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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. :D

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. :D Then they will come out with something that will make almost everything you have obsolete. :D

2manband

I purchased this set

http://www.woodline.com/p-1766-30-pc-professional-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

2manband wroteI purchased this set

http://www.woodline.com/p-1766-30-pc-professional-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.

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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

BigSky wroteI 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.

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.

honeywell

I was interested in getting router bits also. I am glad you guys suggest sets. I like the way they are labeled, storage cases and some even show the profile for a novice like me. Thanks for the knowledge.

SDSSmith

I too bought a set and have added to it as needed. I picked up my set from MLCSwoodworking.com. Free shipping, three year hassle free warranty (lifetime on their Katana branded bits) and reasonable prices. Though not quite a buck a bit...........:) I tend to buy the 1/2in. shank, more rigid.

a1gutterman

I thought I wood weigh in on this. I am knot against buying sets. When it comes to automotive hand tools, I always buy the set. Set of wrenches, set of screwdrivers, socket set, etc. Funny thing, I have never bought a set of router bits. I always buy the ones that I am going to need (or think I am going to need), and no more. Can knot say why, except maybe I have never seen the ones I want in a set.

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mickyd wroteBased 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.

Call me CHEAP, but I would never pay $25 for a round over bit, unless I was going to use that specific bit a lot, for real quality wood-working.

shipwright

mark-b wroteCall me CHEAP, but I would never pay $25 for a round over bit, unless I was going to use that specific bit a lot, for real quality wood-working.

What he said. (unless large enough radius to need 1/2" shank)

Paul M

mickyd

mark-b wroteCall me CHEAP........

If you insist.....Mark, your CHEAP!! :D

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Hey!

I highly resemble that remark.:)

Ron309753

a1gutterman wroteI thought I wood weigh in on this. I am knot against buying sets. When it comes to automotive hand tools, I always buy the set. Set of wrenches, set of screwdrivers, socket set, etc. Funny thing, I have never bought a set of router bits. I always buy the ones that I am going to need (or think I am going to need), and no more. Can knot say why, except maybe I have never seen the ones I want in a set.

At last year's Woodworking show, Jim Heavey's recommendation regarding router bits was exactly what Tim said. Buy high quality bits as you need them.

Sincerely,

Ron309753

dusty

I don't know for sure but I do not believe there is a consensus on whether to buy sets or to buy individual bits as required.

Some have rapidly agreed that the best way to go is sets while still others have agreed that the best way is buy only what you need at the time.

I believe that if you can afford it - go buy the biggest, best set you can find made by a well known quality supplier. If you can't afford that (which is me) buy the best you can find by a quality supplier but only buy what you need. Eventually you will own the biggest best set you can find.

You'll have to build your own box to store them in but after all you are a wood worker.

In the meantime, care for those bits you bought as if they cost a fortune. Don't just throw them in a bench drawer or tool box where they can bump against one another.

PS Do this now while you are working and bringing home a pay check. Don't wait til you are on fixed income. Once you get there, you don't have many options.

Ed in Tampa

When Nick was around he made a remark about drill bits. He said we foolishly spend big bucks for full feature drill motors and nickle and dime ourselves with drill bits. And it is the drill bit that actually does the work and makes the difference in the quality.

I beleive this is true with router bits also. I have the 1/2" woodline set that some talked about. While it is good I have learned that unless the cut is going to be covered (as in a dado) or there is going to be thick finish (like paint) I actually save time and energy using a better bit.

That is not to say I don't use my woodline set I do. But I learned that the profiles produced were not the same quality as that is produced with a high quality bit. Notice I did not say more expensive.

In one project I tried my woodline in maple and got tear out. I then bought a high dollar bit and got about the same tear out. Then I bought a quality bit from Infinity and got no tear out.

One thing I will say you will probably only use about 1/2 to 3/4 of the bits in most sets. But the price of these extra bits in the set is offset by the cost of the whole set.

Today I use my woodline set to give me an example of the profile I want. If the cut is good enough then fine I simply use the woodline bit. If there is a problem I go to Infinity and buy the bit of the same profile and do the job. Since the infinity bit is used only on specific jobs it last longer than if I didn't have the woodline bits to do my test cuts and trial and error layouts.