66 Bit Router Set Question

[Michael Short]

I have seen various 66 bit router sets available between $99 to about $199 in various brand names. What is a good starter set and brand in this price range? Thanks.

[Doug Shepard]

IMHO there will be a lot of bits in a 66-bit set that you'll never use. About the only sets I'd recommend would be straight bits, roundovers, possibly a few coves, and maybe the undersized plywood bits. Beyond that I think you'd be better off buying individual bits as you need them

[Randal Stevenson]

The 30 piece sets, will be a much better value. They will give you the straight bits, roundovers, etc. Then as you wear them out, you can buy higher end replacements.

[Ron Jones near Indy]

I agree with Doug and Randal.

[scott spencer]

It's likely that a 66 piece set will have many near duplicate profiles, and many that you'll never use. $100-$200 is top dollar for "value" level bits....lots of lower quality bits isn't often the best choice. For that price you can get top quality bits, although fewer of them...my suggestion is the Whiteside 7 pc basic set of the most common profiles....Holbren (http://www.holbren.com/home.php?xid=ac4417a1ac32a461d0cab5883f873c48) sells it for ~ $80 shipped with "SMC10" discount. They're top quality US made cutters that'll perform better, last longer, and are safer than the cheaper bits, and there'll be a bit of the budget left over to add a few other individual specialty profiles that you like. It's unlikely that you'll ever regret buying top quality cutters.

http://www.holbren.com/skin1/images/custom/main.jpg

If that's not something you'd want to pursue, then I agree with Randal...stick with a set of 30 or less. You'll spend less and will use a higher percentage of the profiles. MLSC, Holbren, Price Cutter, Woodline, and Woodcraft have decent value bits.

[Matt Meiser]

I got the 30-ish piece set from MLCS when I first started wooodworking, yes I've never used a lot of the bits, but I still think it was a good value. If I had bought the bits I have used as I needed them, I'd have a lot more invested. Everyone is going to use different bits, and a set like this gives you the basics to get started, plus a variety of other bits.

BTW, I haven't had a need to replace any of the bits I have used out of the set with better quality ones yet. When I do, I'll probably buy Whiteside, but the MLCS bits are pretty good.

[pat warner]

Not 30 pieces but capable nonetheless.
Starter set. (http://patwarner.com/starter_bits.html)

[Michael Short]

I was hoping to get some direction and I think you all have steer me in the correct direction. Thanks for the great input from all of you.