every woodworker needs these router bits
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- čas přidán 30. 05. 2024
- In this week's video, I am talking about 4 router bits you should buy to get started in woodworking. In addition, I discuss bits you should avoid and some additional bits to add to your collection over time.
If you’re into DIY, woodworking, or like to live vicariously through other people making stuff, please consider supporting my work by watching the videos and liking/subscribing to my channel. I’m on a mission to post weekly videos with a mixture of beginner and advanced projects. If you want to know more about a specific process, jig, or tool, please leave a comment below.
Hope all of you enjoy this video! Thank you so much for watching!
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Links to products relevant in this video:
Freud (34-110) 1/4" Rounding Over Bit : amzn.to/3pdQWst
Whiteside (2292) Chamfer Bit : amzn.to/2SRqTLP
*Update (12/2/22): this is now my favorite 1/4" upcut bit. Whiteside RU2100 amzn.to/3FqqRAo
Whiteside (UDFT5152) Flush Trim Bit : amzn.to/2SKkemt
(update: 12/2/22- the whiteside 1/2" flush trim bit is significantly more expensive now. The 1/4" version is a great bit to start with. amzn.to/3UtxNAT)
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Below are links of products I use and recommend wholeheartedly. If you're in the market for any of these products, please consider using the (affiliate) links below.
My favorite [small] woodworking tools:
General Saw - Japanese Gyokucho Pull Saw - amzn.to/3x30bhW
Dovetail Saw - Japanese Dozuki Pull Saw - amzn.to/3v5imlL
Japanese Plane- Kanna (65mm)- amzn.to/3irvyi0
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Chisel hammer - Japanese Chisel Hammer- amzn.to/3z8TzjT
Mallet - Wood Is Good Mallet - amzn.to/34ViZUq
Square Ruler - Starrett Combination Square (steel head) - amzn.to/3imGX2N
Marking Ruler - Incra Precision T-Rule - amzn.to/3cnrQ59
Caliper - iGaging 6" Caliper - amzn.to/3pxRyJM
Mechanical Pencil - Rotring 600 - amzn.to/3x6jJ53
Video Equipment I Use:
Camera - Canon R6 - amzn.to/2T7sPzN
Lens- Canon RF 24-105L - amzn.to/3irv5wg
Lens - Canon EF 100 2.8L macro- amzn.to/3w3hu2n
Lens - Canon EF 70-200mm 2.8L ISIII - amzn.to/3iwtBBf
Lens- Canon EF 16-35mm 2.8L - amzn.to/3cn7aKI
Light: Godox SL150 II - amzn.to/3x6Wfg4
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0:00 Introduction
0:37 Router Bits To Avoid
02:04 Reputable Router Bit Brands
03:44 Rounding over Bit
05:23 Chamfer Bit
06:23 Straight Upcut Bit
08:17 Flush Trim Bit
09:34 Additional bits to buy
10:08 Closing remarks - Jak na to + styl
Phew! That's a lot of talking. Still making up for that silent video.
This video is almost 3 years old and still stands the test of time. Excellent info in here, and those four bits are excellent starters that pretty much every woodworker will use at some point.
I'd put CMT right up there with whiteside (my go-to), freud and amana. Infinity supposedly makes really good bits too but I haven't tried them, and I'd really like to try some of woodpecker's ultrashear bits. Bits&Bits are popular among the influencers these days too, but again, I haven't tried those.
Keep it up, your content is among the best out there for even experienced woodworkers.
I was so happy once I threw my cheap router bit set away. Freud and Whiteside are my go-to bits today.
Thank you for your expertise.
Wonderful ! Bright speaking .
In the UK, Trend is a really decent brand.
I just saw this and think you should add rabbet router bits. I use them quite frequently.
Great advice!
Great knowledge on the bits. Thanks
Great video - very educational. Thank you
Dude, I LOVE your content and approach! Keep up the great work, it is greatly appreciated!
Good information,thanks
Great content. One and done video for someone who's just bought a router and wants to dive right in. Subscribed.
New router and bits, good video and explanation. Thanks!
