Router bits starting out

[colinb4987]

Ok, so this is an unexpected follow-on to the recent "which router" thread here

I'm in a similar position, having recently taken possesion of a Bosch GOF 2000 CE for table use, and a Festool OF1010 for non-table use (building on the MFT/guiderail/Benchdogs setup I already have for a TS55).

Question is though - how best to go about building a set of bits?

Initially I don't expect to be doing any moulding or panel raising but rather rebates, M&T, loose tenon, jointing, maybe dovetails etc. There's probably a 1/4" Makita-clone CNC in my future too, but not worth planning for right now.

So, do I:

1. Buy a set or two of cheap-but-not-awful bits, learn on them and replace when I burn them out, OR
2. Buy good (e.g. Wealden?) but very few, and add more good as the need arises?

Anyone have any opinions and recommendations they're willing to share on option and/or products?

 

[Etaf]

i purchased a kit on offer from trend, havent used many of the bits and have purchsed 2 bits for specific purposes , that are not in the kit - probably used 4 or 5 from the 35 available in the Kit
various arguments for buying/not buying a kit
But i suspect the bits i did use from the kit, would have cost more than the kit anyway , and they where all just a 1 off for a project

 

[TheUnicorn]

personal preference but I'd say it makes sense to buy a cheap starter set, which will allow you to find out which bits you actually use then buy nicer bits to replace the ones you use reguarly

 

[Phil Pascoe]

I have the Trend 1/4" and 1/2" sets, people knock them but I can't fault them. If you only use three or four of a set, those would set you back as much singly as the set cost anyway. I not long ago bought the 1/2" set again as it was cheaper than getting four or five of the original set sharpened. Buy Wealden as and when you need more specialised cutters or to replace heavily used ones.

 

[sams93]

I have a bosch 1/4" set which I can't fault. Wasn't expensive and have used it for all sorts. I only really use the 45 degree chamfer, and two roundover bits from the set. The set I have is £39 from screwfix but on amazon you can get a larger set for the same price)

Otherwise I buy more expensive bits individually as I need them. I usually buy the whiteside bits from routercutter.co.uk but have also bought some axminster ones which have been good too.

 

[HOJ]

As a starter I would also suggest buying a set is a good option, bought one must be +30 years ago (trend), mind, lost count of the specific purpose ones I have also bought in that time.

 

[Phil Pascoe]

Someone will always comment that you won't use all of a set, but I paid about £25 for the 1/2" set of twelve - if I don't use six, I've paid £25 for the six I've used - a bargain.

 

[John Brown]

Someone will always comment that you won't use all of a set, but I paid about £25 for the 1/2" set of twelve - if I don't use six, I've paid £25 for the six I've used - a bargain.

I agree. I've had the same Trend set, by the sound of it, and have managed to do many things with it, with a bit of inventiveness and a router table. A biscuit slot cutter is also useful, I night add, unless you have the dedicated tool.
I've also bought Wealden cutters for making windows(and since sold them on), but I never would have expected to get those in a "starter" set.

 

[colinb4987]

Thanks all - looks like it's a set, and Trend at that.

Will start with the 1/4" and add either specialty cutters or the 1/2" set as needed

 

[AndyMc]

I have the Trend 1/4" and 1/2" sets, people knock them but I can't fault them. If you only use three or four of a set, those would set you back as much singly as the set cost anyway. I not long ago bought the 1/2" set again as it was cheaper than getting four or five of the original set sharpened. Buy Wealden as and when you need more specialised cutters or to replace heavily used ones.

This. I spent today working with two Yonico router bits, a straight bottom bearing bit and a finger jointer. The straight bit is perfectly fine, but the finger jointer bit is positively dangerous.

 

[Phil Pascoe]

Thanks all - looks like it's a set, and Trend at that.

Will start with the 1/4" and add either specialty cutters or the 1/2" set as needed

Hunt for prices, they can vary dramatically.

 

[colinb4987]

Hunt for prices, they can vary dramatically.

Thanks, will be sure to do so.

 

[Spectric]

Question is though - how best to go about building a set of bits?

