Router bits - Buy individually or buy a set???

[mickyd]

You router gurus want to weigh in on whether or not it’s worth purchasing a router bit set vs. buying them individually as needed? I know your saying “It depends what you plan on making!!” and I understand that but….in general, where would one start?

For you intermediate router users, do you find yourself using the same ‘staple’ set of bits often where if you purchased a set you’d be paying for bits that are used once in a lifetime and not worth the investment?

If you lean toward buying a set, any recommendations would be appreciated.

The candle lantern project I am working on called for 2 router bits, a 1/4 “ round-over and a 45° chamfer bit. I have already purchased the 1/4” round-over for $25 for a carbide Whiteside USA brand. Haven’t got the 45° bit yet. May not need it but if I decide to get it, it’s also $25 for carbide unless I buy the $0.98 carbide internet only Harbor Freight version.

[robinson46176]

Unless I won a lottery I probably wouldn't buy a set of 2137 bits.
I have a lot of bits but many of them came from yard sales and special deals.
I suspect that a decent set of maybe 10 or 12 bits should cover 95% of your needs then buy the odd ones you need as singles. For a number of applications where most guys use router bits these days I still like using shaper cutters better. Stuff like T&G, cabinet door lip, larger round-over etc.
For router bits, round over bits (2 or 3 sizes), a rail and stile set, ogee, several different dove-tail bits, several different straight bits and at least 2 different angles of chamfering bits. The possibilities are endless and as you said, "it depends on what you are making".
On the ones you expect to use the most buy the very best you can (That does not necessarily mean spending the most money). On the ones you may only use once or twice a year for small jobs just buy good HSS bits. I would usually rather have a good HSS bit than an ultra cheap carbide faced bit.
After the first 20 to 25 years you will have a pretty good idea of what bits you will need. Then they will come out with something that will make almost everything you have obsolete.

[2manband]

I purchased this set

http://www.woodline.com/p-1766-30-pc-pr ... l-set.aspx

and have been pretty pleased with it. I thought that it would be nice to have a good basic assortment, and then replace them as they get worn out with higher quality individual bits. That way I'd end up with nice bits for the frequent uses, and serviceable bits for all of the occasional uses.

I've been using the set for about 4 years - have used about 3/4 of the bits in the package, some more than others, but none of them are dull or worn yet, so I haven't replaced any.

I think the Woodline stuff represents a pretty good value. Not top quality, but affordable, and good enough for a weekend warrior like me. As far as quality of cut, apparent build quality, hardness/durability, etc. I'd say that they're about on par with the couple of Porter Cable brand bits I had prior to purchasing the set. Plus - they come with a lifetime warranty.

[robinson46176]

I purchased this set

http://www.woodline.com/p-1766-30-pc-pr ... l-set.aspx

and have been pretty pleased with it. I thought that it would be nice to have a good basic assortment, and then replace them as they get worn out with higher quality individual bits. That way I'd end up with nice bits for the frequent uses, and serviceable bits for all of the occasional uses.

I've been using the set for about 4 years - have used about 3/4 of the bits in the package, some more than others, but none of them are dull or worn yet, so I haven't replaced any.

I think the Woodline stuff represents a pretty good value. Not top quality, but affordable, and good enough for a weekend warrior like me. As far as quality of cut, apparent build quality, hardness/durability, etc. I'd say that they're about on par with the couple of Porter Cable brand bits I had prior to purchasing the set. Plus - they come with a lifetime warranty.

I would call that a very sensible approach...

[charlese]

Hi Mike! 2manband's approach is a good one! Myself? I bought a less expensive set at one of the big box stores. About 20 bits in a nice box like the ones from Woodline. All of these bits have 1/4" shanks. At the time of purchase (1999), my router only had a 1/4" collet. I thought these bits would wear out quickly, and I would buy better bits as needed. However I still have the set and have only broken one (at the shaft). Meanwhile I'm slowly getting better brand bits. One of these days I'll splurge for a better set and discard the old one.

I consider the Woodline set as a good one. I would prefer their 1/2" shank version - it is the same price. Woodline also sells a 24 piece "Apprentice Set' for $89. They also come in either 1/4" and 1/2" shanks.

[------------------------]

I bought a couple of these sets at x-mas a couple years ago from Humpty Depot. I think I paid about $49. Have not had any problems with them. I wanted to get an assortment so that I could experiment
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[BigSky]

I buy them as I need them and when I do I try to buy good ones. Pay attention when shopping. The good ones are not always the most expensive ones.

Exception......if I am routing suspicious lumber, I play safe. Buy cheap and discard.

[mickyd]

I buy them as I need them and when I do I try to buy good ones. Pay attention when shopping. The good ones are not always the most expensive ones.

Exception......if I am routing suspicious lumber, I play safe. Buy cheap and discard.

And what would one pay attention too?

[shipwright]

I have a set of Ryobis just like Mark's at home in Canada. They work out at about a dollar a piece if you buy them on sale. I've had them for about three years and as yet none are broken and only the 3/4 plywood dadoing bit (23/32 as I remember) is even dull. I don't know anywhere that sharpens them for $1 so if the rest ever get dull, I'll buy another set. The variety you get with a set like this is amazing and they'll last a long time for all they get used. When you find bits that you actually do use a lot or when you need special purpose bits, buy them but a set like this is the starting point for sure.

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I have a similar set (Mastercraft) in Az and the same goes-- lost leaders on sale -- about a buck a piece. They are indistinguishable from the Freuds I also have at home except that they were cheaper and not as pretty. I but "high end" bits only when I can't find the pattern I want in "cheap" ones and have seldom been disappointed. There is a lot of "boutique marketing" and "big name" merchandising going on out there and for the most part IMHO the emperor would be better off with a few more clothes on.

Paul M

[mickyd]

Based on what I am reading so far, I think that I am going to return my unused $25 round-over bit. Good thing I decided to keep the plastic jacket it came in.