Any Router Experts in Here (Woodworking, not Computer Networking)

[buffalobo]

1/2" shank are not more durable, they are more rigid. They chatter less and leave a nicer cut.

Durability with a hand held router is almost impossible to achieve. To keep the bits cool, the feed rates need to be MUCH higher than most humans can achieve. Feed rates that high require more power than is available. As a result, most all bits die of overheating. We feed them too slowly with too fine a cut and there is no chip mass to carry away the heat.

Learning how to control depth of cut and feed rate is much more important than buying ultimate high quality.

Listen to this^^^^.


Also when you do start using a router set up a big table to stabilize your wood, the effort will be well worth it.

And this^^^^

Get the best set of cheap bits you can find. The 15pc set on the site Tim K linked seems pretty reasonable and MLCS has good rep.

[Jer]

Listen to this^^^^.


Also when you do start using a router set up a big table to stabilize your wood, the effort will be well worth it.

And this^^^^

Get the best set of cheap bits you can find. The 15pc set on the site Tim K linked seems pretty reasonable and MLCS has good rep.

You mean this one? Looks like the 1/2" shank is the same price as the 1/4" shank too.

[buffalobo]

You mean this one? Looks like the 1/2" shank is the same price as the 1/4" shank too.

That's them, I would get the 1/2" set, with some luck and patience will last a long time before needing replaced.

If serious about gaining router skills get a good router book also.

http://www.bing.com/images/search?q=...ooks&FORM=IGRE

[Jer]

You mean this one? Looks like the 1/2" shank is the same price as the 1/4" shank too.

Just bumping for an update: Christmas came & went and I ended up getting this set in 1/2" as a present from the in-laws. They were on backorder so I didn't get them until yesterday but now I have them. Now to learn how to use them....

[Dutch Commando]

I owned a custom woodworking shop for 15 years and still have a bunch of bits that I bought over the years. Don't buy Home Depot or Lowe's, even if they are carbide they just won't last. Pick the bits you think you are going to use the most and buy quality stuff. If you have any questions about projects you are doing give me a shout.