Router Bits

ryanbp01 · Post by **ryanbp01** » Fri Nov 26, 2010 9:44 am

I have three questions: 1) How do Shopsmith router bits stack up against other manufacturers products?, 2) If not, which manufacturers do you recommend?, 3) What is the best method for sharpening them?

BPR

Gene Howe · Post by **Gene Howe** » Fri Nov 26, 2010 9:55 am

Can't compare. I use MCLS Carbide tipped bits. http://www.mlcswoodworking.com/
Touch up sharpening is done with diamond hones. There are several suppliers. I got my 3 grit set from Harbor Freight.
If any router bit needs major sharpening, I just toss it. Aggressive sharpening will alter the radius, consequently changing the size of the cut. I'd rather not deal with that. Anyway, the sharpening service I use will charge me almost as much as a new one.

charlese · Post by **charlese** » Fri Nov 26, 2010 9:55 pm

I prefer carbide bits. I've had good luck with Shopsmith bits, as well as Freud (sp?), Bosh and bits from woodline.com. However I have broken a shaft on a Freud 1/4" shaft up cut bit. It wasn't carbide. I now prefer 1/2" shank bits, when available. Woodline has what I find to be the largest assortment. I've not found a difference in quality of carbide bits from any particular manufacturer. IMO - hype is very active among manufacturers advertising and woodworkers' rumor.

Sharpen with diamond paddles. Have not yet taken off enough carbide to make a bit noticeably smaller.

berry · Post by **berry** » Sat Nov 27, 2010 12:26 pm

The ones I've been happiest with are Whiteside (made in the USA). I get them on-line through Holbren. I think Woodcraft may sell Whiteside bits? I've also been very happy with my CMT tongue and grove set. I've broke a Freud and a Craftsman this year.

Ed in Tampa · Post by **Ed in Tampa** » Sat Nov 27, 2010 2:32 pm

I got a Woodline set at a Wood Working show and they have proved acceptable. They are a good assortment and in most cases work fine.

However I did run into a problem routing maple for cabinet doors. Tried everything nothing worked for me. Then I found Infinity Tools which solved my problems. I'm sold on them.

They are more costly than Woodline but they cut superior and there are times you need superior cuts.

So Woodline is my everyday router bits, usually I use them first then if I'm not satisfied I move over to Infinity Tools bits.

soggysawdust · Post by **soggysawdust** » Sat Nov 27, 2010 6:25 pm

I agree with the recommendation for Whiteside bits. I tried using my Shopsmith bits (dovetail and 1/2 inch straight in particular) with my Incra to do some dovetails and box joints and the bits were not quite the right size. Not all 1/2 inch bits cut a true 1/2 inch in diameter. It nearly drove me crazier trying to figure out why my joints weren't fitting properly. I have a set of Ryobi router bits and the sizes on them are a little small also. The Whiteside are dead on.

Phil