sphynx_000

I am looking for suggestions on some budget, but quality router bits.

I need something fairly heavy duty as I will be cutting through mdf, which seams to me to be fairly hard on the bits. I will be doing alot of cutting with a 1/4 inch bit, and then maybe a 1/2 inch or larger flush trim bit. Something that can handle a fair amount of material. Other than that I will be looking for a 1/2" round, and 45 degree bit. And that is about all I have use for at the moment.



I dont exactly have a budget, because I dont know what it will cost to get decent stuff. The best band for the buck bits will probably suit me well.

Any recommendations?

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challagan

I take it you will want to get them in one spot and not be running around. The Home Depots and other stores like that most likely won't have all the stuff you want, especially spiral bits if you need one. Check out MLCS, very good prices and free shipping and as good as quality as any.
http://www.mlcswoodworking.com/

Not sure exactly what you are doing but you will want to take care of the bits as you use them and not over heat them.. any bit. MDF will really heat them up and its hard on bits so take multiple passes and let them cool off. For a 1/4 bit I think a spiral should work well in the mdf.

Corey

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sphynx_000

I mostly build speaker boxes,

I use a router to countersink and cut circles through 3/4" mdf. I use a circle jig that is calibrated for 1/4 inch bit, but I could go larger if it would make cutting easier/cooler?

The flush trim bit is just for trimming edges on the sides of the box due to uneven cuts.

challagan

I am sure our member Bj will have something to add here. His son does that same work all day long with routers. I know he is using some particular bits that he says works well. If I remember right he is using 1/4 spirals for the bulk of the hold cutting.

Corey

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http://iowacarver.tripod.com/

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http://woodshop51503.tripod.com/

sphynx_000

upcut or downcut for a hand router?

and for the flush trim bit, im guesing the larger diameter the better? Maybe I should step up to a 3/4" flush trim bit?

challagan

Downcuts for hand held router, upcut for the router table.

From MLCS some info on spirals:

2 flute flat bottom cutters. Top quality micrograin solid carbide. Will cut faster, smoother and stays sharper longer. Produces a very clean, fast and accurate cut with minimal chatter. Upcut spiral helps remove material. Ideal for making mortise and tenon joints. Downcut spirals help hold the material in place while using handheld routers. Will plunge cut and plane edges. Eliminates chipping at the top of the cut. Ideal for soft & hard woods, plywoods & composites, laminates, plastics and some non-ferrous metals.

Spiral Page:
http://www.mlcswoodworking.com/shops...al_down_anchor

Check out the 1/4 spiral flush trim... seems like a good choice for your work.

Corey

__________________
My Carving Website: The Iowa Woodcarver
http://iowacarver.tripod.com/

My Shop Website - Woodshop 51503
http://woodshop51503.tripod.com/

sphynx_000

That all sounds good to me. I am going to wait and hopefully "Bj" will chime in before I buy anything.

bobj3

Hi sphynx_000

Corey is right on the button,,,they only thing I would add is if you are doing alot of MDF you may want to get the trim bit below..

Spiral Flush Trim Router Bit
and the
Compression Up/Down Spiral Router Bit

http://www.mlcswoodworking.com/shops...ushtrim_anchor



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sphynx_000

The spiral trim bit is a little expensive, but if its worth it, then so be it.

For the easiest cut, would it be best to go with a 1/4 or 1/2 flush trim bit. And how about for a straight cut bit?

unfortunately I dont think the compression up/down spiral bit will work for me because I will also be using the bit for countersinking and need a flat bottom.

Also, what do you think about the TripleWing bits?

bobj3

Hi sphynx_000

The 1/4" one works a bit better but it's not as hvy. duty as the 1/2" one..it's a mass thing..

The 1/4" one is quicker because you are not removing as much stock as the 1/2" one...and the 1/4" one will wear out b/4 the 1/2" one..

I'm now on my 4th or 5th 1/4" ones and still using the 1/2" one that I got all about the same time..the MDF is hard on bits and will dull them quick...and many times you want to make the cut with one pass that's when the 1/2" one comes into play...

"Also, what do you think about the TripleWing bits? and 1/4 vs 1/2 inch shanks?"

I like to use 1/2" bits over 1/4" ones BUT sometimes the job calls for the 1/4" bit...
TripleWing bits?= I like them they last longer,one extra cutting blade to do the work, less ware and tear thing, and they are a bit safer than the standard bits... (2 wing type/two cutters)

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PodCast videos
RWS on YouTube

http://www.routerforums.com/86898-post1.html
Besure and click on the Up Arrow key ▲ on the Youtube video, you can select other youtube videos on router tables
http://www.woodworkingonline.com/?s=dovetail
Machine Cut ▼
http://www.woodworkingonline.com/200...cut-dovetails/

http://www.woodworkingonline.com/woo...podcast-store/

http://www.woodshopdemos.com/menu2.htm

Bob J.