Choosing a rounding over bit

[dance]

I'm looking for a rounding over bit to put a simple round over on some boards which are 1" thick. I didn't know this was so complicated...!

I have a 1/4" router and a 1/2" router in a table.

I've seen a set of 1/2" router bits at Wickes for £11. I was suspicious as for 12 bits that seems ridiculously cheap. Then I looked on the Trend website and found that many of their bits cost £30-80.

So one question is: How much should I be looking at paying? Is there a reasonably priced bit set? (I am aware that people often recommend buying as and when and not a big set, but I'm only talking about a few bits as a starter set).

My final question is how best do I put a round over on my board? Use a bearing guided bit and try to setup the router so that the roundover catches the 90deg angle of the board and hope that I don't end up with a ridge or use a non guided rounding over bit in the table?

Thanks!!

 

[Shultzy]

I would second the recommendation to only buy bits as and when required. Most set contain bits that are never used. Always buy the best bits you can afford as they will last a lot longer than cheap bits.

I would use a bearing guided bit and set up the router so that the round-over catches the 90deg angle of the board, a whisker under will make sure there is no ridge and sanding will get rid of any "edge".

 

[marcros]

You could have a look at the range on http://www.wealdentool.com/ . they get very good reveiws for quality and price.

Bear in mind how often you are going to use the bit- if it is a one off to do a few boards, then the Trend bits may be too much to justify, and frankly a silverline bit may just do enough. Then again, a roundover bit is a useful one, and a better one may be justifiable.

 

[dance]

Aha - is this my answer (see pic) i.e that I need to adjust the bearing? Or is that for bits which are both ovolo and round over bits? I don't remember having any difficulty using someone else's rounding over bits but with my own 1/4" bit I get the quirk described on that page!

Thanks!

 

[dance]

Ah. Some more reading indicates this is not the case, I just need to make sure I don't contact that bottom levelling out part to avoid creating a quirk.

 

[Alf Beharie]

Ah. Some more reading indicates this is not the case, I just need to make sure I don't contact that bottom levelling out part to avoid creating a quirk.

I know this is an old thread but I thought it worth pointing out that Rutland Tools are currently selling a really good quality American Craftex "Blue Tornado" round over bit with a 1 1/4" radius for just £26.21, inc VAT!

 

[Mar_mite]

Even a dirt cheap round over bit will be fine for a one off job. Even a few jobs. They don't take much of abuse. I've gone years without sharpening some of mine.

 

[Phil Pascoe]

Inch and a quarter radius?? :shock: That would make the cutter about three inches across? Hell of a lump of steel.

 

[lurker]

I have bought the Aldi cheapo kits when they are available and use them as semi disposables
They seem fine so long as you do not expect a long life from them
I have good quality ones that have been bought for specific projects too

A few years ago B&Q stopped stocking trend and I bought a pile of half inch ones at daft prices when they cleared out so some shapes I think I have enough until I die

 

[Alf Beharie]

Inch and a quarter radius?? :shock: That would make the cutter about three inches across? Hell of a lump of steel.

Actually its only 2 1/4" across...I received mine on Friday and it comes packed safely in a fancy plastic helical case...Here is the link:

http://www.rutlands.co.uk/sp+woodwo...llet-bits-d=2-1-4-h=15-16-s=1-2-tornado+tr230