Excellent video - thanks! As a new router user this video was very helpful.
My router came with a set of 16 bits, so I'm excited to try the more quality bits you mentioned. Excellent presentation on not only which ones are better, but why they are better. Very well done -- thank you.
Thank you for such a great presentation. I'm a beginner and I totally understand what you say about cost and performance. I appreciate your recommendations.
Great video. You are correct on all points. Quality over quantity is always the way to go. Right now I only have 10 bits, i use them all, and they are all Freud or Whiteside. I also believe buying individual bits and not sets is good practice.
Very useful tips. Thanks 👍
My pleasure Reza! Glad you found them useful
Excellent, thank you for showing these tips
Thanks Peter! Glad it was helpful!
seems pretty straight forward but id like to know how to build that router jig you were using in this video to cut different radiuses
Great tips!
I can't get over how cool your backdrop is though! I need to get my shop dialed in.
Haha. Thanks! It’s definately pretty and functional.
New to router woodworking. Exactly the question I was asking myself. Simply and well explained
Thank you
Every router beginner needs to see this video!!! It's the best I've seen, good advice, good recommendations, clear explanations. Thank you so much. Lol, Yonico... Home Depot's website is filled with this brand.
great stuff! third video I've watched from you and I subscribed...
My opinion as someone completely new to this is to get the flush-trim pattern bit with the bearing at the router-end of the bit (top-bearing?) because so many people will start with a trim router or with a hand-held router in general rather than having a router table right off. As of now, any templates I am considering using sit on the top of the wood, not on the bottom.
Thanks for in info.
Any time! Thank you for watching
Excellent for beginners
Thanks John!
Nice info on Jar Jar Bits - Routers scare the shit out of me. Even router tables
The only folks that don’t fear a router are the keyboard warriors in the comments section who have been woodworkers for 20-30yrs.
8:45 that corner template moved when you cut the corner lol
Hi, I haven't seen the silent video, but I do appreciate you talking quite a bit about the bits because you provided really useful information for newbies like me. I'd rather hear more information than less. Your explanation about the advantage of the spiral up-cut bit was excellent as I purchased an expensive router that can be converted to a plunge cut router quite easily and I appreciated the additional information provided. Keep talking and we'll keep listening and learning.
perfect.....!!! Thanks
Appreciate you commenting. Also the 1/4 spiral bit. Don’t get the freud. Their prices went up and Amana makes a better bit for the money. Cheers!
Thanks man, I'm new and learning the lingo has been a challenge
Great video. Awesome bits. I’ve lost wheels on cheap bits and ruined projects before.
Given how fast routers spin, the thought of anything coming loose from a bit terrifies me. Admittedly, that is the other main reason why I dumped my cheaper bits. Simply cannot trust them enough.
Thank you so much so this video. I totally agree that the better brands produce better bits. Quality is the key. As a beginner , I would buy more of the cheaper ones to hone my skills before investing on the costlier ones. But the Freud Upcut bits is a must have for me lol.
Keep making this type of great video 👍👍👍👍👍
absolutely agree on this collection of bits! i especially love the spiral upcut bits. i used regular straight bits for routing circles way too long, it always was a struggle. since i use the spiral bits, it's like cutting butter! 🙌
Right?! That bit is such an asset to the shop. Clean, smooth, and efficient cuts. Can't beat its versatility.
thanks for your time
My guy- thank YOU for your time and watching!
This was a great video my friend! I wish I would have seen it a few years ago. Your first 4 choices were spot on, and definitely the 4 bits I use most frequently as well. Excellent work - great tips/info!
sadly, I also had to learn the hard way. Glad you enjoyed the video and agree on the top 4 picks!
@@WoodcraftBySuman Oh, and I happen to have a 1-1/2" round over bit. It's huge, and until you get comfortable using it - horrifying!
@@JonFordWoodworks I am too much of a chicken to mess with a bit that big.
