

You’ve asked in an earlier post about the depth of cut - I’d say if you are looking to make a plunge cut of 50mm depth that you are pushing the limits of a 1/4” bit and trim router.

Edit to add: And 50mm cut with a 1/4" router ? No. Far too long for that shank. Far too long for a trim router too.

As above, way too long for a trim router, Makita or otherwise.
Mortising you need a 1/2" router, and depending how deep you go, even that will scream making small passes once you get deep enough. Drill out the bulk of the mortise with a forstner or lip and spur bit first.

Just as an aside, 'cos I have the feeling the mortises may be for a workbench, and from one cheap sod to another
The legs on mine are made from cast off skids (those lumps of 3x3" or bigger that timber/builders yards use to drop pallets of sheet materials etc onto) the mortises are maybe 40mm deep at a push, plenty strong enough for my usage, though my set-up is 2 workbenches 900mm deep x 1200mm long which bolt together in any orientation depending on the job, or separately if need be

Edit: Forgot to add, the tops are 25mm Egger grey non-slip chipboard flooring glued together and lipped all around, with reclaimed 3x2" underneath to prevent any potential sagging.

 

[adhb]

The problem with "sets" is that you'll get quite a few cutters that you'll never use - better to work out what you might need and buy individual ones [Tip: Trend has an ebay shop's that's usually cheaper than their online store]

Is the Trend online shop Trend Direct UK? There's not much there, no tools. Maybe I've got the wrong one.

 

[Phil Pascoe]

If it's something you'll use a lot go for Wealden and have done with it.

 

[Croolis]

As above, way too long for a trim router, Makita or otherwise.
Mortising you need a 1/2" router, and depending how deep you go, even that will scream making small passes once you get deep enough. Drill out the bulk of the mortise with a forstner or lip and spur bit first.

Just as an aside, 'cos I have the feeling the mortises may be for a workbench, and from one cheap sod to another
The legs on mine are made from cast off skids (those lumps of 3x3" or bigger that timber/builders yards use to drop pallets of sheet materials etc onto) the mortises are maybe 40mm deep at a push, plenty strong enough for my usage, though my set-up is 2 workbenches 900mm deep x 1200mm long which bolt together in any orientation depending on the job, or separately if need be

Edit: Forgot to add, the tops are 25mm Egger grey non-slip chipboard flooring glued together and lipped all around, with reclaimed 3x2" underneath to prevent any potential sagging.

That's very helpful information m8, thank you.

 

[HamsterJam]

I bought that set when I started routing. Still going strong after several years use and yes, there are 2 or 3 unused cutters
However, IMHO a great way to start out and you can supplement with more specialised and/or better quality individual cutters as and when the need arises.
Just a word of caution however, IIRC there was a post on here a while back about poor quality bearings on Trend router bits, although I have not had an issue with mine.