Don't buy sets, instead look at what you wish to do and buy as needed. Maybe get some straight cutters and a flush trimmer but if you just buy a shed load of cutters you will find you don't have the one you need and still need more. Wealdons deliver within days and have a good range, for more choice when it comes to mouldings then look at Infinity cutters and for trim I find these are really good.

https://www.infinitytools.co.uk/router-bits/mega-flush-trim-bit/

 

[Spectric]

From a learning perspective then take a look at these videos by the late Ron Fox, covers many areas you will need answers to.

https://www.wealdentool.com/kb/rons-tips/

 

[TRITON]

Whichever multiple kit you buy it wont have the cutter you suddenly need. I think these sets are assembled like that to lure you in.

 

[colinb4987]

@TRITON and @Spectric thanks. I guess the question re avoiding kits is - how do I choose which cutters to start with? To completely lay bear my ignorance, how would I choose, say, four straight cutters?

It seems to me there are a lot of variables - shank, cutting length, diameter, straight Vs spiral (and then flute #, up/down/compression), guided Vs non-guided, top Vs bottom guided, and probably more too.

So where to start? I don't have any definite projects lined up (need to build the workshop first....), but if I were to hazard a guess I'll mainly be working in redwood, oak, and 18mm plywood (variously spruce or birch). Hobby/home use not production.

 

[colinb4987]

From a learning perspective then take a look at these videos by the late Ron Fox, covers many areas you will need answers to.

https://www.wealdentool.com/kb/rons-tips/

Thanks! Those are a goldmine. I'd stumbled across the router table series in the past, but hadn't twigged to the breadth of coverage

 

[Adam W.]

Your choice of cutter is dependent on the task that you wish to carry out.

 

[Sideways]

Get a cheap set or two.
They are a common item in workshop clearances.
But they are cheap and carbide or not I almost consider the bits as disposable.

The cutters I use most are the quality ones I've bought individually.
In 1/4" shank

2 flute straight bits dominate.
15 to 20mm dia x 30mm long is my most used for making rebates
6mm, 9mm, 12mm for grooving.
Make sure all of these are end cutting so you can plunge in. A lot of cheap cutters can't do this.
A "tri wing" cutter for flattening
Top and bottom bearing guided straight cutters for template routing
A big bearing guided 45 degree for chamfers
A couple of different radius roundover bits, again bearing guided
A couple of sizes of core box bit.

Later you will want to add spiral up and downcut bits
Bigger bits are nice. They leave a good finish.
Long slender bits are fragile, a premium branded one (not a trend set, those are value disposable grade) will be better made and stronger.

How do you recognise a good bit ?
The carbide is thicker, the brazing is clean without splashes and voids, the body is more substantial and supports the brittle carbide all the way to just behind the cutting edges.
Down in the 1/4" diameter bits may be milled from solid carbide.

Ovolos and decorative cutters are my least used personally and something you would want to choose for the job in hand.

 

[Jackie H]

Hello all,
I am a relative novice when it comes down to routing. I have a 'Trend set' and have added a couple extras for specific needs, again Trend Craft Pro as that's all I knew. However now that I am getting a router table setup and have a few projects in line then I have started to look at additions I will need. One in particular is a Tongue & Groove V notch set. I have looked at the cheapos on Amazon i.e. FivePears etc etc and they are circa £35-£40 for a twin set. They all seem to be made from YG6X alloy. Rutland do a TCT (inserts) twin set which is £95. I then looked at Wealden Tools who do a single shank with interchangeable cutter/bearing for the tongue and groove. This is £56 but does not say what the material it is manufactured from. Given the preceding comments it seems a no brainer to go for the bit from Wealden Tools.
This does however raise a few questions in my mind and therefore I seek your expert opinions.

Is there any difference in the use of YG6X as opposed to TCT bits, are there Pros & Cons? Does the material used tend to be a distinguishing factor between the value ranges and the premium bits?

In most cases my usage will be low, i.e. I am a hobbyist and the bits are not going to get used on a regular basis. As has been mentioned previously, am I going to get better value by buying cheap and treating them as disposable? I would still want a quality finish. Else is it always better to pay that bit more if money is not a major sticking point and per the above question the selection of the material the bit is made from?