My first router bits?

[Bryan Somers]

Finally got to spend my cristmas cash and a DW618PK router followed me home. :D I have seen router bit sets containing various bits and I know that you pay less per bit with sets. Would I be better off purchasing one of these or do you end up with bits that will never be used. Help enlighten me.

[Richard Wolf]

I know the sets are tempting, but your are right, some of the bit will never see action. I'm sure you have some good tool store in NC, so buy as you need them or order them online.

Richard

[JayStPeter]

I think that buying bits as needed is a better way to go than buying a mondo set. That said, Wood magazine came up with a list of 6 essential bits. I pretty much agree (only, I'd add a 7th being a 1/4" straight bit).
Buy high quality bits. Some of the mfrs. have jumped on the Wood magazine bandwagon and offer the essential 6 bits as a set. Here's one example http://www.infinitytools.com/prodinfo.asp?number=00-112&variation=&aitem=2&mitem=6

Jay

[pat warner]

A few words on bit sets at the FAQ no.1 link. (http://www.patwarner.com/faq.html)
And another option at the Starter Set link. (http://www.patwarner.com/starter_bits.html)

[Perry Holbrook]

Since you are in Burlington, with Woodworkers Supply just down the road, I would suggest just buying bits as you need them for the project of the moment. It's like having a fully stocked warehouse in your back door.

Perry

[Steve Clardy]

Yes. Agree with the buy-as-you-need.
My first set, probably 20 years ago, has a few unused bits left.
Going to the trash dump eventually.

[Jim Becker]

The only sets of router bits I ever buy are things like sets of regular sizes of a particular style...like "plywood" sized straight cutters, cove/roundover, etc. I prefer to buy a "good" cutter for a profile that I need when I need it.

[Frank Pellow]

I started with a quality set of 12 bits from Lee Valley (see: http://www.leevalley.com/wood/page.aspx?c=2&p=30224&cat=1,46168,46179) and, within the last year, I have used every one of them except the dovetail bit.

After that start, which was just a year ago, I have purchased quality individual bits as I have needed them. I just went to the shop and counted and I find that I have purchased 11 additional bits.

[John Keane]

I vote buy as you need, but buy good carbide bits. I have Amana, Freud, MLCS Katana, Whiteside, Rockler, and Sommerfield. All good. I now buy MLCS Katana bits. The price is right, the quality is excellent, the service unmatched and the shipping is free. MLCSwoodworking.com

[scott spencer]

Hi Bryan - There's a few differing philosophies on this question, and all can have advantages depending on your circumstances. I don't think you can go wrong with a small set of high quality bits that offers the most common profiles. A large lower quality set with dozens of bits will still cost quite a bit and leaves you with a many cheap profiles you're not likely to use that will dull faster. I started with the MLCS set for $40 which fit the bill at that time, but I would do it differently if I could.

Hartville Tool has the Whiteside 7-piece set on sale for 15% off through January (normally $88). The set includes: 3/8" Round Over, 3/8" Cove, 3/8" Rabbeting, 45 Deg. Chamfer, 1/4" Straight, 1/2" Straight, and 1/2" Flush Trim. I'd add to that an ogee, then would add other profiles as needed.

[tod evans]

bryan, i may be the odd duck here but i look at router bits as a disposable item not an investment....02 tod

[Tom Pritchard]

Buy high quality bits. Some of the mfrs. have jumped on the Wood magazine bandwagon and offer the essential 6 bits as a set. Here's one example http://www.infinitytools.com/prodinfo.asp?number=00-112&variation=&aitem=2&mitem=6


Bryan, I would echo Jay's comments. I have purchased Whiteside bits and I am very impressed by them. What I have found is that I bought single bits, like a 3/4" roundover, and then seen that I could have bought the whole roundover set for a better price than buying them individually. Now I can't buy the set because I would have duplicates which would be a waste of money. Make sure you buy the best bits you can afford. There is a company out there called Infinity that people speak highly of (http://www.infinitytools.com/). I have never used them, but have heard good things. Good luck!

[Bryan Somers]

Thanks all for your quick responses. I have no problem shelling out the $ for quality, but I hate throwing money away. Good stores close by, Woodworkers Supply about 15 min, Rockler and woodcraft about 30min. Now, I've got to learn how to use this new animal