If you are into woodworking or working in the shop at all, you know the importance of router bits. These bits are simply additions to numerous types of woodworking routers for different cutting techniques in your material. Woodworking routers are considered the most versatile tools in the tool world, and it is because of these router bits that allow the machine to do so. You can buy these bits separate or in combos depending on your individual needs. If you are purchasing a router and bits for the first time, you may consider going with the combo sets. Router bit sets can save you a ton of money up front and come in small or larger sets.
Some woodworking experts will recommend that you buy your bits on a per bit basis to ensure you don't collect an assortment of the same sizes. Keeping your bits organized by size will not only make it easier to locate during a project, but keep you from thinking you don't have a bit size you need. Depending on which home improvement or hardware store you purchase your router and bits from, it may be cheaper to buy your bits one by one instead of in a large set, especially if you do not use your router on a daily or weekly basis.
When shopping for your bits it is always a good idea to enlist the opinion of an expert or router working pro. These are some many brands and models out there so you want to be sure you are getting a quality, yet affordable product. Freud router bits are an excellent example of a quality and affordable brand. For over 50 years these guys have been making each bit balanced with extreme precision cutting. Most of Freud's bits come in sets, but at some retails and online stores you can purchase them separately. Adjustable tongue, groove, matched rail, and stile bites are all sets you can choose from with Freud.
Whatever brand or supplier you choose to go through for your router bits is sure to do plenty of research. Thoroughly reviewing and researching products before you buy them could steer you away from the less quality products on the market. Taking the risk of buying off budget or on a whim could end up costing you more in the end if you buy a router or bit set that doesn't last.
Want to get some good router bits from people like you? Then click on this site for information and to learn about Freud router bits!
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=William_Ringel
Thursday, August 26, 2010
Best Router Bits Revealed
Routers are without a doubt one of the most important tools for woodworking. But without router bits, a router is as useless as a shovel without a handle.
With the vast number of bits on the market, choosing the right router bits can be quite overwhelming. If this is your first experience with routers, a good starter base of router bits (depending on your needs) would include 8 basic bits that we have divided in two groups: Technical and Decorative Molding
TECHNICAL:
These are the types used for tenons, mortises, grooves, furrows, slots, etc. The straight 1/4" bit is very useful for trimming furrows for hinges... as an example. The reduced diameter of this bit allows for easy control of the router. This straight bit is the most useful of basics when you want to work in the center of a piece... whether it be for grooving and even for engraving. With time you will add larger diameters to your set of straight router bits.
The next technical bits which are a must for anyone wanting to build furniture, and more specifically for creating mortises in your basic set are: The straight 1/2" diameter, and the 1/2" mortise. Note that the mortise bit is better suited to get rid of shavings. Also keep in mind that mortises in furniture building are usually 1/2" in width. Also realize that you can still create 1/2" mortises with a very standard drill bit.
Another technical bit which should be part of your basic arsenal, and is indispensable when creating grooves, furrows, or slots, is the one shown in the image. This router bit has three chiseling knives of 1/4" in width, by 1 1/2" in diameter. This one does not come in a basic set. It usually has to be purchased individually.
If your going to be doing any melamine work, as part of your basic router bits, you will need two basic trimming bits. The straight trimming bit used to trim edges, and the 7 degree angle to 15 degree angle bit used for trimming corners.
MOLDING BITS:
The most common of all molding bits is the "quarter round" bit for the purpose of making a variety of 1/4" designs on any piece of wood. There's also the 3/8" width "quarter round" which should be part of your basic router bits.
To see the images accompanying this article you need to visit Router Bits Explained.
With the vast number of bits on the market, choosing the right router bits can be quite overwhelming. If this is your first experience with routers, a good starter base of router bits (depending on your needs) would include 8 basic bits that we have divided in two groups: Technical and Decorative Molding
TECHNICAL:
These are the types used for tenons, mortises, grooves, furrows, slots, etc. The straight 1/4" bit is very useful for trimming furrows for hinges... as an example. The reduced diameter of this bit allows for easy control of the router. This straight bit is the most useful of basics when you want to work in the center of a piece... whether it be for grooving and even for engraving. With time you will add larger diameters to your set of straight router bits.
The next technical bits which are a must for anyone wanting to build furniture, and more specifically for creating mortises in your basic set are: The straight 1/2" diameter, and the 1/2" mortise. Note that the mortise bit is better suited to get rid of shavings. Also keep in mind that mortises in furniture building are usually 1/2" in width. Also realize that you can still create 1/2" mortises with a very standard drill bit.
Another technical bit which should be part of your basic arsenal, and is indispensable when creating grooves, furrows, or slots, is the one shown in the image. This router bit has three chiseling knives of 1/4" in width, by 1 1/2" in diameter. This one does not come in a basic set. It usually has to be purchased individually.
If your going to be doing any melamine work, as part of your basic router bits, you will need two basic trimming bits. The straight trimming bit used to trim edges, and the 7 degree angle to 15 degree angle bit used for trimming corners.
MOLDING BITS:
The most common of all molding bits is the "quarter round" bit for the purpose of making a variety of 1/4" designs on any piece of wood. There's also the 3/8" width "quarter round" which should be part of your basic router bits.
To see the images accompanying this article you need to visit Router Bits Explained.
J.G. Michel is an experienced woodworker and expert on woodworking projects of all kinds. For more great ideas on woodworking projects, crafts and tips visit us at http://www.woodworkingtrends.info
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=JG_Michel_Blais
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