Thanks
Dude isn't wrong about the bit choices. I'd recommend getting the modest Ryobi or similar brand 12ish bit set and then replace what you wear out with something better. Chances are you'd be replacing the bits he mentioned.
thanks
Good vid
You got to #3 and had me worried. I was like "#4 has to be a flush trim bit" 😊 Also I've been needing to replace my roundover bit so thanks for the link! - Jeremy
Haha. Glad I didn't let ya down. Yea that quadra cut bit is super smooth. Its too bad they don't make em smaller then 1/4".
Debt-Free I never heard of your channel so I went over and subscribed. I will check out some of your videos.
@@MarriedManWoodworking hey thanks so much! We're new to the CZcams game. We do DIY/remodel/woodworking/design type things in Vlog style format oftentimes but also do some more dedicated How-To's as well.
Really enjoyed this video some great tips and maybe you helped talk me into a spiral flush trim bit or at least warrent so research into it LOL
Its one of those bits you really only have to buy once. I'd say if the price isn't crazy for you, get the compression bit. I didn't get too into it in the video bc its a little out of scope. But it not only cuts smoother, its also safer to operate because of the up and down alternate cut that reduces the possibility of a climb cut.
@@WoodcraftBySuman Thanks for the tip
I have one Bosch bit. I have worked it like crazy through pine and plywood and it still cuts smooth as new. Bought it at Lowes. Nice video. Well organized and thought out. Good content. Thank you
I only have one bosh bit and seemed to have good enough reviews. Compared to the Amana and Freud versions I have, I didn’t like the Bosch all that much. Maybe it was just that type. Nevertheless, didn’t have enough experience to recommend or trash it in this video. Which bosh bit do you have?
@@WoodcraftBySuman flush trim bit. I understand there are better bits but I definitely got my money out of this one. I bought a cheap large set on Amazon and already wore one of the bits out but it did ok for a while. I bought the set and figured I would replace them with better bits as their performance diminished. I figured I needed bits and that was in my budget at the time. Sometimes it is better to get by with less quality than to not be able to get my projects done. Sometimes with tools, as with people, availability is greater than ability. As always, enjoyed your video.
@@MarriedManWoodworking that’s completely fair. Ans you know, I also started with a set of bits with the same thought process. Though if I had to do it over again, I’d buy them individually and start small. But totally hear you on getting the job done is more important.
Don't mean to nitpick, it just distracted me from the vid a bit. I'd scoot the mic over to the side of the bill more so it's not blocking your eye. As a beginning hobby woodworker, this is a great, easy to understand explanation of the bits.
Haha no you are absolutely right. I’ve stopped doing this since.
I purchased a set of Kowood bits and only ran a few hundred feet of select pine through them and I’m very happy so far. We will see how they perform when I run hardwood.
My biggest concern with bits of such brands is the unknown variable in quality control. Bits spin at such crazy speeds that I’d worry of something goes wrong bc they’re usually spinning at abdominal height where we keep some vital organs. But also, as soon as you use the higher quality bits, it’s immediately apparent why they cost more and worth it.
Started making your step stool build and had to shave the lines. Was not about to order a router plane for $120 bucks so YOU forced me to get a router :) Here I am yesterday thinking "should I get more than just the chamfer and dovetail" Great timing.
Haha. If you’re careful enough, the 1/4 spiral bit can help you clear the channel. But be careful to not hit the edges. And you’ll still need to clean up the rest that’s unreachable by using a chisel. There are so many ways to clean that channel thy you don’t necessarily need a router plane. Though a router plane is handy in some situations. In a pinch, you can make a router plane with a chisel and a block of wood.
Glad this video could feed your tool addiction :)
Personally in my experience I actually WOULD recommend a bit set to begin with.
Get a small set from a good brand something like the 12 piece set from Dewalt (DT90016-qz). The bits are still a decent quality and they come in a nice case so you can also store them properly.
YES there will be some bits in there you probably won't be using much or if at all. BUT Having access to more bits right aways gives you more options to experiment with. If you want to do something and you don't have the right bits you might just forget about it but when you have a bigger collection it will give you more options WITHOUT having to leave the workshop.
I started out with a 12 piece set from Fisch and I think I have used every bit at least once so far.
