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router bits help
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Author:  mqbernardo [ Tue Oct 04, 2011 10:08 am ]
Post subject:  router bits help

i just bought a bosh colt router, but all this is new turf for yours truly (possible TAS here :)). could you advise me which router bits should be first on my shopping list? the list seems endless...

first thing i´m thinking of using it for is building some plywood moulds, so i guess some flush trim cutters would be in order?

thanks in advance,
miguel.

Author:  Mike_P [ Tue Oct 04, 2011 4:18 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: router bits help

what you want for molds is a pattern bit...it has the bearing on top of the bit as opposed to the end of the bit...

since you are going to be using your laminate trimmer which has a 1/4" collet you will DEFINITELY want to cut close to your desired final shape with a jigsaw or bandsaw (like within at maximum 1/8" from final shape)..why?, because even with taking off little bits of material you will still be subject to getting some chatter caused by the bit vibrating on its 1/4" shaft and also of course it is far less of a load on your router to be taking off 1/8" of material as opposed to having material on both sides of the bit...

whiteside bits are damned good I won't argue that, but I've found the mid priced (as compared to both cheaper and more expensive bits) porter cable bits to be quite acceptable...

Author:  mqbernardo [ Tue Oct 04, 2011 4:41 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: router bits help

Hey, thanks for the replies! Mike, thanks for the tip on using a bandsaw first... that´s the way i´m gonna do it.
Filippo, it´s a bit tough trying to be a luthier here in Portugal... all fine tools sellers have closed doors many moons ago and we seem to have only the run-of-the-mill, average-at-best hardware department store. the premium brand they sell seem to be wolfcraft. I tend to fill my tool-needs on-line, and i think i´ll have access to CMT bits through axminster, i´ll check that out. as for ordering them from the US, as of late my overseas orders have always been held in customs, and i´m a bit put back by all the money/time/bureaucracy it implies.. too bad.

thanks again,
Miguel.

Author:  mqbernardo [ Tue Oct 04, 2011 4:52 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: router bits help

Someone heard of the "Klein" brand, it´sold by dieter schmid: http://www.fine-tools.com/fraeser.html ?

Author:  murrmac [ Tue Oct 04, 2011 5:54 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: router bits help

In Europe, it is always worth while checking out the router bits offered by Wealden Tools (google) , whose quality (and customer service) is second to none, and whose prices in my experience are extremely reasonable.

Author:  Jeffrey L. Suits [ Tue Oct 04, 2011 6:34 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: router bits help

I've been very pleasantly surprised by MLCS' "Katana" line.

Author:  Robert Renick [ Wed Oct 05, 2011 1:04 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: router bits help

I have used some CMT products and they are quality, but most of my router bits are Amana.

Author:  mqbernardo [ Wed Oct 05, 2011 4:14 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: router bits help

thanks again!

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