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The best router bits?

20K views 25 replies 12 participants last post by  N'awlins77 
#1 ·
I am not talking custom bit makers (if there are any) I am talking about common bits known to most wood workers. I have been using White Side bits and really like them. I have heard Freud makes really good bits but so far I don't have any. I would like your opinion from your experience.

Thanks Don!
 
#2 ·
been using Freud for years and years..
superb CS...
long lasting and can handle some abuse...
out of the box Whiteside has the edge/lead but the Freud will outlast the WS by far... (as in LF)...
zero complaints..
 
#5 ·
grade of carbide for sure...
 
#7 ·
Freud = quality, availability price is not the cheapest, but you get what you pay for. They have so many profiles you are almost sure to find what you need. I have a Freud catalogue and if I see something I need, almost any big box or hardware store can order it for me. I also like the Freud saw blades including the dado set.
 
#8 ·
I agree that you get what you pay for but only up to a point. Router bits are expendables. A cheap bit from MLCS will last me a lifetime unless its a bit that is used all the time like say a cove bit. If I need a special profile and can get it from MLCS for $15 dollars or a brand name for $40 dollars Ill get the $15 dollar one. I use it two or three times and never touch it again. It may not last a life time if used every day but if used 3 times it will last as long as the Sphinx. As far as the cut quality goes I've never noticed a difference. So I would say only buy expensive bits if you plan on using them on a daily basis. The complete opposite goes for tools. If you need a tool (and you're young) then but the best. If you need to do a job buy the tool to do it and don't try to get away with using another tool to do the job. If you're making mortises spend $300 on a mortising machine (or $150 on a good used one)instead of trying to do it with a drill press or router. You'll always have a good tool and when its time to sell you'll take less of a hit.
 
#10 ·
A cheap bit from MLCS will last me a lifetime unless its a bit that is used all the time like say a cove bit. If I need a special profile and can get it from MLCS for $15 dollars or a brand name for $40 dollars Ill get the $15 dollar one..
tried them...
VOE says that their balance isn't all that great...
the brazing is subpar...
found that to be the norm w/ Asian bits...
3rd or 4th bit the brazing failed and the cutter hit me the ear....
the trip the ER sure made that on very expensive bit...
 
#11 ·
Freud, Whiteside, and Sommerfeld are the best that I've used, but all are high priced. I've bought several sets of Woodline bits very reasonably priced, but with my experience, almost as good as the high priced sources. I was surprised at how well they cut for the price and will buy more.

Charley
 
#12 ·
Charley I found out they (Woodline) are here in Tennessee. A town called Old Hickory. I used to live about 3 or 4 miles from them now it's about 30 miles. Don't know if they have a store front or not.
 
#15 ·
Amana Israel are very good bits but very pricey...
Amana China are junk and cost the same as Amana Israel...
not many vendors...
their CS leaves something to be desired...
 
#16 ·
I have quite a few Amana bits. Some are made in China I think and aren't as good as the others or as expensive. The ones made in Israel are good. The logos on the bits are different depending on where they are made. If you saw them side by side you'd instinctively know the difference.

BJ used to say that Yonico bits were good for the money. I have a few that I bought for a project that I haven't gotten around to yet but they look like quality bits. The carbide is thick and well sharpened and the finish is good on them.
 
#20 ·
I'm not doubting anything you guys recommend.
I figure learning to play with this new tool, no need to start with the best stuff. I can learn to appreciate the better brands after learning with the cheap stuff first........ especially to find out which bits I might actually have a use for.
Have you tried an Exchange-a-Blade before? I've purchased a few of their saw blades and thought they were pretty nice.
 
#21 ·
the cheap stuff may ...
come apart..
resonate because they aren't balanced resulting in poor cuts and early expiration of the router's bearings....
may creep in the collet...
one bit's profile may be different from another even though they are suppose to be the same...
have a short life...
dull out of the box so thet tear the wood instead of slice...
 
#23 ·
As a hobbyist, I suggest that you get yourself some good brand name bits when you first buy them, but don't think that you need to buy them all at once. Buy each bit or group when you will be doing a project that will use them. I would buy maybe one of each of these in this order and then expand your collection as you learn to use them and can afford to buy them.

You will likely need these bits in this order when just starting out and you will use these bits frequently, even after getting more competent with your abilities. Spiral up cut bits 1/4 & 1/2", preferably solid carbide, a flush trim bit with bearings both above and below the cutter and a cutting surface of about 1 1/2" , a rabbeting bit set with bearings for many rabbet sizes, a small hinge mortising bit with a top bearing will also be frequently used. You will likely use these bits above most often, so buy the better quality the first time.

If you will be doing cabinet work I highly recommend the Sommerfeld offset tongue and groove set, and his rail and stile bits, but watch his videos before buying them so you understand how to use them his way. They can be great time savers and produce high quality cabinets.

Then, as you expect to need them for an upcoming project, get round over bit sets, ogee bit sets, bull nose bit sets, etc from Woodline or some other cheaper, but reputable, router bit source. In most cases, you won't be using these as much, so these cheaper, but good, bits will last you many years. If you find that you are using any one of these bits heavily you can then buy a better quality replacement bit.

Charley
 
#24 ·
Re: Freud matched bit sets vs Sommerfeld. When I got the Sommerfeld sets, I don't think the Freud matched sets were available. I'd probably have gone with the Freud sets instead. But I doubt I'll wear out the Sommerfelds in what time I have left.
 
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