Router bit holders - inserts...

[Sean Rainaldi]

Hi,


I am building my own router bit tray, just drilling holes into plywood.


I would like to use those plastic inserts to put into the holes to hold the shanks.


Does anyone know exactly what they are called so I can search for them, or anyone who sells them?


Thanks.

[Jim Rimmer]

Found these at Lee Valley but they don't have straight sides so may not be what you want. Didn't find anything that would work at Woodcraft or Rockler.

http://www.leevalley.com/en/wood/page.aspx?p=50697&cat=1,46168,46180
http://www.leevalley.com/en/images/item/woodworking/drilling/16j0361s1.jpg

[David Hostetler]

I would think plastic bushings is what they would be called. You could try McMaster Carr online, or better yet, get to Ace Hardware, or another similar traditional hardware store and check out their specialty hardware shelves for what you need....

[Sean Rainaldi]

OK thanks much I'll check them out.

I just saw some magnetic holders but they are a bit pricey money is tight.

Thanks again!

[Eric DeSilva]

OK thanks much I'll check them out.

I just saw some magnetic holders but they are a bit pricey money is tight.

Thanks again!

Hmm... So why use them? Why not just drill holes?

[Will Overton]

By using 17/64 and 33/64 brad point bits, you can achieve a good fit without any inserts. The board will last for years, and if you somehow wear it out, it's easily replaced.

http://i225.photobucket.com/albums/dd75/Bill_de/bits.jpg?t=1285254486

I keep these in drawers, so the knobs are just to lift them easily ... and I had them.

[Jim O'Dell]

I used 1/4" ply raised an inch or so above the drawer bottom. I bought some rubber grommets from McMaster-Carr. some for 1/2", some for 1/4#. They work great. Tight fit so they don't move, but not so tight you have trouble getting the bits in and out. Just don't let your finger slip on the bit!!!!! Especially with a new never used Infinity straight bit.:eek: Jim.

[Curt Harms]

SWMBO has bought some Alli kits that come in a nice plastic box with a clear top. I cut pink foam insulation for a snug fit and put 1/8" hardboard on top of it. Drill 1/2 and 1/4 holes through hardboard into the foam. It seems to work fine.

[Gil Knowles]

Sean
You can also purchase brass router bit holders from Lee Valley. They also have free shipping until 27-Sep-10.

[Lee Ludden]

I cut a bunch of squares from 3/4 MDF and drilled 17/64" holes for the 1/4" bits and 13mm holes for the 1/2" bits.

I am in the process of actually labeling them (I do all my new ones, and old ones as I feel the urge). It makes it easy to keep things straight.

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4088/5019740142_0d1f097ae5.jpg

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4104/5019751886_bc1525f18e.jpg

[Michael Flores]

I think this is what you are looking for.

http://www.woodcraft.com/Product/2081361/30394/WoodRiver-6Piece-14-Shank-Magnetic-Router-Bit-Holders.aspx

[Dave Sweeney]

Is this what you're talking about.........router bit inserts (http://www.cmtutensili.com/show_items.asp?pars=PJJ%7E03.51%7E2).

[Ron Bontz]

CMT used to make some as well. 1/4" or 1/2".:)

[Bill Huber]

I started out with hole in wood and it worked fine but I needed more space, then I got the foam blocks to put in the a new drawer and that has really worked great for me.

I got these from Eagle I think but there are a lot of different companies that sell them.


162412

[lawrence dosson]

holbren has them plastic insert 20 for 4 bucks either 1/2 or 1/4 also has the foam holders
lawrence

[Chris Parks]

I was always led to believe that using wood to store router bits in was not a good idea. The thinking was that the wood contains moisture and moisture causes the shafts to rust. Any one had this experience? As for inserts, some polythene hose cut off to suit the the thickness of the block might be a cheap alternative.

[Phil Thien]

By using 17/64 and 33/64 brad point bits, you can achieve a good fit without any inserts. The board will last for years, and if you somehow wear it out, it's easily replaced.

+1. The 33/64 is a common pen-drilling size bit. I got mine at Woodcraft.

[Jim O'Dell]

Thought I'd show how mine came out. 162513162514 The bag you see in the bottom drawer is some of the 1/4" grommets. Jim.

[Will Overton]

I was always led to believe that using wood to store router bits in was not a good idea. The thinking was that the wood contains moisture and moisture causes the shafts to rust. Any one had this experience? As for inserts, some polythene hose cut off to suit the the thickness of the block might be a cheap alternative.

I've been doing it this way for about 5 years now with no ill results. My 1/2" bits are in drawers, while my 1/4" bits are on a shelf "inside" their own small cabinet. This is in a garage/workshop. Possibly if the bits were left in the open it would be a different story. I used both poplar and red oak.