That and CMT has a 5 piece set in their contractor line (K900-005-02) that is basically the 4 you mentioned plus a pattern bit, which in my opinion is also a great one to have!
Great video and great tips! The router was the only tool I _feared_ when growing up. I had a healthy respect for all the power tools but the router terrified me. Using a nice bit with less vibration went a long way in making me feel safer using the tool.
Couldn’t agree more! And I was following all the precautions prior to the accident. Forgot the feed direction had changed after I made the first pass. Resulted into a crazy climb cut with my fingers right on the bit. Ya can never be too careful with a router.
Me personally it’s the circular saw.
I was just the opposite when I started with a router. Kind of lucky I didn't get maimed using it really. It's a good thing I started with small bits.
I went straight to the high quality bits. A round over, flush trim, rabbet, and spiral upcut. Rabbet bits are essential if you want to step up from whimpy butt joints to much stronger rabbet joints with only one extra step before doing your glue ups.
I like your choice of flush trim bits, but it may be worth pointing out that it's compression cutting bit. These are more expensive, but easily worth the extra money for the reduced risk of tearout.
On the other hand, I am wary of 1/4" and smaller solid carbide bits at the router table. I had one break on me, and the bit dropped into my router, destroying it. Had I been using a conventional, carbide-fluted bit, the shaft would not have broken. My bit may have had a defect, but I'm concerned that solid carbide may be a little too fragile in small sizes, so I won't use 1/4" or smaller solid carbide at the router table anymore. If you plan to use the router table, I suggest either a carbide fluted bit designed for plunging, or just get two bits. Small, straight bits are cheap, even from the quality brands, so a second one won't break the bank.
Great stuff!
When you went through brands, I kept waiting for the name Bosch, but it never came up. I'm guessing their bits are middle-of-the-road, though their routers are not. I just looked at my original set of 1/4" shank bits from 30 years ago, no brand name at all! Most of them are unused, still covered in the rubbery protective stuff they started with. When I finally got a (Bosch) router that can use 1/2" shank bits I bought a Bosch RBS010 set, but haven't had much chance to use any of them yet.
I’ve had a few bosh router bits and have not been particularly impressed with them. Freud, Amana, and whiteside has yet to disappoint.
It’s dumbfounding to me how other channels don’t have a version of this video. Thank you for this this service. I could see even someone who’s got a collection of bits still wondering the shelves looking at bits.
Oh while I’m here... could I trouble you to post some pics of your sanding block till? Assuming you’re on Instagram...looking. I’ve had something like it in mind with pre-cut sized paper under a hinged lid.
Thanks! I thought it was useful to recommend just a few bits to start with. When I started out, I was very confused on which bits I would need/not need.
Are you referring to the little holder for the sanding block? If so, don’t copy this design just yet. I’m not happy with how it works and will modify it in the future.
@@WoodcraftBySuman Yeah I have the preppin weapons and the 3 piece Milescraft blocks. I was leaning towards holster style box like a 3x2 grid of pencil holders to drop them in. Or the ramp style like you and KC Woodworks.
@@FearsomeWarrior I see. The ramp on mine is too dramatic and doesn’t do a great job of holding things well. I’d chance it to a better angle ans maybe even make a cutout with a second piece of plywood for the sanders to recess into.
Excellent 👍
I bought a cheap router and I am buying decent bits (CMT, they are just much easier to find here in Europe), there's no point buying a great router if I can't afford bits after that :) I think the advice of not buying the super cheap kits applies to all cutting stuff. A decent circular/table/miter saw blade also makes a world of difference. Doesn't have to be super high end stuff but a 30/40€ CMT blade is perfect for a beginner imo. Cheap forstner bits are also horrible, I'm buying CMT bits one by one now. Would be cheaper to buy a 150€ set but I can't afford it :p
CMT bits are pretty great, bth. I have a few and they've done the job more than adequately for me. But in the states, sometimes the price between a CMT bit and a Whiteside is
@@WoodcraftBySuman Yeah that flush trim bit is out of my league for now, I bought a CMT bit for like 30€. CMT stuff is readily available on amazon usually here so with promo codes and stuff like that it's just easier/cheaper than finding specialty brands that are not as common here. Also small routers here usually use 8mm shafts and those are not always available in the brands you guys use in the US ^^
I love CMT bits, that's all I buy
@@ryananthony4840 They are perfect for me too, much much better than cheap bits but not crazy expensive
@@kz.irudimen I agree, they cut like butter, Italian made.... the only thing I'll give Freud is the quad cut bits, more cutters should be better..... but now that I think about it you'd probably need a more powerful router wouldn't you because less recovery rate between cuts?
