If you're not familiar, CMT is one of the best makers of router bits (along with Whiteside, Amana, etc.).
Sommerfeld is a very reputable company & seller. Seems they are clearing out all of their CMT individual bits & sets at 50% off. You'll be hard-pressed to find better prices on these bits, even used.
This is not going to be a popular opinion here but it is an opinion. Buy a cheap kit that has multiple different bits. Use it to learn, build your skills and figure out which bits you need and then buy good quality versions of those ones. I'm currently learning myself and I'm using the following HF set and it has been great. Yes it'll dull after a while but by then I'll know what I need. Yes it might not leave the best finish but again you are learning so that gives you more chances to practice your sanding and finishing techniques. The higher end bits can be resharpened but again do you really know how to do that right now.
No, no router bit (or any cutting tool for that matter) will last forever. Ignoring drops or tool crashes, you'll eventually dull and/ or wear this tool like any other one.
These bits come highly recommended from a reputable manufacturer. My experience has been that pricier bits tend to be worth the premium because I get better results- usually that means cleaner and more consistent cuts. Any bit can get the job done, but for me nicer bits make the work easier and the results better. Hope that helps.
No. Buy most bits as you need them based on the project. I can't even begin to tell you how many bits I have purchased and have never used because they were a "good deal". Router bits are no different than good tools, they are an investment. There are a few bits you should buy when getting started that you will use regularly (chamfer, round over, rabbet), but I would hold off unless you have a specific project.
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No, no router bit (or any cutting tool for that matter) will last forever. Ignoring drops or tool crashes, you'll eventually dull and/ or wear this tool like any other one.
These bits come highly recommended from a reputable manufacturer. My experience has been that pricier bits tend to be worth the premium because I get better results- usually that means cleaner and more consistent cuts. Any bit can get the job done, but for me nicer bits make the work easier and the results better. Hope that helps.
For a new woodworker that's only used his router a handful of times so far, what are a variety of bits and sizes that would be good to have on hand for various projects? Unfortunately there looks to be only 1 kit offered, and otherwise you just have to select bit by bit.
I have a small handheld router that accepts 1/4" shank bits, and a larger bosch router that accepts 1/2" shanks.
Bought 3 dreamed to get. Cabinet 3 bit set, baby lock miter bit, and bullnose bit for my cabinet making. Let's see the quality.
Furniture quality in this country sucks.
was hoping for a better variety of pattern bit sizes but found a couple of larger roundovers that I normally wouldnt pay up for (Yonico a step below, IMHO, but work fine) - saved me $63 over Amazon!
For a new woodworker that's only used his router a handful of times so far, what are a variety of bits and sizes that would be good to have on hand for various projects? Unfortunately there looks to be only 1 kit offered, and otherwise you just have to select bit by bit.
I have a small handheld router that accepts 1/4" shank bits, and a larger bosch router that accepts 1/2" shanks.
Bosch and Irwin from Lowes. They got 50-70% sales on them quite often, so you can build a set of everyday use bits quite cheap overtime. It all differs on what you do, but a 1" long 1/4 and 1/2 wide strait bits, 1 1/4 template bit, verity or rounding bits (most used for me are 1/8 and 1/4), and a good trim bit is all you would need most of the time. The rest you would pick project to project.
How is this better than a regular HF or Kowood bit from Amazon? Why is it worth spending 8x the price? Will it last longer? Forever?
There's a reason that 1 or 2 good bits(whiteside, freud, Amana, cmt, infinity) are the same price as a 20+ cheap ones. The high grade carbide they use for the bits will keep it performing as new for 10x longer than cheaper bits. There's enough carbide on them to allow resharpening. They will leave a far superior finish to cheaper bits due to the precision casting and sharpening.
But most importantly, they're safer to use. Router bits spin in excess of 20k rpm. Most cheap bits are high speed steel, NOT CARBIDE. If you hit that spinning chunk of steel at the wrong angle, put to much pressure on it, etc... It will shatter. It will, if you're lucky, just ruin the wood you're trying to use it on. If you're unlucky... High rpm shrapnel is going to do some serious damage if it hits you.
There are alot of tools you can cheap out on... Router bits are NOT ONE OF THEM!
For a new woodworker that's only used his router a handful of times so far, what are a variety of bits and sizes that would be good to have on hand for various projects? Unfortunately there looks to be only 1 kit offered, and otherwise you just have to select bit by bit.
I have a small handheld router that accepts 1/4" shank bits, and a larger bosch router that accepts 1/2" shanks.
Only buy the ones you'll need and add to the collection as you go. I'd say a roundover, a chamfer and an oggee as they're the most common edge profiles and a flush trim bit to start. Then add as you need them. Steer clear of cheap sets, they're cheap for a reason.
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In general, yes.
No, no router bit (or any cutting tool for that matter) will last forever. Ignoring drops or tool crashes, you'll eventually dull and/ or wear this tool like any other one.
These bits come highly recommended from a reputable manufacturer. My experience has been that pricier bits tend to be worth the premium because I get better results- usually that means cleaner and more consistent cuts. Any bit can get the job done, but for me nicer bits make the work easier and the results better. Hope that helps.
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edit: Nevermind I figured it out.
Picked up a flush trim bit and chamfer bit for my new router.
edit: Nevermind I figured it out.
Picked up a flush trim bit and chamfer bit for my new router.
30+ years in business. A+ BBB rated.
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These bits come highly recommended from a reputable manufacturer. My experience has been that pricier bits tend to be worth the premium because I get better results- usually that means cleaner and more consistent cuts. Any bit can get the job done, but for me nicer bits make the work easier and the results better. Hope that helps.
Bearings, dimensions and knowing it won't brake or ruin your work
I have a small handheld router that accepts 1/4" shank bits, and a larger bosch router that accepts 1/2" shanks.
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Furniture quality in this country sucks.
Nice find OP -Thanks!
I have a small handheld router that accepts 1/4" shank bits, and a larger bosch router that accepts 1/2" shanks.
Bosch and Irwin from Lowes. They got 50-70% sales on them quite often, so you can build a set of everyday use bits quite cheap overtime. It all differs on what you do, but a 1" long 1/4 and 1/2 wide strait bits, 1 1/4 template bit, verity or rounding bits (most used for me are 1/8 and 1/4), and a good trim bit is all you would need most of the time. The rest you would pick project to project.
But most importantly, they're safer to use. Router bits spin in excess of 20k rpm. Most cheap bits are high speed steel, NOT CARBIDE. If you hit that spinning chunk of steel at the wrong angle, put to much pressure on it, etc... It will shatter. It will, if you're lucky, just ruin the wood you're trying to use it on. If you're unlucky... High rpm shrapnel is going to do some serious damage if it hits you.
There are alot of tools you can cheap out on... Router bits are NOT ONE OF THEM!
I have a small handheld router that accepts 1/4" shank bits, and a larger bosch router that accepts 1/2" shanks.