On the flush trim bit when you say 1/2 inch is good, 1/4 inch good also but maybe not 7/8 inch are you talking about cutting height, diameter? I know it's not shank size so I'm not sure what the reference is. Sorry I'm still pretty new to router bits. Thanks for the info it helped a lot.
I’m referring to the diameter of the bit. They have 1/2” and 1/4” versions with the same shank size. But they also make a 7/8” big expensive $200 version with 1/2” shank. It’s a great bit but an overkill for most people. 1/4” compression flush trim bit is like $60 and is an excellent starting point.
If i'm going to be using a flush trim bit on a router table and using a template on top of the piece of wood, do I use a down cut or up cut flush trim bit?
Upcut bit so that it can pull the fibers down forward the router and away from the template
I'm not really into conventional woodworking... some may say that my wood can be described as kinky.
Definitely don't buy the straight bit.
🤣 🤣 🤣
Question for the expert (you): Would I be able to use my 1/8" shank Dremel bits, with a 1/4-1/8 adapter, to use with my DeWALT DWP611 palm router?
Please advise, thanks!
Yes you can. However, oftentimes, dremel bits are not as high quality as dedicated router bits. You can also buy 1/8” router bits as well. I’ve def used 1/8” bits on my dwp611 using a reducer collet
@@WoodcraftBySuman Aha - didn't know that they make 1/8" router bits - but wouldn't they be much more expensive than the Dremels?
AND - since you already use them, what brands/sources would you recommend?
Many thanks!
@@WoodcraftBySuman Just for some clarification - I'll be attempting wooden sign making and (hopefully cute) characters/images/woodspirits/caricatures.
woah woah, what kind of kinky woodworking are you doing?! Great video!
Some real funky joinery. How about you? 🥴
@@WoodcraftBySuman mine is more on the squirrelly side to quote John Malecki
The beard is back!
Haha. Haven't touched walnut in a while (somewhat allergic). I'm not working with walnut for at least another 2 weeks. Should be the longest to date.
All I have is trend
OK - so all you need are these four bits. Could you give us a close-up on those shelves on the wall behind you, please? I just want to be sure that you're not telling us one thing, while doing something totally different. 😉
To get started. Those 4 bits get 80%+ of all bits I use in my shop. Of course I have many more for specific use cases.
@@WoodcraftBySuman Yes, I had understood that. I was just teasing.
@@DownhillAllTheWay oh lol
So the ones you don’t recommend are the cheap ones and the ones you do recommend are the super expensive ones. Doh!
That’s not always the case. The 1/4” spiral bit is very inexpensive and is an absolute workhorse. Of course compression flush trim bits will be expensive to produce but the quality and added safety is worth considering.
Soooo 3:31 I think we're going to need a full video about kinky woodworking
I'll put it on the list :)
links
Hi Michael- links to the recommends bits should be in the description. Also- I have an Amazon storefront that has the bits listed as well. Thanks. www.amazon.com/shop/woodcraftbysuman?ref=prof_o_infl
Xcellent review,but....your info is top notch, but you might try to the "meat" of your main subject, otherwise, GREAT!
I'm too poor to buy junk
Lot of HOT AIR GET TO THE POINT
Please, less talk, more show.
Congratulations you managed to talk for 4 solid minutes and say nothing.. I didnt tune in to hear what brands you recommend, and therefore get sponsored by and of course I wont be back
Don’t let the door hit you on your way out.